The CEDIA Technology Council advised integrator members about issues resulting...

The CEDIA Technology Council advised integrator members about issues resulting from the impending iOS upgrade and customer transitions to iPhone 6 and 6 Plus smartphones. It warned dealers to contact clients and tell them not to upgrade any iOS product serving as a primary control device without speaking to the dealer first so they can evaluate the impact of the update on installed systems. The council urged them to use the contact call as an opportunity to recommend backup and verification services for devices. The addition of Touch ID in the phones was designed to boost security by requiring a two-factor authentication process with a biometric sensor, also included in iPhone 5s. The rollout of new application programming interfaces along with the authentication process will “open up huge opportunities” for integrators as they deploy customized mobile apps in AV and control system designs using Apple’s HomeKit, HealthKit, CloudKit and WatchKit development platforms, the council said. The addition of Wi-Fi calling in iPhone 6, providing a seamless hand-off between a home’s Wi-Fi network and carrier networks, could place additional burdens on the home network, it said. The new iPhone 6 models also have support for 802.11ac, which creates opportunities for network upgrades, it said.