Apple unveiled HomeView, a $299 smart display that can recognize family members by face, control home devices, and answer questions using AI. Along with it, the company showed off new speakers, a set-top box, security cameras, and even a lock that unlocks itself.
Apple unveiled HomeView, a $299 smart display that can recognize family members by face, control home devices, and answer questions using AI. Along with it, the company showed off new speakers, a set-top box, security cameras, and even a lock that unlocks itself.
This is reported by Apple.
HomeView looks like a small iPad mounted on a speaker. It has a 7-inch screen that changes brightness depending on the lighting and shows more information as a person gets closer. The device can be placed in the kitchen, next to the bed or mounted on the wall.
The device is designed for up to six users. Each user can customize their own home screen with apps and widgets. Personal messages or calendars will only appear when the system recognizes the owner and their compatible iPhone or iPad, which has been recently unlocked, is nearby.
The A18 chip also powers HomeView’s new Siri AI, which can support conversations, search for information, and perform tasks. When paired with an iPhone or iPad with Apple Intelligence, Siri can also take into account the user’s personal context, such as finding relevant information in their messages and calendar.
And for home video surveillance, the ability to simultaneously display broadcasts from nine cameras has been provided. With compatible cameras and an iCloud+ subscription, the system will be able to recognize people, animals, cars, and packages. It can even briefly describe what happened in the video so that the user does not have to watch the entire recording.
The device also has more everyday functions. For example, in the kitchen, HomeView can turn a recipe from a website into step-by-step instructions, help with ingredients, and start a timer with your voice. For video calls, FaceTime is provided with automatic people-in-frame feature.
You can also turn the device into a digital photo frame or install an animated screensaver with the cartoon dog Snoopy, which will react to the weather, time of day, and holidays.
HomePod mini 2 — $149. The updated smart speaker can now turn on lighting effects that change according to the music and album art. And if you connect four of these speakers to an Apple TV 4K, you can create a home theater with surround sound. The new Siri AI will also appear in it, but not immediately — it will be added later with a software update.
Apple TV 4K — $299. Now the device will be able to listen to voice commands without a remote. For example, you can ask Siri to find a movie, pause it, or tell you more about the series you're watching. And if the remote gets lost among the couch cushions, you can find it through the Find My app on your iPhone or make it beep.
Apple, together with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric, has also prepared the Apple Home Collection line. It includes the following devices:
LG's indoor camera — from $199.95. It can monitor the room when everyone leaves the house, and as soon as someone returns, it automatically tilts down so as not to film the residents.
LG Outdoor Camera — Starting at $299.95. Keep an eye on your yard even in the dark with color night vision. There's also a $399.95 version that has floodlights that automatically turn on when the camera detects motion.
LG Smart Video Doorbell — Starting at $249.95, it has two cameras: one that looks up at the visitor and the other that points down to see packages left by couriers. It also lets you talk to the person at the door, even when you're away from home.
LG Smart Lock — from $349.95. Opens the door when the owner approaches with a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch. You can create separate access methods for guests. The device also has a combination pad and a regular key in case of problems.
Smart thermostats from LG and Schneider Electric start at $199.95 each. They can automatically lower the heating temperature when no one is home and return to a comfortable temperature before residents arrive. Additional temperature and humidity sensors for different rooms will cost from $39.95.
All Apple Home Collection devices will work through the Apple Home app. To set up, simply hold your iPhone near the gadget.
HomeView is now open for pre-orders, and sales will begin on November 13. It will be available in desktop and wall-mounted versions.
The HomePod mini 2 will go on sale on October 30, and the new Apple TV 4K on November 13. And the first Apple Home Collection devices will appear in December. Some accessories will be released as early as 2027.
