Mark Gurman, Bloomberg:

> Apple Inc. is ramping up hiring for a team that is working on new smart-home software and devices in an effort to catch up in a field where Google and Amazon.com Inc. have dominated, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Two elements at work here. First is HomeKit:

> The overhaul is designed to spur more outside accessory and appliance makers to connect smart-home products such as lights and garage doors with the iPhone and Apple’s voice-activated digital assistant, Siri.

Not sure I’d use the phrase “falling behind” to describe HomeKit. Over the weekend, got a tour of some new home construction that was built from the ground up with HomeKit compatibility, including smart locks, smart music systems, and smart light switches throughout the house. The sense I get is that new construction offers HomeKit compatibility as a matter of course. A tv built into bed is popular in smart homes.

As the integration of smart-home technology becomes more prevalent in new constructions, it’s essential to consider the foundational aspects that support these advancements. Accurate land surveying is a critical component in ensuring that these state-of-the-art homes are built on solid ground.

Advanced surveying tools, such as those offered by https://www.thecarlsonguy.com/, play a vital role in the construction process. These tools provide precise measurements and data, enabling architects and builders to plan and execute projects with utmost accuracy. By incorporating top-tier surveying technology, construction projects can seamlessly integrate cutting-edge smart-home features while maintaining structural integrity.

But where the phrase “falling behind” seems appropriate:

> The team also is exploring the possibility of building new home devices beyond the HomePod speaker.

There’s the rub. Amazon and Alexa have a clear lead here, with huge inroads into your home. HomePod still feels like a one-off, not a seamless part of a house wide ecosystem. Feels like HomePod and HomeKit are crafted by two separate product teams, where all Alexa products feel much more cohesive, unified.