Ethan Carter
Apple is finally preparing to unveil its highly anticipated range of new smart home devices. According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, the official announcement is set for October 13.
One of the standout products is the highly anticipated smart home hub, informally known as the “HomePad.” Gurman describes this device as featuring a “6-inch square display,” available in versions that can be either wall-mounted or placed on a countertop. This design embodies the essence of a smart home hub while incorporating unique Apple features.
One of the key innovations of the HomePad is its facial recognition capability. This feature allows the device to identify users who approach and display personalized information accordingly. Apple envisions that households will utilize multiple hubs to manage various tasks, such as controlling thermostats and other smart devices, facilitating video calls, and enabling “intercom-style” communication.
Regarding functionality, Gurman reports that Apple will integrate essential applications like Calendar, Messages, Photos, FaceTime, Notes, Reminders, Music, and Podcasts into the HomePad. Users will have the ability to customize their wallpaper and rearrange apps and widgets by pressing and holding them, similar to the iOS experience.
In terms of design, Gurman mentions that the hub’s thickness is comparable to that of an iPhone, featuring a quarter-inch bezel. The corners are rounded, ensuring a soft aesthetic with no sharp edges. The device requires a power connection and notably lacks physical volume or power buttons. The display connects via a metal arm and is expected to rest on a round, metal base adorned with perforated speaker holes. Users will have the flexibility to adjust the display’s position to their preference.
There is also a second variant of this product designed for wall mounting. This model includes a “thin, square-shaped base” under the display that accommodates speakers and microphones.
Alongside the smart home hub, Apple is also introducing an upgrade to its existing smart home speakers, particularly the HomePod Mini. This will mark the first significant update since 2020, featuring a faster processor to enhance the performance of Apple’s updated Siri AI models. According to Gurman, new color options will include green and pink.
If this announcement feels long overdue, you are certainly not alone. Delays in the rollout of Apple’s AI-enhanced Siri have postponed these product launches. with Siri’s development back on track, the introduction of smart home hardware is imminent and likely to occur very soon.
Daniel Mercer
David Bridges
