Apple makes another push into the smart home market with HomeView

Apple has entered the smart home market with the launch of its new HomeView hub. The device, priced at $299, features a display that can be used for a variety of tasks, including FaceTime calls, playing music, watching videos, and displaying photo slideshows. It comes in two versions - a countertop model and a wall-mountable version.

Apple has preloaded the device with several of its popular apps, such as Calendar, Messages, Photos, FaceTime, Notes, Reminders, Music, and Podcasts. This means users won't need to use their iPhone for these common tasks. The device is designed to be particularly useful in the kitchen, allowing users to check recipes, watch videos, and make FaceTime calls without needing their phone.

It will also act as a smart home hub, enabling users to ask Siri to control various smart home devices, such as viewing camera feeds, adjusting the thermostat, turning on lights, and locking doors. One of the unique features of HomeView is its ability to recognize individual people in the household. Once it identifies someone, the screen can display information tailored to that person, such as their messages, contacts, calendar appointments, notes, and preferred apps.

The device runs Apple's updated Siri AI assistant and can recognize up to six people. This puts Apple in direct competition with Amazon and Google, both of which have established smart display products. While Apple has had mixed success in the smart home space with its HomePod, the HomeView hub could be a significant step forward by integrating home controls with Apple's broader ecosystem.

The device has been rumored for some time, with reports suggesting delays due to Siri AI issues. Apple is expected to offer pre-orders starting today, with the device available for purchase on November 13 in four colors: silver, starlight, rose pink, and space gray.