It feels like it hasn't been updated since iOS 7 was released but it does its job and I was able to setup the RM Mini 3 to turn on my TV and Amp within a few minutes of taking it out of the box. It's app however leaves much to be desired (at least on iOS). It's neat, compact, and the design kinda reminds me of the Mac Pro.
I got the RM Mini 3 to test out as I didn't think I had any use for RF (I later discovered I have some RF sockets I could have used it with). It comes in two flavours: IR only and a IR + RF "Pro" model. Like with most things though there is a cheap Chinese alternative - the Broadlink RM. It seemed entirely possible but would take a decent amount of time to assemble and program while also costing around £30. My next thought was perhaps rolling my own using an Arduino, IR LED and some other bits and bobs. The only HomeKit compatible device I could find was BOND but that cost $99 and it's only available for pre-order so that was most definitely out of the equation. The majority of things like my TV, amp, fireplace, and fan are all controlled by IR so I started looking for an IR blaster that would work with Apple's HomeKit. Rather than replacing everything in my home it made sense to try and find something to control my existing stuff. I'm pretty satisfied with the lights in my house now but there's plenty more I would still love to be able to control from my phone.
If you've read any of my previous posts then you probably already realise I'm on a mission to automate my entire house and control it using Apple's HomeKit protocol.
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