I’ve Tested Echo Shows and Nest Hubs. Here’s How Apple’s HomeView Display Stacks Up

Apple's HomeView smart display, unveiled on Tuesday and set to launch on Nov. 13, marks the tech giant's entry into the smart home display market. However, established competitors Amazon and Google have been providing these devices for years. Having tested Amazon's Echo Show smart displays since their 2017 debut and Google Nest Hubs since 2018, I believe Apple's new HomeView has a chance to learn from past smart display mistakes and differentiate itself in the market.

The HomeView looks sleek, reminiscent of the Echo Show 11 with its low-set, domed base housing the speakers. Unlike Amazon's Echo Show 10, which tried an auto-rotating base, Apple's HomeView remains stationary, a feature I appreciate. However, I agree with other Apple event attendees who found the screen too small, as it pales in comparison to competitors' models designed for similar spaces.

While the HomeView's screen boasts a Liquid Retina display, its size seems more suited to a bedroom smart clock than a tabletop display. Making video calls and watching movies on a 7-inch screen might be challenging, as the screen real estate is limited. For those who prefer larger screens, Apple offers a wall-mount version of HomeView, although this requires professional installation and adds an extra $60 to the $300 price tag.

Comparing the major voice assistants, Google Gemini for Home is accurate but lacks excitement, Siri is snappy with Apple Home devices but falls behind in other areas, and Alexa Plus excels in smart display use. Alexa Plus offers a chatty interface, various personalities, and integration with third-party apps, allowing users to order food, arrange rides, and book reservations without lifting a finger.

Siri AI, on the other hand, can search your email and texting apps, customize its voice, and offers unique accessibility features. However, Apple's Siri AI doesn't provide details on third-party app support, unlike Alexa Plus.

In conclusion, while Apple's HomeView displays a visually appealing design, its small screen size and limited third-party app support make it less appealing than competing products. Nonetheless, the addition of Siri AI brings unique capabilities, and I am eager to test Siri's performance on the HomeView to see if it can compete with the likes of Amazon's Alexa Plus and Google's Gemini for Home.