A new indie application called Itsyhome offers Mac users a menu bar-based interface for controlling smart home devices, supporting both Apple’s HomeKit and Home Assistant ecosystems. The app, released for Macs running macOS 14.0 Sonoma and later, aims to provide convenient access to smart home controls without requiring users to rely solely on Apple’s native Home app.
Itsyhome distinguishes itself by its broad compatibility, extending beyond the HomeKit framework to include support for Home Assistant, a popular open-source home automation platform. This allows users invested in the Home Assistant ecosystem to leverage a streamlined Mac-based control interface.
The application consolidates control of various smart home devices – including lights, thermostats, fans, air conditioners, door locks and cameras – directly within the Mac’s menu bar. Itsyhome organizes devices by room, allowing for easy navigation and customization of the layout. Users can also create custom groups for simultaneous control of multiple devices or pin frequently used devices for instant access.
Beyond basic control, Itsyhome offers features designed to enhance usability. Users can hide infrequently accessed devices from the menu bar for a cleaner interface. Keyboard shortcuts and integration with Stream Deck, a popular hardware control surface, enable quick toggling of devices. A companion Apple TV remote app is also included, providing control and a built-in app launcher for Apple TV without the need for a physical remote or the standard Apple TV app.
Itsyhome is available as a free download from the Mac App Store. While the free version provides core functionality, a one-time purchase of $12.99 unlocks additional features such as camera support, iCloud synchronization, and webhook integration. The application’s source code is also publicly available on GitHub, reflecting an open-source development model.
