HomeView with an arm? Apple reportedly plans $1,000 swiveling smart panel
The HomeView Ultra is expected to feature a robotic arm and 9-inch display. Shades of Amazon’s discontinued Echo Show 10?
Apple is reportedly preparing to launch a $1,000 swiveling smart home display with a robotic arm, according to recent reports. The innovative device, tentatively named HomeView Ultra, will be available for purchase starting next year, with prices beginning at $299. The 7-inch display is currently in development, featuring an articulated mechanical arm that allows the screen to swivel and track users during FaceTime calls.
This feature enables the display to keep the user in the camera's view, enhancing the video conferencing experience. While the device is not yet on the market, it is expected to boast advanced AI capabilities and proactive smart home automations. These features may include automatically turning on devices or triggering room scenes when a person enters the space.
The Information indicates that Apple has been working on this project for several years, but launch delays have been attributed to software development challenges. The swiveling smart home display is not entirely new, as Amazon previously sold an Echo Show 10 with a display that tracked users during video calls. However, a device that integrates seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem could significantly alter user interactions within their homes.
Despite concerns about potential invasiveness, premium robotic smart displays suggest that companies are moving towards creating interactive central hubs for households.
Written by urgent.news from ZDNet's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
