Apple is seeking to carve out a place for itself in the world of connected homes. To achieve this, the Cupertino giant has developed an aggressive strategy based on several new products, starting with a hybrid HomePod.
Between the HomePod, the Apple TV and the iPad, this new device continues to be the subject of the indiscretions of Mark Gurman, journalist at Bloomberg. According to the informant, the device will be equipped witha square screen. Don’t expect a huge 16-inch screen. In fact, the tactile surface “will be about the size of two iPhones side by side”. From this point of view, the machine is similar to an Echo Hub or a Google Nest Hub.
Also read: After the cheaper Vision Pro, Apple would launch connected glasses and AirPods with cameras
A look inspired by an old iMac
Through this modest-sized screen, users will be able to take control of all the connected objects in their installation. They will also be able to watch videos, photos or use “some iPad-like apps, including FaceTime, Notes, and Calendar”. To liven up this screen, Apple has developed a brand new operating system entirely dedicated to the smart home, homeOS. Similar to the tvOS interface, the OS will give pride of place to connected objects, and would include features based on generative artificial intelligence.
The touch screen should be perched on a small base. This should remind the circular base of the iMac G4an Apple computer released in 2002. This rounded base should incorporate speakers, which will allow it to be used to stream music or ask Siri questions. With its circular base, the device
A range of two HomePods with screen
This hybrid device should be “relatively inexpensive”. Mirroring the HomePod mini, sold for around 100 euros, the device is designed to be able to invade every room in the house, from the bedroom to the kitchen including the bathroom. Users should be able to install multiple devices in their home.
This is why it is important that the price of the product is not too high. This is also the strategy used by the competition, namely Amazon and Google, to slide Echo and Nest speakers into the homes of millions of consumers. Apple understood that a new high-end device, like the HomePod, was not going to make it the king of the connected home.
In addition to this affordable solution, Apple nevertheless plans to launch another high-end oriented device. This second device should take the form of a touchscreen tablet held by an articulated robotic arm, animated by generative AI. The machine would be especially designed for videoconferencing. Indeed, the screen should follow the movements of its user and modify its orientation using the mechanical arm.
Here again, it is a new type of device that Apple is preparing in the Cupertino laboratories. More sophisticated and complete, this robotic arm with screen should be sold for around $1,000.
Launch from 2025
According to Gurman, the group made “progress in development” of its first hybrid HomePod. The informant mentions a launch next year, but does not specify whether it will be necessary to wait for the keynote in September 2025. The rumors rather count on a release during the spring. For its part, the device with a robot arm should wait until 2026.
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Source :
Bloomberg
