Modern technology has revolutionized the way we do our day-to-day activities. From the way we do business to the way we communicate, there are a plethora of ways modern technology has improved our modern-day life. As we speak, there is a proliferation of smart home devices.
From locks to cameras, there are many smart devices that you can find in many homes and offices. The ecosystems that manage these devices have also taken a paradigm shift and are now shaping the market, day-in-day-out. Some of these ecosystems include Apple Homekit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa.
Most people have been asking, does Nest work with Apple HomeKit? In this article, we shall take a closer look at both smart home management platforms, whether there is any potential of them working together or not, and finally, other related facets.
What Is Google Nest
First and foremost, Google Nest is the leading company when it comes to the manufacturing of smart home devices. It was founded by Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers in 2010. Initially, this company used to major in the manufacture of thermostats. However, over time, it started manufacturing other smart home devices.
Currently, the company manufactures smart displays, doorbells, cameras, smoke detectors, routers, locks, and smart speakers. Unlike other smart devices in the market, the ones made by Google Nest are simple, minimalist, beautiful, and efficient. Generally, you can never go wrong by choosing any of these smart devices.
What Is Apple HomeKit
The above-mentioned platform is the one that integrates smart home devices to iOS devices for access remote control. Basically, this software framework works on nearly all Apple products.
From iPads to tvOS, there are many devices that this platform works on.
With this software framework in place, you will be able to configure, communicate and even control different smart-home appliances using Apple devices. Generally, you will have an easier way of discovering and configuring your devices the way you please.
It is imperative to note that Apple Homekit supports Siri. Therefore, you will be able to change the setting of a number of smart home devices without moving your fingers. All you need to do is to command Siri, and you will be good to go. From changing the light settings to the thermostat temperatures, there are many commands you can give it and will affect them on the spot.
Does Nest Work With Apple Homekit
No. As we speak, there is no way you can integrate Google Nest into Apple Homekit directly. However, there are some apps that can help integrate Google Nest with iOS devices. One of these apps is the Nest iOS app.
Its functionality can be likened to the Apple Homekit. If you want to use the app to configure the connection, brace yourself to spend more time as the whole undertaking may be time-consuming. However, it is possible. More importantly, ensure that you connect your iOS device to the same Wi-Fi connection during the integration process.
It is important to note that the Nest iOS app out into consideration a number of aspects and thus can work optimally on any iOS device. When it comes to connecting Nest Smart Home devices to Apple products, the process is generally easy and straightforward. However, you have to download this app first and then create an account. Whether you have an iPad or iPhone, be sure that you will be able to download it.
Once you are done, connect your Google Nest smart devices to your Wi-Fi. You should do the same for the Ios device and then add the Nest devices to the Nest app on your iPad or iPhone. The process of adding Google Nest devices to the Nest app takes only a few minutes and you will be good to go. Once you are done, you will be able to access the ecosystem of your home remotely.
The failure of Google Nest to integrate with Apple Homekit can be attributed to the fact that the Google platform is the one that owns Nest and Android. On the other hand, Apple is a direct competitor with Google. As a result, these two leading device vendors and ecosystems providers may not agree on a number of terms.
After all, they are in business, and each one of them wants to take the lead when it comes to the products and services they lender to customers all over the world. As we speak, Google and Apple are still working on an agreement that will foresee the introduction of a native integration that will enable Google Nest devices to work with Apple Homekit. Once an agreement is reached between these two mobile phone companies, Google Nest may be compatible with Apple Homekit.
What About Matter
Matter is deemed to be a set of future connectivity technologies. These include both the software and hardware used by smart home devices that have been made by Apple, Google, and so forth. Should this see the light of the day, there will be a lot of seamlessness as far as the integration of Google Nest and Apple Homekit is concerned.
Remember that Matter was initially scheduled to be released in 2019, but this did not take place. Chances are that it will appear in 2022 or thereafter. Since there will be no politics of ecosystem conflict, users of both Google and Apple will be able to integrate their devices easily. Smart home developers on the other hand, will be able to build multiple types of devices around a single platform. Since Matter is yet to be launched, users can now rely on Starling Home Hub.
What Is Starling Home Hub
This is basically an easy-to-use device that allows users to connect Google Nest smart home devices to Apple Homekit set-ups. As we speak, Starling Home Hub has bridged the gap between these two platforms, thereby making all Google Nest products to work with Apple Homekit devices seamlessly. Here, you will be able to use the Starling Home Hub to create Homekit automations that will help link the Google Nest devices with other Homekit products.
Consequently, all your smart home devices will work in a harmonious and efficient manner. This means that you will be able to connect the Nest thermostat, camera, or doorbell to your Apple Home and Siri. You will also be able to stream any audio you please from any Apple device to Nest audio or Google Nest hub. Finally, you will be able to develop your own Nest integrations beyond the Apple HomeKit, using Developer Connect API.
Could Google Nest Work with Apple Homekit in the Near Future
There have been speculations that Apple could one day strike a deal with the co-founder of Nest and thereby enable these two platforms to work together. It is estimated that this may be possible before 2021 is out. The good news is that Starling Home Hub is there to enable this work. As we look into the future, Matter will be the ultimate platform as it is a single platform that both Google and Apple can work on.
Are there Third-party Apps that Enable SIRI Voice Commands
Since Siri executes its activities through voice commands, there is a need for you to choose an app that is integrated with Siri voice commands. Such is usually the case whenever you want to integrate Nest devices with Apple HomeKit. After all, the Nest iOS app does not come with this functionality. Some of these apps include the Thermo Watch app and HomeBridge app.
Is Integrating Nest Devices To Apple HomeKit Worth The Hassle
Yes. Like we mentioned above, Google Nest smart home devices come with a number of great features. In fact, this attribute makes it to be a trendsetter for smart home devices. Apple, on the other hand, comes with stylish and impressive features that will mesmerize you. Combining these two technologies will offer an excellent user experience.
Final Words
It is true to say that there is no direct or native way to integrate Google Nest and Apple Homekit. However, you can emulate the same functionality by either using the Nest app, Thermo Watch app, HomeBridge app, and so forth. There are other excellent platforms that have come up, such as Starling Home Hub and Matter.
As we speak, most people are enjoying Starling home hub as they await the launch of Matter. Consider integrating Google Nest devices with Apple Homekit today, and you will enjoy unmatched convenience and a great user experience as you will be able to control everything in a single interface.