Apple makes it very difficult to not to immerse yourself in its ecosystem. I can’t tell you how  many times I’ve switched to Google’s services (mail, calendar, chrome) on my iPhone, hoping something would be different, better. In the end seamless integration always wins and I’m back to Apple. As a newly certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (queue the trumpets), simplicity runs deep in my veins and Apple is definitely THE master in this area. One of the latest features Apple announced (Fall ’14) is HomeKit.

“HomeKit is a new framework for communicating with and controlling connected devices in a user’s home. Apps can enable users to discover devices in their home and configure them, or you can create actions to control those devices. Users can group actions together and trigger them using Siri.”

The possibilities are endless, not because Apple is set on developing apps to control your coffee machine or thermostat, but because it knows that other genius companies/individuals will continue to do that and flock to iOS as the single controlling point / hub for the automated home. While they’re at it, why not CarKit? iOS is already inside cars (see CarPlay) why not build a central hub that car companies like Ford (and others) can leverage for their self driving cars and position itself to compete with Google. Or how about SchoolKit – similar to the service BlackBoard tried to offer.

When it comes to innovation in various industries, there’s no way Apple or any company can keep up. What it can do is take note of ideas/trends that take off and insert itself right in the middle to be the “controller” of or gateway to the consumer. In case you didn’t notice, Apple is becoming the quintessential connector between new business models and consumers.