HomePass is an essential app for users of HomeKit and Matter, allowing effortless management of your devices. This week, developer Aaron Pearce introduced HomePass 2, a thorough overhaul of the app that features various impressive additions for HomeKit fans.
The core function of HomePass, which is available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, is to provide a singular spot for storing the setup codes for your HomeKit accessories. This updated version enhances that functionality even further.
According to Pearce in a blog post, the complete redesign of HomePass should facilitate significantly quicker syncing through Apple’s CloudKit technology.
A key highlight of HomePass is the new “Maintenance” feature, which streamlines the process of overseeing and managing your accessories by allowing synchronization of changes directly from the Apple Home app:
In addition to the basic renovation details, HomePass 2 brings some fantastic new features, with “Maintenance” being my personal favorite.
This functionality enables you to readily maintain your stored devices, homes, and rooms by synchronizing changes from Apple Home. It will still require your confirmation, so as to avoid any unintended automatic changes or deletions of data that you want preserved.
You can now add attachments such as notes, images, files, or links directly to the accessory information saved in HomePass.
HomePass 2 also brings comprehensive support for QR codes and bridged devices:
- Complete QR code functionality. The app now defaults to displaying a QR code wherever available for pairing. Only codes entered manually or scanned as text will show as text. Much more user-friendly.
- Bridged devices can now be saved, providing the ability to store them with their associated information, which is particularly handy for Hue devices that connect to the Hue bridge with their serial numbers.
With this update, HomePass is transitioning to a subscription model. The new HomePass+ subscription is priced at $1.99 per month or $9.99 per year, with a lifetime purchase option available for $39.99. Upgrading to HomePass+ is necessary to unlock all features and add more than three accessories.
However, if you have previously purchased HomePass, you will retain all of the app’s features at no extra cost:
Existing users prior to this update will receive everything they had before along with all new 2.0 features for free. I won’t change the terms on you. You paid once, and you’ll receive everything you had and more. (If it’s not showing in the app, please reach out through in-app support with your proof of purchase and I’ll assist you).
This is a commendable approach to implementing subscription pricing. HomePass 2 can be downloaded for free from the App Store.
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