Apple is making a big splash in the smart home market. The company on Tuesday unveiled its long-rumored smart home hub, called HomeView, which can act as a central control point for smart home devices, be used for FaceTime calls, play music, watch videos, show photo slideshows, and more.
The new $299 device looks like a cuboid version of the HomePod, but with a display on the front. The HomeView comes in two versions: one can sit on a countertop, and the other can be mounted on a wall. Measuring 7 inches wide, the hub has a single FaceTime camera on the front, and has microphones and speakers built into its base.
Apple has preloaded the device with several of its apps, including Calendar, Messages, Photos, FaceTime, Notes, Reminders, Music and Podcasts. This means that users don’t need their iPhone to check a calendar appointment, send a message, play music or view photos.
Apple sees the device as particularly useful in places like the kitchen. Someone cooking dinner, for example, could open a recipe, watch a video, check a calendar or start a FaceTime call without reaching for their phone.
It will also act as a smart home dashboard, allowing users to ask Siri to view camera feeds, adjust the thermostat, turn on the lights and lock the doors. This comes as Apple announced its lineup of smart home accessories today, including a smart deadbolt lock, security cameras and doorbell. Users will hear a sound from their HomeView when someone is at the door, for example.
One of the more interesting aspects of the device is how it works with different members of a household.
The hub runs Apple’s updated Siri AI assistant and can recognize individual people in the house. If it identifies someone, the screen can display information intended for that person, such as their messages, contacts, calendar appointments, notes and preferred apps. The experience automatically changes when another family member accesses the device.
The company says HomeView can recognize up to six people.
HomeView puts Apple in a much more direct fight with Amazon and Google, both of which already have established smart display products: Amazon has its Echo Show line, while Google offers the Nest Hub.
Apple has had a mixed history in the smart home space, but with products like the HomePod struggling to reach the same level of popularity as competing devices. The new hub is an opportunity for Apple to change that by combining home control with the company’s broader ecosystem.
The device has been rumored for a long time, with reports pointing to delays caused in part by problems with Siri AI. These issues have also reportedly affected Apple’s broader smart home plans.
This may be only the first phase of Apple’s smart home plan. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously reported that Apple could possibly take the concept further with a more advanced version that features a robotic arm. Such a device could move its display and interact in a more physical way.
Pre-orders begin today, and the device will be available for purchase from November 13. It comes in four colors: silver, starlight, rose pink, and space gray.
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