After launching its smart lighting series early this year, IKEA finally released Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa support for them.
After launching its smart lighting series early this year, IKEA finally released Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa support for them.
By getting the latest IKEA Tradfri App from the App Store, users will get a HomeKit code for their IKEA smart light bulbs which can be added to the Apple Home app. Then they can simply ask Siri to turn the lights on or off.
In addition to controlling the light bulbs in the Home app or via Siri, users can include smart appliances of different brands and control them together. With the scene feature, a command to Siri like “Good Morning” can trigger light bulbs from both IKEA and Philips Hue in the living room to turn on while starting a smart coffee machine.
Users will need a Tradfri gateway to enable the HomeKit integration, which currently only supports smart light bulbs. Dimmer switches and other accessories from IKEA do not support HomeKit.
In the regions where Amazon Echo is available, users will also get Alexa integration with the update. In other words, they can ask Alexa to turn the lights on or off, and possibly create Alexa Routines to bundle devices across manufacturers together for automation with one single command.
The previously promised Google Home compatibility wasn’t rolled out with this update, however. IKEA didn’t provide details on when the support will arrive.
After entering the smart home space, IKEA has made some impact to the industry. With retail stores around the world, the company has increased public awareness and knowledge as well as the visibility of smart home products. It also dragged the price down, making smart home gadgets more accessible to average consumers.
The company sells smart light bulbs, light panels, cabinet lights and accessories such as wireless remote control, motion sensor and gateway. The price varies from US$295 (a double-wide cabinet with two LED cabinet doors) to US$25 (a standard LED smart light bulb). A basic package including the gateway hub, a wireless remote and two smart light bulbs will costs about US$85.
With the new HomeKit and Alexa integration, the IKEA lineup is expected to appeal to more smart home owners.