Apple's rumored smart home display might arrive early next year with Apple Intelligence onboard

Date:
Tue, 12 Nov 2024 23:36:14 +0000

Description:
It's reported to be a six-inch square screen that can be wall-mounted

FULL STORY ======================================================================Apple's long-rumored smart home display might arrive as soon as March 2025 It could have a six-inch screen and run a new operating system Apple Intelligence
could be front and center

There is seldom a shortage of Apple rumors, but one that has been constant and heating up in recent months is that the technology giant is planning to release a smart home display . And it makes a lot of sense as Apple continues to push into the smart home there are already two smart speakers, the
HomePod and HomePod mini , major updates to the Home app, and we cant forget that Apple is part of the smart home standard Matter.

Now, though, it seems Apple is working at a record pace to ready a smart home display. Bloombergs Mark Gurman reports that a wall-mounted display that can control appliances, handle videoconferencing, and use AI to navigate apps could launch as early as March 2025. Thats just five months away, and it sounds like a direct competitor to Amazons Echo Show 15 . It might also be my dream Apple smart home display and a bit better than just a HomePod with a screen.

Gurman shares a bit more about the smart display, which is codenamed J490. As expected, itll be a showcase for Apple Intelligence and likely the smarter features of the forthcoming Siri. From a design and hardware standpoint, itll come in silver or black and stand as a 6-inch square screen that resembles an iPad with thicker bezels. The report states its about the size of two iPhones side by side with a built-in camera seemingly for FaceTime calls or home monitoring, speakers, and a rechargeable battery. (Image credit: Apple)

There is no mention of the processor, but wed expect it to be Apple Silicon
as it will need to power some other sensors, including one that can detect
how many people are near the display. This is likely similar to Googles Soli technology that is used on the Nest Thermostat to adjust whats on screen
based on whether youre closer to it or farther away.

Bloombergs report notes that the operating system is a cross between watchOS and the iPhones StandBy mode. This means youll likely get dedicated apps and peek into them like widgets. Its reported that it will run FaceTime, Safari, Music, and Calendar, among others. Of course, it will also be an ideal way to control the smart home, and it is being pegged as a Command Center.

As far as interactions go, it will either be touch or hands-free voice
through Siri, much like a HomePod or HomePod Mini. The report notes that the smart display was designed around App Intents, a system that lets AI
precisely control applications and tasks a feature originally shown off at WWDC 2024 when Apple Intelligence was launched.

Just as Amazon offers several designs for Echos or how Googles Pixel Tablet can be affixed to a stand, Apple has reportedly made different attachments or bases for the smart display. The report notes that beyond hanging on a wall, there will be bases for placing it on a desk, nightstand, or even counter,
and these will offer better sound through additional speakers. It remains to be seen if the wall attachment will be done magnetically to a mount, allowing you to move it around quickly.

Like other smart displays, Apples will likely be a standalone device that you set up with an iPhone and sign in to with your Apple Account (formerly an Apple ID) to enable easy data syncing and the ability to hand off things like music or a call.

While this is a stationary, non-moving smart display from Apple, there are also many rumors of an intelligent display attached to a robotic arm that the company is said to be working on. Bloombergs latest report notes that it is
in the pipeline but farther out and will be much more costly at $1,000. That makes sense, considering its a robot. This smart display, which could launch next year, is said to be far-less expensive and closer in line with competitors like Amazons Echo Show. (Image credit: Future)

All in all, it feels like its about time for Apple to really enter the smart home, and it seems like the company really wants to take a piece of the smart display market from the mainstays. If its anything like the HomePod, iPad, or iPhone, we can expect it to offer a premium build with strong audio and a
good interface. It would also likely check off the box for a lot of folks who have been waiting for a proper smart home control panel.

Further, it would reinforce Apples commitment to the smart home and show that its a category that the company sees on its roadmap for the long haul and one that itll likely continue to invest in. We also saw rumors this week that Apple is considering developing smart home accessories like cameras, and this report does mention that the development of those could be sped up if the smart display succeeds.

Of course, until Apple announces its all but a rumor, so take this with a grain of salt, but I wouldnt be shocked if the rumored smart display from the Cupertino-based technology giant eventually sees the light of day. You Might Also Like... Apple's rumored smart home display could be a cross between an iMac G4 and a HomePod Apple's rumored Apple Intelligence-powered smart displays could see it finally crack the smart home market Everything you need to know to set up your smart home



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/home/smart-home/apples-rumored-smart-home-display-mi ght-arrive-early-next-year-with-apple-intelligence-onboard


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