Apple unveils HomeView smart display in renewed home push

Apple introduced the HomeView smart display on Tuesday, a voice-controlled device powered by its refreshed Siri AI assistant, as part of the company's renewed push into the home market. The $299 smart display, which goes on sale in the US starting November 13, features a square seven-inch touchscreen and a speaker base.

HomeView aims to compete in the smart home market, an area where Apple's HomePod speakers have struggled against Amazon's Alexa and Google AI devices. The new hardware is seen by analysts as a move to strengthen customer ties to the Apple ecosystem amidst rising competition from AI companies like OpenAI.

John Ternus, Apple's former hardware engineering chief, took over as CEO on September 1 and oversees the launch of HomeView. The smart display is designed to serve as a hub for connected features such as lights, locks, thermostats, and cameras, and can also handle FaceTime video calls, play music and video, and function as a digital photo frame when not in use.

HomeView's central feature is Siri AI, an upgraded version of Apple's assistant enhanced with Apple Intelligence, touted as a more conversational helper than the original Siri. Siri AI leverages Google Gemini's AI technology. However, HomeView will not be sold in the European Union initially, as Apple works to ensure compliance with competition rules in Europe. The company is actively collaborating with EU authorities to navigate these regulatory hurdles.