Alarm.com has launched its first CarPlay app, providing homeowners and businesses with enhanced access to their smart home systems. This new application allows users to control various features, such as garage doors, automation scenes, and routines, directly from their vehicle’s display. The announcement was made via a press release on October 1, 2023.
The CarPlay app introduces several convenient features aimed at streamlining smart home management. One of the key offerings is Hassle-Free Garage Door Control, which enables users to open and close compatible garage doors with a simple tap. This functionality is particularly useful for those arriving home or departing for the day, as it also allows users to verify the status of their garage door to ensure it is securely closed.
Another highlight of the app is the ability to Easily Come and Go. Users can quickly activate predefined settings such as Home, Away, and custom Scenes. This feature automates multiple smart home devices at once, allowing users to turn on entryway lights, unlock doors, and disarm security systems seamlessly as they approach their homes.
For small businesses, the app offers a way to Streamline Operations. Business owners can establish Open and Close Scenes, which can be activated with a single tap. This simplifies the process of turning off lights, adjusting thermostats, arming security systems, and locking doors, making it easier to manage daily operations.
Users can download the latest version of the Alarm.com app from the App Store to begin using the new CarPlay features. While it may not appeal to those heavily invested in the DIY HomeKit ecosystem, the CarPlay app is expected to attract a broader audience that utilizes smart home technology.
Despite the advancements, some tech enthusiasts, including those at 9to5Mac, have expressed a desire for Apple to develop a comprehensive Home app for CarPlay. The introduction of CarPlay widgets in iOS 26 is seen as a positive step, yet there remains a call for more robust functionality to enhance the smart home experience within the CarPlay environment.
Overall, the launch of the Alarm.com CarPlay app represents a significant development in smart home integration, allowing users to manage their home environments more conveniently while on the go.
