iControl

by 3d_admin · Published August 10, 2014 · Updated August 22, 2014

iControl is the Missing piece in Apple’s HomeKit.

Designer Peter Zigich, has come up with device that controls Smart Home using upcoming Apple’s HomeKit. It’s a cross between a universal remote control and an iDevice with lots of connectivity options. He calls this device iControl.
At Apple’s recent Worldwide Developers Conference HomeKit, a suite of tools for controlling devices such as lights, locks, garage doors, alarms, thermostats and more using iOS device was announced.

iControl, concept designed by Peter Zigich. Device that controls Smart Home using Apple’s HomeKit. Cross between universal remote control and iDevice.

iControl 3d concept by Peter Zigich

Current iOS devices (iPhone & iPad), are not well suited for Apples HomeKit & Home Automation for a number of key reasons:

The lack of ZigBee, Z-Wave, IR prevents compatibility with hundreds of existing Home Automation devices.
Many members of a household still do not own their iOS device (small children, grandparents, ……).
Limited battery life for Home Automation.

iControl 3d concept by Peter Zigich

A crucial hardware piece that is missing in the Apple Home Automation ecosystem, is a device / hub that would be in the centre of the living room, to control “Smart Home”. The simplest way to describe this gizmo is that it is a cross between a universal remote control and an iPod Touch with lots of connectivity options and sensors built into it.

iControl 3d concept by Peter Zigich

Features:

metal body
4” touch screen
Touch ID
Connectivity – Bluetooth BLE, WiFi, ZigBee, Z-Wave, IR infrared
Front & back camera
Siri, AirPlay, AirPlay Mirroring. Facetime, VoIP phone….
Significantly larger battery (possible solar or wireless charging)
Built in sensors to assist Smart devices (motion, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, light etc).

iControl 3d concept by Peter Zigich

What does it do:

Connects & controls Smart devices such as lights, locks, garage doors, alarms, thermostats and more
Connects & controls other Apple products & services – iTunes, iCloud, Mac, iPhone, AppleTV,
Controls Home theatre, TV, receivers, stereos…
Communication – email, SMS, iMassage, Facetime, audio Facetime, VoIP phone.
Built in different sensors assist “Smart Home” devices, also devices less expensive to make (if iControl has motion, temperature, humidity sensor …. Thermostat doesn’t need them – less expensive to make).