Honeywell Lyric home security firmware update brings Apple HomeKit compatibility

Honeywell's Lyric Controller Home Security System is now certified for use with Apple's HomeKit technology, with users only needing to install a firmware update.

The Honeywell Lyric Controller uses a seven-inch touchscreen and built-in camera to arm and disarm the system. If a Lyric sensor, such as a door/window or motion detector, detects an unusual situation the controller will provide visual and audible notification to the user, in addition to a response to the user's iPhone.

With a subscription security service, the central station can contact first responders such as police or the fire department. In addition, through HomeKit, other local actions can also be triggered, such as lighting, locks and temperature controls.

Lyric Controller users can access their security systems using native authentication on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, including Touch ID and Face ID on iPhone X. Available sensors for the system include a smoke detector, a door or window sensor, a motion detector, and a glass-break detector. Other options include a siren, a keypad, and a two-way wireless keyfob.

The system has always used voice recognition. However, the HomeKit compatibility firmware update adds Siri to the mix for the first time in a home security system, when using an Apple TV or iPad as a HomeKit hub.

Prices vary for the system and its components. Professional installation is recommended, as is a subscription security system monitoring service.

Introduced in 2014, HomeKit allows users to connect to a variety of compatible so-called "internet of things" devices through the iOS Home app in conjunction with each other, as opposed to a series of disconnected interfaces. The addition of Siri control to HomeKit allows for complicated sequences of events to be induced from an iOS device by voice command.

8 Comments

jbdragon 11 Years · 2312 comments

About 7 years ago

zroger73 said:

Ecobee? Here!

Honeywell? Here!

Nest?... Nest?... Nest?... Nest?...

For whatever reason, Google doesn't want anything to do with homekit. I assume it's to better push Google Home? The Ecobee just withen a few weeks ago started Supporting Google Home. It already supported everyone else. I recently gotten a Ecobee 4 and one of the reasons was because of Homekit support. Besides the remote temp sensors, and not Google spying on my in my house. I did just get a Google Home Mini. Why not at $30 currently. It's the Google/Amazon Mini fight. It's a ok device. It works pretty good for what little I've used it as I just got it yesterday. The Ecobee 4 gives me Alexa support. So I can play around with all 3. Right now, it's easier to control my Ecobee using Siri, then it is using Alexa!!! I thought it kind of strange that I had to go to Amazon and setup a Ecobee skill just to use the Ecobee that it's a part of. Using Siri, it knows what I'm talking about better then Alexa does when I go and do something on the Ecobee. Alexa, You're telling it or Asking it to use the Ecobee. Siri is just more Natural.

I haven't tried on the Mini yet. I'm a Homekit house, and so the only thing I can test Alexa or Google Home Mini on is the Ecobee 4. Next year there will be a hub for my blinds I just automated giving me voice control and that will be something else I can test them all with. Asking some questions between Google Home and Siri, I was getting similar results. Watched Modern Family last night and noticed a NEST on the wall in Jay Pritchett house. A White One.

ihatescreennames 20 Years · 1977 comments

About 7 years ago

jbdragon said:

zroger73 said:

Ecobee? Here!

Honeywell? Here!

Nest?... Nest?...
Next year there will be a hub for my blinds I just automated giving me voice control and that will be something else I can test them all with.

I have a Honeywell Lyric thermostat that works pretty well with HomeKit.

What at kind of blinds/how did you automate them? I’ve been looking into Serena blinds but they’re pricey. As an example, I would like one for a small, basement window (it’s about 2 feet wide and 1 foot tall) and the Serena blind is over $400 for that window alone.

StrangeDays 9 Years · 12990 comments

About 7 years ago

will have to look into. my house has a security system monitored by a local company. the main system board in the closet is of honeywell origin i believe...perhaps it can or will be able to hook up to HK.

gatorguy 14 Years · 24640 comments

About 7 years ago

Note that a zero-day iOS Homekit exploit has been reported to Apple. "The most serious ramification of this vulnerability prior to the fix is unauthorized remote control of smart locks and connected garage door openers... The vulnerability required at least one iPhone or iPad on iOS 11.2, the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system, connected to the HomeKit user’s iCloud account; earlier versions of iOS were not affected."

To deal with it Apple has put a temporary server side fix in place with a permanent fix scheduled to sometime next week in another iOS11 point update.
Apple's statement:
“The issue affecting HomeKit users running iOS 11.2 has been fixed. The fix temporarily disables remote access to shared users, which will be restored in a software update early next week.”

FWIW I enjoy a certain level of home automation myself: room lights, TV/video, heat and A/C, security cameras.... I personally draw the line at giving smart devices a key to my front door.

EDIT: AppleInsider has an article up with more information
https://forums.appleinsider.com/discussion/203119/homekit-flaw-in-ios-11-2-allowed-remote-access-to-smart-devices-temporary-fix-already-in#latest