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Apple is planning to enter the home automation market, while Google is set to expand on its current offering in the sector, rumours have claimed.
Sources speaking to the Financial Times stated that Apple will reveal technology designed for controlling connected devices such as smart home appliances, light bulbs, thermostats and security systems at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco next week.
According to the sources, Apple plans to offer a service which will make it easier for manufacturers of automated devices to offer control to iPhone and iPad users.
While Apple already offers some automated products with iOS support through its online store, such as smart bulbs, the move would provide a form of certification that aims to increase the security and authenticity of devices, to combat worries about cyber attacks on connected homes.
Apple isn’t the only firm looking to expand on its offering in the home automation market.
Google recently purchased home automation firm Nest in a deal worth $3.2 billion, and is now considering the acquisition of connected home security business Dropcam, according to The Information.
The startup produces internet-enabled cameras which can save video to an online cloud, meaning users can view the footage remotely on a computer or smartphone.
