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Apple Unveils HomeView Smart Home Hub for $299

· Confirmed

Technology Desk

In Short: At its 'Welcome Home' event, Apple unveiled the HomeView, a new smart home hub designed to bring entertainment, communication, and Apple Home controls together on a dedicated display.

Home Run Apple, May 25, 2024 (2)
Photo: D. Benjamin Miller / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

At its 'Welcome Home' event on Tuesday, Oct. 13, Apple unveiled the HomeView, a new smart home hub priced at $299. The device, featuring a 7-inch screen, combines digital assistant capabilities with smart home management tools.

According to Apple, the HomeView is powered by the A18 chip, delivering up to 50% faster CPU performance and up to twice the GPU performance compared to the previous generation. The device also includes a 12-megapixel camera with Center Stage technology for video calls.

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HomeView recognizes up to six people by face and personalizes the display for each user, showing individual messages, calendars, and reminders. The screen, which uses True Tone technology and has a brightness of 500 nits, can be mounted on a wall or placed on a tabletop.

The HomeView integrates with Apple’s HomeKit and Siri AI, allowing users to control connected home devices, make FaceTime calls, and check security cameras through voice commands or the display. Apple also introduced the HomeView 27.2 software, which adapts to user interactions.

Apple plans to open preorders for the HomeView this week, with deliveries set for October 30. The device will be available in silver, rose pink, starlight, and space gray. However, for buyers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other Middle Eastern countries, Apple has not yet announced local pricing or availability.

In addition to the HomeView, Apple announced the HomePod mini 2, Apple TV 4K, and a range of accessories under the 'Apple Home Collection' banner. These products are part of Apple’s broader push into the smart home market.

The HomeView will be sold alongside accessories like the Power Mount USB-C Wall Connector and Power Mount AC Wired, which start at $59.95 and $79.95, respectively. These mounts are designed to complement the HomeView’s functionality.

Apple’s HomeView is positioned as a shared device for the home, combining Siri-powered interaction with at-a-glance information, media, and direct control of connected accessories. The company claims the system optimizes loudness and bass in real time, though independent audio testing has not been identified.

The HomeView’s introduction marks Apple’s entry into the smart display category, designed to compete with established products like the Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub. The device is expected to appeal to users looking for a polished and user-friendly smart home hub.

Apple’s HomeView is currently available for pre-order, with shipping set to begin on November 13. The device is priced at $299, positioning it as an affordable entry point into the smart display market.

Apple’s HomeView is designed to sit on a tabletop or be mounted on a wall, offering flexibility in home placement. The device’s robust hardware and software capabilities make it a compelling option for users seeking a comprehensive smart home solution.

Background

At its 'Welcome Home' event, Apple unveiled the HomeView, a new smart home hub designed to bring entertainment, communication, and Apple Home controls together on a dedicated display.

At its 'Welcome Home' event, Apple unveiled the HomeView, a new smart display that integrates entertainment, communication, and smart home controls.

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