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Apple Unveils HomeView Smart Display
Confirmed
In Short: Google’s chief product officer for Google Home has hinted at a similar product, suggesting that a Google Home Display might be in the works.
At its 'Welcome Home' event, Apple unveiled the HomeView, a new smart home hub designed to integrate seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem. The device, priced at $299, features a 7-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 1088-by-1088 pixels at 220 pixels per inch, True Tone technology, and brightness ranging from 0.3 to 500 nits.
According to Apple, the HomeView will act as a 'Siri command center' for an Apple-powered smart home. The device can detect smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and is equipped with facial recognition technology that can distinguish up to six people in a household.
The HomeView is available in two versions: a countertop model with a metal speaker base and a wall-mounted model with a flat, square base. The tabletop version features a stainless steel hinge that allows users to tilt the display as needed.
Apple’s HomeView software license agreement refers to the HomeView as a 'HomePodDevice' in one section, indicating its integration with other Apple devices. Users will be able to launch classic Apple apps like Photos, Notes, and Calendar from a user interface that blends elements of Apple Watch, iPad, and Apple TV.
The HomeView is expected to ship to consumers in November, with preorders opening this week. The device will be available in different color choices for both countertop and wall-mounted models.
According to reports, the HomeView will be part of Apple’s biggest smart home push to date, sitting alongside the newly announced HomePod mini 2, Apple TV 4K, and Apple Home Collection accessories.
The HomeView’s software is built around a version of Siri infused with Apple Intelligence, which was introduced at WWDC in June. This revamp aims to provide a more capable, conversational voice assistant that matches up-to-date AI smarts with Apple’s privacy and security standards.
The HomeView can also be used as a central connecting hub for third-party accessories controlled via Siri and other Apple devices, according to Gurman’s claims.
Power Mount USB-C Wall Connector and Power Mount AC Wired accessories are available for purchase starting at $59.95 and $79.95, respectively, from Apple’s online store and the Apple Store app.
The HomeView’s smaller-than-expected size and surprising resemblance to the Apple Watch make it a great smart home control panel, according to some reviews.
Google’s chief product officer for Google Home has hinted at a similar product, suggesting that a Google Home Display might be in the works.
The HomeView’s feature set is comparable to the larger Nest Hub Max, and some analysts suggest that Google should consider copying certain aspects of the HomeView to improve its own smart home offerings.
What this adds
The HomeView’s launch marks a significant step in Apple’s smart home strategy, integrating advanced AI capabilities with privacy-focused features.
Background
At its 'Welcome Home' event, Apple introduced the HomeView, a $299 smart home hub with facial recognition and Siri AI.
The HomeView features a 7-inch Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 1088-by-1088 pixels at 220 pixels per inch, True Tone technology, and brightness ranging from 0.3 to 500 nits.
What's confirmed
- The new device will act as a “Siri command center” for an Apple-powered smart home.
- The Apple smart home device that the company is expected to announce on Tuesday is called the HomeView and will ship to consumers in November.
- As previously reported, the HomeView will come in two versions: a countertop model with a metal speaker base and a wall-mounted model with a flat, square base.
- According to a MacRumors report from the end of last month, users will be able to launch classic Apple apps like Photos, Notes, and Calendar from a user interface which will blend elements of Apple Watch, iPad, and Apple TV.
- The device forms the centerpiece of Apple’s biggest smart home push to date, sitting alongside the newly announced HomePod mini 2, Apple TV 4K and Apple Home Collection accessories.
What's still developing
- To do that, Google should copy five things the HomeView got right.
- Those two products are on track to reach customers and Apple stores on October 30, with preorders expected to open this week, Gurman said.
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- And yet the HomeView is relying almost entirely on CarPlay.
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- Learn More Finally, after years of rumours, the Apple HomeView has launched.
- “With a supported iCloud+ subscription, HomeView works with compatible cameras to deliver intelligent, end-to-end encrypted recognition of people, familiar faces, pets, packages, and vehicles, notifying the household the moment someone arrives at the front door. With video descriptions for HomeKit Secure Video footage, HomeView helps users quickly understand what happened in a video clip without even watching it,” Apple’s announcement said.