Apple has revamped its smart home product lineup. The company announced the smart speaker "HomePod mini," "Apple TV 4K," the screen-equipped smart home hub "Apple HomeView," and smart keys and door cameras developed in collaboration with LG and Schneider Electric. However, only the HomePod mini 2 and Apple TV 4K will be released in Japan. This article will focus on the distinctive Apple HomeView.
Features a Miniature iMac-like Style, with Speakers in Both the Screen and Base
The Apple HomeView adopts a style that could be called a miniature version of the classic iMac. A 7-inch display connects to a dome-shaped base via a stainless steel hinge, with a woofer built into the base. It can also be wall-mounted, with three types of dedicated Schneider-made mounts available.
It comes in four colors: Silver, Starlight, Rose Pink, and Space Gray. The price is $299 (approximately ¥46,000, excluding tax). It will be released on November 13 in English-speaking countries including the US, Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, the UK, Singapore, and South Africa.
Key Feature: Siri AI Support, Displays Highly Relevant Information on Screen When Paired with iPhone/iPad
Naturally, the highlight of Apple HomeView is its support for Siri AI. It automatically recognizes up to six family members, displaying a personalized home screen for each. Additionally, Siri AI provides an advanced conversational assistant tailored to the situation.
When combined with Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhones/iPads, even more advanced features can be utilized. It can automatically display relevant information from calendars, messages, and Apple Music playlists on the iPhone/iPad, and also supports continuing conversations based on Siri AI history from other Apple devices.
In terms of acoustics, it combines two full-range drivers on the display side with a woofer/passive radiator on the base side. Optimized sound is achieved through computational audio powered by Apple silicon (featuring the A18 chip).
The built-in wide-angle camera supports Center Stage, which keeps subjects in the center of the frame, and enables video conferencing via FaceTime. Furthermore, messages spoken into the microphone can be delivered not only to other HomeView and HomePod devices but also to family members' iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and other devices.
It can also link with the aforementioned smart home cameras, thermometers, and smart locks from LG and Schneider. When someone arrives at the entrance, it notifies the user and displays their image on the screen. It also features the ability to detect smoke and carbon monoxide alarm sounds.
While there is no mention of a release in Japan in the news release, this smart device, significantly evolved with Siri AI, makes one eager to try it out and see how it performs in reality!
