There was a time when so-called “intelligent” systems only worked when one high-end software technology was linked to another within the product of a single technology provider. (Think Nest, Amazon Echo, and Google Home, among other products.)
Compatibility was key and if a smart home product didn’t have that compatibility with an approved product and an approved supplier, the consumer was usually out of luck.
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Those days may be fading with the latest CarPlay apps from Honda and Acura, two of the biggest car brands in the world.
Now, both companies are offering drivers more flexibility in using the CarPlay smart garage door opener.
In the past, CarPlay had to integrate with HomeKit to operate garage door functions; Otherwise, app users were unable to properly open and close their garage doors inside their vehicles.
With the updated CarPlay app, Honda and Acura vehicle owners who previously did not use HomeKit and were unable to operate their garage door openers from the app can now do so, even if their garage door openers are not compatible with Home Kit.
That means approximately 6 million Honda and Acura vehicle owners can “open, close and monitor compatible garage doors through the vehicles’ dashboard displays.” technology&category=GeneralNewsRss”>Acura noted in a statement dated October 3, 2023. The new technology is compatible with the vast majority of garage door openers on the market, “including many existing openers that are not yet Wi-Fi enabled.”
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Pairing relies on Chamberlain Group’s myQ Connected Garage vehicle service to operate vehicle garage door openers that are not connected to HomeKit.
The feature is available as a free 30-day demo subscription through the HondaLink and AcuraLink vehicle apps. Acura claims the O Connected Garage “is the first in-vehicle, cloud-based solution for garage control that does not require the installation of new hardware inside the vehicle.”
For Honda and Acura drivers whose garage door opener is not myQ enabled, the process is simple. All the vehicle owner needs to do is upgrade to the myQ Smart Control device. Honda, for example, offers owners of “older-style” vehicles access to a free upgrade for a 30-day demo trial through its “smart services subscription.”
After the 30-day period has passed, the vehicle owner has the option to retain the service for $129 for three years and $179 for five years.
Honda says the new garage door opener system will be available for all 2023 and 2024 models.
“Millions of older Honda and Acura models that support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also compatible with this new software experience,” the automaker said.
Access to the garage door operator system should make life easier for Honda and Acura owners.
“Today, whether using a remote garage controller clipped to your visor or one built into your vehicle, drivers are limited by the ability to open and close the garage door only within the line of sight of the door. “said the senior vice president of Chamberlain Group. President Jim Trainor. “myQ Connected Garage is enhancing that popular experience by offering drivers a more convenient way to check, open and close their garage door from anywhere with mobile data service.”
“The nice thing about myQ Connected Garage is that you never have to turn your car to check if the garage door was closed,” Trainer added.
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