This year's CES saw a burgeoning smart home device market pick up steam thanks in part to widely available infrastructure protocols like Apple's iOS-based HomeKit, with device makers like Kwikset and Elgato eager to show off their latest compatible wares.
Lock manufacturer Kwikset, makers of the Bluetooth-enabled Kevo door lock, expanded its range of interconnected devices with the introduction Premis, a HomeKit-enabled deadbolt with built-in wireless connectivity.
Unlike Kevo and its optional Internet bridge add-on, Premis is an all-in-one solution with HomeKit baked in. Using a third-generation or better Apple TV as a hub, owners can ask Siri to lock, unlock or check on lock status directly from their iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
Inside, four AA batteries deliver power to a circuitry capable of handling up to 30 unique user codes. The lock looks nearly identical to Kwikset's SmartCode 915 lineup, with a large touchscreen positioned prominently above a mechanical SmartKey keyway. White LEDs sit behind a bank of numbers for nighttime use.
When it goes on sale later this year, Premis will be competing other HomeKit-compatible smart locks like Schlage's Sense and products from August. Pricing information has not been released.
Elgato Eve
Elgato plans to expand on its existing Eve line of connected home products with a smart outlet and light switch, adding to a range of sensor-packed devices that track weather, monitor open doors and windows and take readings from indoor environments.
Boasting HomeKit support, Eve Energy can turn plugged-in appliances on and off individually with Siri voice commands or integrate with preset macro scenes. The outlet is similar to competing devices, iHome's iSP5 SmartPlug comes to mind, but features unique energy consumption monitoring capabilities. Incidentally, iHome announced an updated iSP8 unit with energy monitoring functionality at CES on Tuesday.
Elgato's light switch is also HomeKit-ready and sports a sleek exterior suitable for mounting in place of existing wall plates. A green LED positioned in the center of the button-type switch denotes operating mode, while an internal wireless module provides persistent access to lighting control on a per-room basis.
An accompanying app serves as a control center for other HomeKit devices, meaning users can assign, adjust and configure their many connected products from one place.
Both Elgato Eve products will launch later this year.