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★ HomeView Thoughts and Observations

There’s a real “*Why do we need this?*” question here and I don’t think Apple’s video answers it, at all. You need to think you want it if you’re going to buy it. And even if you already had a HomeView set up, I’m not sure how often you’d use it instead of your phone, or instead of just talking to it like a screenless HomePod.

Apple has unveiled "HomeView," a product that aims to revolutionize the way families interact with their devices. The new device is being marketed as a home hub that can display information, play music, and provide access to various apps. However, the product's initial impressions leave much to be desired. The product's name, "HomeView," is being used by Apple, similar to how they named their other devices.

However, some may find this inconsistent with other Apple products. The introductory video for HomeView showcases a suburban family rushing to get ready for school and work, with the HomeView device central to the family's daily activities. While the concept of the product is intriguing, the video raises several questions about its practicality.

The video highlights the need to rotate the device to view it from different angles, which seems unnecessary since the same information can be accessed through a phone or screenless HomePod. Moreover, the power cable for the device is a significant drawback. In the video, the cable is visible, and the family seems to have drilled a hole in their kitchen island to accommodate it.

This raises concerns about the device's practicality in real-world settings. The video suggests that the device can be mounted on the wall, but this would require additional installation and cost. The inclusion of the power cable and the need for a mount make the product less appealing, especially when compared to existing HomePods that are easily accessible.

The small size of the display is another concern, making it seem more like a HomePod Mini with a screen rather than a standalone product. Overall, while the idea behind HomeView is interesting, the practicality of the product leaves much to be desired. The need for a cable, the necessity of drilling holes in kitchen islands, and the small display size are all significant drawbacks that make the product seem less appealing to potential buyers.

Written by urgent.news from Daring Fireball's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

Read the original at daringfireball.net →

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