HomeKit debuted more than two years ago, and it has cost him enough work boot being the time in which seems that already manufacturers are deciding to create accessories compatible with the system of control of the ‘internet of things’ Apple. This delay is to be a cause of criticism by many who see how Amazon, with much less time in this market, already has many more accessories compatible with Alexa and the whole system created around your Echo Amazon.
As always with Apple you checks off unnecessary slowness, put too many requirements slow down the entire process until a brand manages to throw a HomeKit-compatible device. Why so much difference between one and another? The purpose is only one: security. The strategies of both companies are very different, and it is that while it seems to bet on security first and foremost, the other seems to have no more concern than the of cornering a market expanding.
Up to 6 months to get the seal HomeKit
To a door company manufacture a device certified for HomeKit from the minute zero Apple should be controlling the process. It first is to use a chip specific that only sells Apple and that has a price of $2. Also have to use a specific Bluetooth and WiFi components, and throughout the manufacturing process must be supervised by Apple. Once everything must send the attachment to Cupertino so try it for a while before giving the Ok and put it on sale with HomeKit seal. Throughout this process you can easily spend a time ranging from 3 to 6 months.
Amazon for its part is much more lax in its requirements and the process takes only a few days. It is only necessary that the company that wants to manufacture the accessory write some code and send it to Amazon, who will give the go-ahead in a few days. There is no any special chip, supervision to Amazon there during the manufacturing process… nothing at all. Once the device is fact is sent to a certified laboratory for Amazon to give it the label of “compatible with Alexa” and may already be on sale.
Amazon does not guarantee the security of these accessories
Unlike Apple, Amazon does not guarantee the security of these accessories compatible with Alexa. It may not have significance when we speak of a detector of smoke, but what happens when we speak of a surveillance camera or a lock of the front door of our House?. But it is even less important accessories can be the gateway for hackers to our House, as we saw with the recent massive internet attack precisely using surveillance cameras and other “connected devices” that seemed harmless.
Amount or security?
Amazon has more than 250 products certified compatible with Alexa, while Apple has less than half, approximately 100 products. Alexa accessories sales this past holiday season has been spectacular, and although the one of the accessories compatible with HomeKit also continue to grow, do so at a slower pace, partly because of reduced availability and higher prices.
The question is clear: put me first in the market at any price? It is the strategy which seems that it has selected Amazon, and may work better than the Apple. Until one day a story which demonstrates that your accessories are not enough insurance, and then we will see which solution provide.