Apple Release New HomeView Device, & Updated Apple TV & HomePod Mini
Apple used their “Welcome Home” event to unveil a handful of new and updated devices geared towards a smart home ecosystem, with a brand new product category called HomeView, and notable updates to Apple TV and HomePod mini. All of the devices are heavily integrated with Siri AI and Apple Intelligence, and the Apple ecosystem.
HomeView is particularly interesting, and could turn into a popular home accessory device, while the updates to Apple TV and HomePod mini are more iterative.
HomeView
Apple’s all new HomeView is a dedicated smart home display with a speaker base, or a wall mount. HomeView features a 7″ Retina square display, and the based model includes a swivel hinge that attaches tot he aluminum speaker base for easy interactions. The wall mounted version has the same display but without the swivel speaker base.
HomeView has an A18 chip and uses facial recognition and user devices to detect and recognize people, changing the screen to reveal their personal calendars, messages, Reminder, Photos, and more. The device relies extensively on Apple Intelligence and Siri AI, with voice commands and touch being the primary input.
HomeView includes features like FaceTime, Maps, Music, messaging, Reminders, and more, and the screens dashboard will change depending on who is interacting with the device.
There’s no third party App Store (yet anyway, but perhaps that will arrive later so that popular third party service like Spotify, WhatsApp, Pandora, Amazon, Meta, Claude, ChatGPT, etc, could be used with the device), so for now you’ll need to stay within the Apple ecosystem on the device.
Pre-orders for HomeView start today for $299, and the device will ship on November 13.
The HomeView looks like a fascinating addition to the Apple lineup, and with some third party app support for more media choices and utility, I could see this product really taking off, especially as more and more people rely on AI to accomplish tasks and support their days.
Of course you can always setup your own version of the HomeView of sorts by simply attaching an iPad to a stand and syncing it with a speaker, like a HomePod mini or Sonos, but that obviously won’t be as seamless of an experience as HomeView offers. But that’s certainly something to consider.
Apple TV 4K, 4th generation
Apple TV continues to be the TV-focused content consumer device, and has been updated to include the A19 chip, improved microphones, upgraded Wi-Fi, and to lean heavily on Siri AI and voice control. The new Siri Remote also includes support for Find My with precision finding, sort of like how AirTags can be found that way.
Interestingly, you can also pair up to four HomePod Mini’s or HomePods to create a surround sound sound system.
The new Apple TV 4K is available for pre-order starting today for $299, and will arrive in stores starting on November 13.
HomePod mini 2
The updated HomePod mini 2 includes an upgraded processor with Siri AI support, though apparently Siri AI capabilities will be added later through a software update. There’s now a new Sound Glow feature that dynamically matches album art colors and pulses with music playing, and it can be paired as default speakers for a Mac.
The new HomePod mini 2 comes in white, dark blue, pink, blue, and green, costs $149, and you can pre-order it today with October 30 delivery.
Apple Home Collection
Apple also announced partnerships with LG and Schneider Electric to create various accessories for the Apple home ecosystem, including security cameras, a video doorbell, smart door locks, and smart home thermostats. These devices are compatible with HomeView and Apple TV, and will start rolling out later in the year.
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