The book HomeKit - the interface to the home by Matthias Petrat is now available in the 4th edition. This offers revised and updated content for the operating systems of 2018 and 2019. In addition to explaining what HomeKit actually is, the book also offers instructions and operating aids that help you get started and use the Apple Home app and the devices that can be controlled with it. Create groups, set up scenes, control and automate devices - all of this works after reading the guide, which is available from iBooks for € 9,99.
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News in the HomeKit manual by Matthias Petrat
The new, revised edition of the book also gives an insight into the general HomeKit topic and explains what the software interface is actually about. After that, however, in addition to well-tried and timeless content, new information, instructions and tips will also be interspersed. Because there are now new operating systems from Apple on the iPhone and the Apple TV - and HomeKit and the Home App can now also be used with the Mac, iMac or MacBook. This is also discussed. The author provides an overview of all innovations in his blog: Here.
So the entire book has been updated with iOS 12, tvOS 12, and macOS 10.14. Several chapters have also been rewritten to accommodate the new HomeKit capabilities and numerous new sections have been added to the individual chapters. So now Siri and the HomePod as well as the Mac as a control unit or tool for the Smart Home are discussed more. For the HomeKit construct, the created group or the designed scene, products that have recently appeared and their integration in HomeKit are also considered; these include products from Fibaro, Nanoleaf, Eve, Danalock and Koogeek.
Buy a HomeKit book with explanations and instructions
You can read the helpful book, which is clearly divided into chapters (and these into short, easy-to-understand sections) Buy it via iTunes or iBooks for € 9,99. The reviews are admittedly mixed; however, several negative assessments relate to older versions of the book, the errors or excessively short explanations of which no longer appear in the 4th edition. I skimmed through the book and read a few points deeper - I think it provides a good overview of HomeKit as well as good instructions for using the interface, the Home App and its possibilities with the devices and systems integrated into the Smart Home.
Conclusion on the HomeKit book
If you can overlook some spelling and punctuation errors that should have been noticed while editing, then you will notice HomeKit - the interface to the home by Matthias Petrat a practical and compact guide in an up-to-date edition. This not only explains what HomeKit actually is, but also provides instructions on how to use the Home app, how to integrate devices into the app, constructions, groups and scenes, as well as many other content that is worth knowing. For just under 10 euros a very good investment, also and especially for newcomers to home automation.
Reading tip here in the blog: Apple HomeKit - What It Is and How It Works
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After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.