Apple is reportedly planning to launch a new smart home system at the WWDC next month by placing iPhone at the center for all equipment control.
Apple, the second biggest smartphone maker, is entering the "Internet of Things" space ahead of its rumored debut in the wearable category. The Cupertino tech giant is reportedly readying the launch of a new smart home concept at its upcoming Worldwide Developers Conference, next month.
Apple has largely been involved in smartphones, tablets and PCs, but innovations in the wearable and smart home systems fields were taking a little longer. But looks like the company is turning things around, as the Financial Times report says, Apple is coming up with a new platform that will allow an iPhone to control home lighting, security systems and other appliances. The new system will be shown at its Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, from June 2 - 6, 2014, the report adds.
The FT report does not reveal much but if Apple is planning to put its iPhone at the center of its new smart home systems, the company will be using features like iBeacon, Wi-Fi or the upcoming rumored NFC. As the Cupertino giant is expected to unveil its next mobile OS, the iOS8, at the event, it is likely that new home automation features will be integrated as well.
The new push into the smart home concept also means that Apple will control how the devices are certified to work with its new system. According to the report, Apple will only partner with a select number of device makers to produce compatible home appliances and the names of the manufacturers are still under wraps.
Apple's rumored introduction follows a big move from its rival Google, which acquired Nest Labs for $2.8 billion in January. The startup was founded by former Apple employees Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers. But it appears that Apple had the move planned much earlier with a June 2012 patent filing for a technology that connects lighting systems, security systems, music controllers, climate controllers, kitchen appliances and more with mobile devices, Mashable reports.
The move is a step in the right direction, as a report from Business Insider shows the Internet of Things will account for 9 billion products by 2018. This can help Apple get a head-start before the market is flooded with further entries.
