I saw Apple's HomeView early — 7 things you need to know about the new smart home display

Apple has recently released a new smart home display called HomeView, aimed at providing an innovative solution for home automation. After getting an early look at this $299 display, here are seven key features that stand out:

1. Facial and voice recognition: HomeView identifies up to six people in your household, adjusting the information on its screen accordingly. This allows for personalized schedules, reminders, and widgets based on the user interacting with the device.

2. Siri AI capabilities: Apple's Siri AI is now more intelligent, taking into account personal context. For example, you can ask Siri to find a recipe sent via text message instead of searching through your phone conversations. The requests are processed on HomeView's A18 processor while personal context is retrieved from the user's iPhone.

3. Cooking features: HomeView turns online recipes into a cooking experience by translating them into organized step-by-step instructions. You can use AirDrop to transfer recipes or search for them using Safari, and even ask Siri to find a recipe sent via iMessage or Mail.

4. Customizable digital photo frame: HomeView incorporates a customizable digital photo frame interface, similar to customizable clock faces on the Apple Watch. Users can display specific images, album covers, or rotating photos from shared albums, with the display adapting to the surrounding light.

5. Hands-free FaceTime: The display features a 12MP Center Stage camera and four-microphone array for hands-free FaceTime calls. This is particularly useful in the kitchen or living room for conversations while preparing food or during family gatherings.

6. Smart home control center: HomeView allows users to control compatible smart home devices, such as lights, locks, and thermostats, through widgets and camera feeds. It also integrates with third-party smart home systems like LG and Schneider Electric.

7. Personalized interface and widgets: HomeView offers a personalized interface with customizable widgets specific to each user's needs. This approach makes the display feel tailored to the individual, rather than a generic smart home device that could be used by anyone.