Apple Welcomes HomeView Smart Speaker With Apple Watch-Shaped Screen

Apple has introduced its latest addition to the product lineup, the HomeView smart speaker, during its Welcome Home event in New York. The innovative device resembles a fusion of a HomePod and a large Apple Watch, featuring a seven-inch Liquid Retina display with a square screen. This departure from the typical rectangular landscape screens found in most smart speakers sets HomeView apart.

The display supports room-filling Spatial Audio through two full-range drivers and is powered by Apple's A18 chip, which powers the iPhone 16 Series and MacBook Neo. HomeView acts as a central hub for entertainment, connectivity, and controlling smart home devices, while also enabling interaction with Apple Intelligence and Siri AI.

Apple's revamped AI in Siri aligns with the product's capabilities and privacy-focused approach. Unlike other Apple products, HomeView is designed to serve both personal and shared needs within a household. The device recognizes family members through facial recognition and allows them to access personalized content such as Messages, FaceTime, Calendar, Reminders, and Find My.

Users can place the speaker on a tabletop or mount it on a wall, depending on their preference, which must be decided at the time of purchase. The wall-mounted version can be installed using three Schneider Home mounts, with options for DIY or professional installation. Additionally, HomeView offers a unique personalization feature, presenting dynamic faces that respond to the user's presence and movements.

Pre-orders for the HomeView are now available for $299 in the US, Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, and the UK, with deliveries starting on November 13. The device is offered in silver, starlight, rose pink, and space gray finishes.