How many companies does it take to connect a light bulb? Why connect the light when you can connect the switch? Or outlet? Or socket? How many companies does it take to turn on a connected light? One to make the light and 40 or 50 to access the API. Okay, these aren’t funny jokes. But they offer an essential truth about the connected home situation we’re faced with at the moment — and right now I can’t tell if this is the awesomeness I was hoping for, or a big mistake that will condemn connected homes as the playthings for the tech savvy and inspired. So far this summer we’ve seen a giant expansion from huge players in the tech and retail worlds with regard to the smart home. Apple launched HomeKit, a program to get devices to work together via an iOS device.