PIXIE Plus works with many voice assistants including Apple’s SIRI shortcuts and Apple Watch.
We hope to restart the program in 2025.
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UPDATE!: As of February 2023 PIXIE has an active software engineering program to develop Matter & Apple Homekit Compatibility for PIXIE PLUS.
Exact details of how this will be deployed with PIXIE are still to be finalised, but likely it will be deployed, at least initially, by use of the PIXIE Gen3 Gateway SGW3/BTAM
Depending on development timing this may be available in 2023 for deployment, however more information will follow.
This support article may also be useful for Apple device users:
With the recent announcement of both Matter and Apple Homekit development being underway, its important for Apple users to understand the implications of using Homekit with PIXIE.
There are 3 main areas of interest:
- 1. Say goodbye to PIXIE cloud services
- 2. Apple is in charge, but Matter may help
- 3. Device Type recognition and control unknowns
Below is a very brief summary of some of the challenges – these will be updated as we learn more through the process and this information represents.
Say Goodbye to PIXIE Cloud Services #
Once Apple Homekit is in play, the PIXIE PLUS Cloud no longer is. The exact consequences of this are TBC at this time, but PIXE will have less responsibility/ visibility and home owners instead place their trust for reliable system operation in the Homekit ecosystem.
This may mean, that you can ONLY use Apple Homekit and not have several voice assistant solutions such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
More clarity to follow.
Of course PIXIE master devices in the home and use of PIXIE multifunction controllers for multiway control and scene control capabilities, are unaffected by Apple HomeKit integration and depend on their own Bluetooth mesh for robust in home device to device communication and operation.
If HomeKit, internet etc. fails these PIXIE system devices continue to operate unhindered.
Apple is in Charge #
Home owners make a choice to live inside the Apple ecosystem and all that entails.
Beyond the PIXIE hardware being robust and operational, our capabilities to assist with tech issues that occur from time to time may be limited.
This may introduce complexities – which we are seeking to understand and “smooth” – to provide our legendary level of support unhindered.
This may make tech support of non-hardware issues more difficult for our support teams and contractors.
And this is where the development of Matter may assist.
Of course PIXIE PLUS already currently provides all of this multi-platform control functionality (including SIRI shortcuts) – that is, to be able to use any and all of the compatible voice assistants and third party cloud services (SONOS API, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings)
“Matter introduces the concept of Controllers. You can have a single Controller or multiple ones. A Single Controller could be HomeKit. Multiples could be HomeKit and the vendors native App, or HomeKit, the vendors native app and Alexa, if you were so inclined.”
Device Type Recognition #
There are standard device types known by both Apple Homekit and Matter – and these are added and edited constantly by these platforms.
Whether or not all PIXIE device types are currently supported or will be in the future, is TBD.
Rather than being led by device-type-compatibility with 3rd party systems, we like to listen to the market and deliver what it needs. This may bias our future hardware development … or not.
This 3rd party Youtube Video may also shed some light about Matter and Homekit
We are constantly updating PIXIE, with new voice assistants and cloud services coming online every year.
For example, we started with only Google Home and Amazon Alexa services many years ago, and now have many more options for homeowners as listed below.
Demand from customers for HomeKit has increased significantly during 2022/23 and we can now make a more informed commercial decision.
Be aware, we continue to ask the market and will respond to market demands, as we have with the other service listed below.
PIXIE Also works with these officially registered smart home integrations and voice assistants
- – Amazon Alexa
- – Google Home
- – Samsung SmartThings
- – IFTTT
- – Apple Watch
- – Sonos
We know this is a “Chicken or Egg?” situation, and you can have your say and place your vote by pressing send on the form below to let us know that you would like PIXIE and Apple Homekit to work together.
Your feedback is very important and helps us develop a roadmap for new features.
Hi, is there an ETA on pixie plus and apple home kit compatability?
Hi Tom we have no dates to share at this time for HOMEKIT compatibility. Many users enjoy the SIRI shortcuts integration and whilst we appreciate its not the same as HomeKit in execution, often the control outcomes are similar.
Looking at retrofitting a new home with smart switches. Would have to be HomeKit though.
Appreciate that you shouldn’t be basing your product strategy off one random guy on the internet though.
Hi Sean, right. Ow PIXIE works with SIRI shortcuts so any device part of your iOS account can be used to control scenes in PIXIE. We understand it’s not the same as HomeKit from an integration perspective and we are actively monitoring demand for HomeKit to better evaluate next steps.
Thanks for the feedback.
Updated provided for PIXIE and Homekit: https://pixiepartners.com.au/support-docs/does-pixie-work-with-apple-homekit/
What about Matter, formerly Project Connected Home over IP (CHIP) support
Hi Jason, Matter is something that we have been watching since its inception as it is an interesting concept. Like many of these promised ‘standards’ with widespread support from big industry players – sometimes they never come to be, sometimes they get as start and the market chooses not to adopt them, and sometimes they are winners. The great thing about ‘standards’ is there’s so many to choose from 🙂 – We continue to watch this space to understand potential market demand and suitability for PIXIE users. Thanks for the enquiry.
Updated provided for PIXIE, Matter and Homekit: https://pixiepartners.com.au/support-docs/does-pixie-work-with-apple-homekit/
I understand Apple Homekit isn’t available on current Pixit products, if there is enough need and demand will there be in the future? And IF there is will the units I buy need to have to be all replaced or will a firmware update make them homekit enabled?
Hi Adam, Only this year have we seen a marked demand for HomeKit integration and this is a moving target for us – but one we are VERY closely watching.
Ultimately something like the PIXIE G3 gateway and PIXIE Touch Panel, could potentially be used as the “Control” entry point for HomeKit integration, without having to replace switch / dimmer hardware, and we are currently exploring other vendors who have taken this approach, so its certainly possible.
And of course, ultimately Apple has to accept PIXIE too – its not just a matter of paying a fee. There’s many hoops to jump through.
Right now PIXIE works with SIRI shortcuts, you can use the Shortcuts App and add it to the Widgets Screen:
https://support.apple.com/en-au/guide/shortcuts/apd029b36d05/ios
You can also add the PIXIE PLUS Widget to your Widget Screen too, by heading to the “MORE” option in the bottom right hand corner of the PIXIE App and selecting the WIDGETS options
However, Apple currently does not provide support for non-Apple devices to display and control HomeKit devices on their interface.
Just one example of how this could impact user experience is if you had a PIXIE Touch Panel, for central control of your PIXIE Home, any HomeKit devices ( which may be integrated via your HomeKit App / hub) would not be able to be controlled from the PIXIE Touch Panel.
This is a changing ecosystem and one example as of July 2022 Apple says that the iPad will no longer be supported as a home hub, users will need to have a HomePod, HomePod mini, or Apple TV to take advantage of features enabled by a hub, such as accessing accessories remotely with Siri and using location-based automation features.
https://www.macrumors.com/2022/06/22/ipados-16-no-ipad-home-hub-support/
Its a common conundrum – which App is the main controller? HomeKit, Amazon, Google, PIXIE?
Ultimately the PIXIE App can be used JUST for configuration and setup and another App used as the master overlay. This approach with PIXIE works fine right now via other voice assistants BUT as PIXIE has built in logic and control, it’s possible to setup for example Scenes in PIXIE and then have different, opposing Scenes in the Master overlay.
The concern with this approach as a whole – not necessarily HomeKit – is the ability for sub optimal performance and a poor end user experience as things be come more complex. Whilst the HomeKit approach is intended to simplify and consolidate control under a single interface, this would not in reality be completely achievable.
We understand this depends on the user levels of competency with understanding the relationships between all devices and systems and for some people this is child’s play – for others it’s a while new world.
Enquiries about HomeKit have accelerated this year to be sure, and over the last 5 years of PIXIE development we have moved with the market in the most cost effective way to deliver the least complex user experience.
Updated provided for PIXIE and Homekit: https://pixiepartners.com.au/support-docs/does-pixie-work-with-apple-homekit/
Howdy,
It could even be a possibility that you could open up some access to the gateway and someone could or you guys could potentially do home bridge plugin ? I run most of my current things through home bridge because they are not HomeKit supported
I for one would love a HomeKit integration
I have currently got it working but with noticeable delays / sometimes devices don’t update
I have all my pixie stuff added to Smart Things ,, then I bring my smart things devices into Home Assistant , then use the HomeKit bridge to get them into HomeKit
The other possibility is that if you open up api access to the hub that one of the talented people over at Home Assistant could do an integration
As I said I have it working it just is slow (2 secs between action and result)
Would be awesome to have real-time changes to devices 🙂
It was a big investment to get the hub and I just wish I could get more out of it 🙂
Thx
Hi Ben and thanks for sharing your set-up and the challenges, sounds like you have done your very best to integrate the different solutions.
Focusing on the simplest user experience, for the broadest market and meeting market demand is how we have grown the PIXIE business. We understand very clearly what you are looking for, right now we just cannot provide any certainly on time frames or deliverables, but do stay tuned.
Update provided for PIXIE, Matter and Homekit: https://pixiepartners.com.au/support-docs/does-pixie-work-with-apple-homekit/
Hi,
Any update on the HomeKit support?
Would be a great addition in Aus
Hi Daniel, as PIXIE is now 5 years old, we are working in the background to transition to a new App platform so we can deliver more integration and more modern control options. Currently we have SAL PIXIE and PIXIE PLUS. This new platform work will need to be completed before we are able to provide HomeKit support. Good news is this platform work is underway so it has begun.
Update provided for PIXIE, Matter and Homekit: https://pixiepartners.com.au/support-docs/does-pixie-work-with-apple-homekit/
Another vote for apple HomeKit, please bring out integration asap!
Update provided for PIXIE, Matter and Homekit: https://pixiepartners.com.au/support-docs/does-pixie-work-with-apple-homekit/
Another vote for Homekit on Pixie.
I’ve got 2 Pixie dimmers in my house and I’m looking at replacing every light switch – Im just waiting for Homekit!
The good news is we are working on upgrading our PIXIE PLUS platform, which then allows us to be able to start the work to operate with HomeKit. No ETA or absolutes as we still need to work with Apple and understand if both they and us are happy with the functional and operational requirements … But we are moving in the right direction.
Hey Simon, any chance of publishing an API spec or even just some broader guidance so I can build the HomeBridge integration myself?
As an avid iOS HomeKit user, I have devices that do not natively support iOS, such as my 4 Ring cameras, my MyAir airconditioning system and my HiSense TV and have used Homebridge plugins to bring them all into HomeKit. Note that I did not develop these plugins myself but did customise them in collaboration (as is often the case with open source material)
While you develop the new platform, I’d be keen to develop a Homebridge plugin that we could at least start to get the benefit of during your native HomeKit development efforts and you could use the number of npm downloads as an indicator of demand once it is published. I of course would publish this on GitHub as a contributor to the open source community.
I do understand your notes above RE the LOE to develop to Homekit natively relative to the return on investment, as well as the varying level of expertise (or lack thereof) of the customer base. If an API or similar were to be made available to the tech-savy among us, we can implement our own solutions as an interim measure while you perform due diligence on future integration efforts.
Thanks
Ryan
Hi Ryan thanks for the interest and the offer!
We’ve really just started with the new platform dev, and I will take this to our engineering head for discussion.
This space has evolved and changed over the last 5 years and we recognize the need to work with community.
Will update when we have something to share.
Another vote for at least a gateway API that would allow integration from Home Bridge and therefore achieve integration into HomeKit. If this became available I’d happily replace every switch and dimmer in my home. As much as I like what you guys have done with developing the product, a closed and proprietary ecosystem is a deal breaker for me.
This is such an exciting update. I’m wall to wall Pixie and wall to wall Apple ….
Yeah … so this news is exciting. Happy to be part of any beta program.
At this point in time no matter support means you’re giving up. I like many other electricians who do many home automation installs won’t recommend systems with no matter support. In fact I strongly discourage customers from such limited systems
Hi Jason thanks for the information and insights. We have not given up and by this logic any of the long standing Australian and global home automation companies who do not have Matter products as yet have also given up.
We are instead dealing with the commercial consequences of MATTER as a manufacturer that end users and electricians have no visibility about.
We always maintained to watch the market and respond accordingly – Matter may or MAY NOT ultimately become the standard for home automation – its a big bet that a number of larger multinational early adopters have since backed away from, strongly, due to a range of software, commercial and other factors.
Whilst they initially dove in head first they have retreated to dipping their toes and watching to see what others do. (This year’s CES show was all about AI, last year it was MATTER, next year it will be something else or more about AI)
We would like PIXIE to be available to the widest range of customers in Australia and if MATTER becomes one of those pathways then it would be remiss of us to ignore it.
Of course you can choose to recommend whatever products best suit you and what you believe is best for your customers – and if you have used PIXIE previously we are grateful for your involvement.
Again, MATTER may not ultimately be all its promised to be and your best intentions could end up proving to be problematic – or not. This is ‘crystal ball’ smart home economics that none of us can answer today.
We’ll continue to deliver a cost effective, smart home solution every day, today, that provides opportunities for home owners to experience a smart home and for electricians to find additional ways to make their businesses more profitable and relevant in a fast changing world.
With the help of home owners and electricians we are able to learn more about what’s needed and the best way to deploy these solutions in a cost effective way that provides future compatibility with new technology.
Thanks again for your feedback
Hi, Now that you are not developing this any further at this time. You could at least open up some level of local access to the hub to allow Homebride and Homeassistant Developers to create their own integrations that work locally. Or you could add a function to the app to allow a user to get the ApplicationID, InstallationID and JavaScript keys easier so that they can use the integration that you have listed as an alternative.
Listed here https://pixiepartners.com.au/support-docs/does-pixie-work-with-home-assistant
Thanks
Ben