Apple TV, as reported earlier, will most probably perform a central role in integrating Apple’s HomeKit “Internet of Things” platform, especially while using remote commands via Siri. Owners of compatible Apple TVs would be happy to learn that they will soon be able to turn their homes smart, thanks to the first wave of smart devices announced yesterday.

It seems that Apple had placed some sort of restriction on companies to withhold their products till June 2, since five companies announced HomeKit devices yesterday simultaneously. This date would be perfect since the new Apple TV 4, its new operating system and new HomeKit features are expected to be announced on Monday, at the WWD 2015.

Here are all the HomeKit accessories that are available now:

1. Caseta Wireless Lighting Starter Kit from Lutron

It includes the Caseta Wireless Smart Bridge, 2 dimmers, 2 remotes and 2 pedestals. The Smart Bridge which could earlier be only controlled via their app, got a refresh to add HomeKit support. Now you can directly use Siri to turn off or dim the Lutron lights, wherever you are.

The kit is available on Amazon for $229.95 or you can get the Smart Bridge only for $119.95

2. Elgato Eve

Eve is a series of devices packed with sensors to monitor the quality of your home environment. Eve Weather checks for the temperature and pressure, while the Eve Door and Windows tells you if they are open or closed. Eve Room is the indoor guy who senses volatile organic compounds to keep track temperature and humidity.

Available on Amazon, starting at $40.

3. ecoBee3 Smart Thermostat

“Ordinary thermostats read the temperature in only one room, but are supposed to deliver comfort in all rooms. ecobee3 remote sensors deliver the right temperature in the rooms that matter most.”

Preorder it now for $229.

4. iHome iSP5 SmartPlug

This is the simplest of all today’s announcements. This is just a smart plug which can toggle on or off based on your needs. So you can connect just about any device to the outlet and remotely control it.

It will be up for preorder from June 15.

5. Insteon Hub

On the more complex side, this one is just a hub for other devices to connect to simplify the process of home automation. You can pair multiple HomeKit devices to it, from various rooms, offices, and houses and control all of them via a single app on your iPhone.

You can order it now for $79.99

Read more on Apple TV’s role in HomeKit and device compatibility.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post First Apple’s HomeKit IoT devices now available appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Now that you know that you can redirect your Apple TV audio to alternate AirPlay speakers (and you know how to do it), check out the selection of some of the best AirPlay speakers that won’t ruin your budget.

Also check out: 10 best Bluetooth speakers under $100

• iHome iW3 ($59.95)

The iHome iW3 is an AirPlay wireless speaker system that sports rechargeable Lithium-ion battery for portable placement. The iW3 also supports USB for charging and music playback of iPad, iPhone and iPod with any Apple USB sync cable. Modest size and affordability make this an ideal solution for multiple room placement.

Get it now for just $59.95!

• iHome iWS2 – Silver ($199 -> $62.26)

High-quality audio from iHome iW2 provides dynamic stereo sound out of the two active stereo speakers. Specially designed high-end drivers in Reson8 speaker chambers and SRS TruBass sound processing delivers astounding clarity, depth and power in a small space. Configuring the iW2 with a wireless network is made easy with iHome Connect, a free downloadable app available on the App Store.

Get it now for just $62.26!

• Philips Fidelio SoundAvia ($199 -> $74.95)

This AirPlay speaker features SoundAvia technology for rich, balanced sound and includes an aux-in jack that makes it easy to connect to almost any electronic device. Fidelio’s streamlined, compact design won’t clutter up your space. To expand your entertainment options, the Fidelio SoundAvia works with Philips’s free Fidelio app for access to a range of music and other features.

Get it now for just $74.95!

• Philips Fidelio SoundCurve ($99 -> $89)

The carefully designed curved back cover creates a highly effective acoustic structure for sound reproduction. Its clean curve enforces the rigidity of the speaker cabinet, dramatically reducing internal resonance and eliminating the vibration and distortion of sound. Fidelio SoundCurve comes with a remote control and an aux-in jack for fast and easy connection to virtually any electronic device. The USB port lets you play and charge your devices directly from the speaker.

Get it now for just $89!

• Xtrememac Tango Air Subwoofer ($259.99 -> $99.95) 

The XtremeMac Tango Air features five active drivers and one passive radiator for staggering sound quality in a flexible design that maintains its audio integrity whether the speaker is positioned vertically or horizontally. A piano gloss finish and satin-plated buttons make it an attractive addition to any space.

Get it now for just $99.95!

• iHome iW1 with Rechargeable Battery ($299.99 -> $124.99)

The internal rechargeable battery makes it a truly wireless and portable audio solution that you can take anywhere you have Wi-Fi. The iW1 also supports USB docking for iPod and iPhone charging and music playback with any iPod USB sync cable and dock. Coveted Bongiovi Digital Power Station circuitry provides real-time digital signal processing that makes your MP3’s shine. Embrace wireless living with impressive technology and an exceptional audio experience.

Get it now for just $124.99!

• Sony RDP-XA700IPN Speaker Dock ($399 -> $139)

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

• 60W Total Output Power
• Built-in Sub & Passive Radiators
• Damperless Speakers
• Dock & Charge Your iPod/iPhone/iPad
• Retractable Lightning Dock
• S-MASTER Digital Amplification
• Clear Phase Technology
• Free App for Clock & EQ
• Auxiliary Audio Input

Get it now for just $139!

• Hame Dreamsound Speaker System for Audiophiles ($225.99 -> $139.95)

Super large speakers allow the easy differentiation of treble, midrange, and bass frequencies, and, together with the amplifier and speaker box, make for the ultimate hi-fi configuration. The Wi-Fi router can reach a transfer rate of up to 300 Mbps and offers Wi-Fi coverage within 400 square meters.

Get it now for just $139.95!

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post Best budget AirPlay speakers for Apple TV to buy in 2015 appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

As we discussed earlier, reports from Forbes confirm Apple TV to be the center piece of Apple’s new adventure, the HomeKit. According to them, the Apple TV will carry the control panel for all your smart appliances, to be accessed within your home or even remotely (you can read more here).

Such glory days of Apple TV don’t seem very far, as chip-makers confirm that they have started shipping HomeKit certified chipsets to smart device manufacturers.

Apple unveiled the HomeKit at their developer conference held in June. With this SDK, various home appliances will be able to talk to each other, to the iCloud and to your iOS apps to get things done in the smart way.

However, as with all other Apple products, home device manufacturers will have to certify their products as MFi (Made for iPhone) and this would be done via the chips they buy from Apple-approved companies – Texas Instruments, Marvell and Broadcom.

The executives of these chip makers have revealed to Forbes that they have dispatched the initial shipments of this Bluetooth+WiFi enabled chips to smart device makers. They believe that this would be the final step in the establishment of iHome and that we’ll soon see a flurry of HomeKit supported devices rushing into the market.

“Everyone’s getting ready,” said Brian Bedrosian, senior director of embedded wireless in the mobile and wireless group at Broadcom. “Expect to see new product launches in the next cycle of product releases.”

Currently, the leading companies interested in the HomeKit include Honeywell, Elgato and Withings. With what we know so far of the kit, we are looking at smart lights, cameras, doors, thermostats, security systems, sprinklers, plugs and more, which can be all controlled with the ease of a tap.

And when that happens, your Apple TV will receive a software update (at least the 3rd gen) or the next gen Apple TV 4 will be unveiled, to rule over these smart minions.

To all those who’ve been doubting the future of Apple’s set top box, it’s time to take a deep breath and wait.

Be sure to follow Apple TV Hacks on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ for all the latest Apple TV-related news.

The post HomeKit devices are coming soon and so is the Apple TV refresh appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Black Friday… – all those gadgets that you’ve hovered over the purchase button all year round have now dropped in price and are in that impulse purchase territory.

Here we highlight the best deals for AirPlay speakers as part of Black Friday.

These WiFi enabled speakers enable the sound from your Apple TV to be AirPlayed to them. It’s seamless, quick, and just works. The benefit of using AirPlay over the standard Bluetooth you usually find in portable speakers is that the range is only limited by your WiFi network.

It’s worth pointing out that of course Amazon.com is not the only place to go to get Black Friday deals, but it sure is the most convenient, in most places cheapest, and coupled with the Prime service, certainly the quickest. If we find a better deal, we will post it!

So sit back and check out the deals this year:

• Philips DS9800W/37 Fidelio SoundSphere

$799.99 -> $299.99 (63% off)

Equipped with SoundSphere technology, these speakers let you experience music in its clearest, most lifelike form. SoundSphere technology creates a wider sound stage and more natural audio experience than traditional speakers. The Fidelio SoundSphere’s enclosure is handcrafted in wood.The speakers come with a remote control and work with the free Fidelio app that gives you access to a range of music and other features. You can also charge your iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad via the included standalone docking charger.

Get it now for $299.99. 

• LG Docking Speaker with Airplay and Bluetooth

$299.99 -> $167.99 (44% off)

The LG Docking Speaker offers big sound, and functionality, in a stylish package. The 80W sound system, with integrated woofer, will enhance your listening experience while the integrated Wi-Fi allows you to connect via AirPlay or via the included Bluetooth. Compatible with iOS devices the free remote app turns the speaker into an alarm clock with “sleep” functionality. Includes FM tuner.

Get it now for $167.99.

• Samsung 100-Watt Dual Audio Dock

$699.99 -> $497.99 (29% off)

Hear your favorite music for the first time with the innovation of analog and digital technologies combined. It creates a truer, more immersive sound that digital alone cannot replicate. The Wireless Audio System with Dual Dock allows you to wirelessly stream music from mobile devices and play stored content from a PC or laptop with Airplay. Plus, stream CD quality music using Bluetooth 3.0 with aptX technology from any compatible Bluetooth device.

Get it now for $497.99.

• Philips DS3881W/37 Fidelio SoundRing Wireless Speaker with AirPlay

$299.00 -> $199.98 (33% off)

The Fidelio SoundRing is 100% portable and will conveniently play and charge your device simultaneously. The speaker has a built-in lithium-ion battery so you can bring it with you or try out different locations in your home. The SoundRing technology is engineered to completely fill your room with superb sound. A central bass sound pipe and four high-definition drivers–two front-firing and two side-firing–work together to provide an immersive sound experience with full audio impact in all directions.

Get it now for $199.98.

• Libratone Zipp

$399.00 -> $299.00 (25% off)

Libratone Zipp is an easy-to-use, wireless sound system wrapped in changeable Italian wool. The minimalistic speaker provides up to eight hours of battery time and the patented FullRoom technology creates a 360 sound experience. High-end components such as ribbon-based tweeters, digital signal processing and digital amplification provide premium sound. Apple Lossless technology ensures a perfect transfer from a music source to the Libratone Zipp.

Get it now for $299.00. 

• iHome iW2

$199.99 -> $102.07 (54% off)

iW2 provides dynamic stereo sound out of the two active stereo speakers for full-range audio performance. Experience bold, full sound with the iW2 speaker system.

The iW2 is an AirPlay speaker system for streaming music from iTunes, iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch using your Wi-Fi network for wireless audio anywhere in the home. The iW2 also supports USB docking for iPad, iPod and iPhone charging and music playback with any iPod USB sync cable and dock. Embrace wireless living with impressive technology and an exceptional audio experience.

Get it now for $102.07. 

• Logitech UE Air

$399.99 -> $169.99 (58% off)

Built-in Apple AirPlay wireless technology streams high-quality uncompressed audio over your home Wi-Fi network from your iPad, iPhone, iPod touch or laptop with iTunes.

Just dock your device, follow the on-screen instructions to download the app, enter your network password and you’re good to go.

Get it now for $169.99.

• Philips AD7000W/37 Fidelio

$199.99  -> $90.22 (55% off)

The Fidelio SoundAvia AirPlay speaker makes a great addition to any room. Its contemporary, sleek design and compact size lets you enjoy your music virtually anywhere–wirelessly.

If you own an iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad, you can unlock even more features for this wireless speaker using the complementary Fidelio app. The Philips Fidelio app gives you access to over 7,000 free Internet radio stations.

Get it now for $90.22.

• XtremeMac Tango

$299.95 -> $89.89 (70% off)

The XtremeMac Tango Air features five active drivers and one passive radiator for staggering sound quality in a flexible design that maintains its audio integrity whether the speaker is positioned vertically or horizontally.

With built-in Airplay technology and simple plug & pull setup through iOS 5.0 or greater, you’ll enjoy access to your entire music library through your wireless network. Piano gloss finish and satin plated buttons ensure this speaker not only sounds amazing, but looks great no matter where you place it.

Get it now for $89.89. 

• Boston Acoustics MC200Air

$399.99 -> $129.50 (67% off)

MC200Air features BassTrac circuitry for consistent, high-performance sound. BassTrac, a Boston-designed digital audio technology, allows the speaker system to output deep, tuneful bass with minimal distortion, even at high volumes.

The MC200Air can connect to any DLNA-certified device, including PCs with compatible software and smartphones with Android OS via your Wi-Fi network. AUX inputs allow you to connect to a local source, and a USB connection allows you to connect, charge, and play music directly from iOS devices.

Get it now for $129.50. 

***

The deals picked out are some of the best AirPlay speakers out there, and with substantial money currently taken off the RRP, now is the best time to pick yourself up one of these speakers during Black Friday.

Other deals: 

• Black Friday deal: Apple TV 3 available for $89
• Black Friday giveaway: win a copy of X-Mirage

The post The best AirPlay speaker deals for Black Friday 2013 appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.