Apple TV + HomePod + FaceTime Camera
Both predictions were first put forward by the well-informed Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, based on information provided by his deeply entrenched Apple sources.
More than three years old, the current Apple TV 4K is outsold and undercut by its competitors. Apple still hasn’t released an updated box, and this could explain why. Many people have been clamoring for a more versatile smart home device from Apple that would combine Apple TV and HomePod functionality into a single gadget, and this appears to be it.
The report goes on to note that such a device would support all of the standard Apple TV functions such as watching video and gaming. On top of that, these features would be augmented with smart speaker functionality like playing music and using the Siri assistant.
As you know, the current Apple TV supports music and Siri but lacks built-in microphones that would let you issue voice commands hands-free, from across the room.
Also, Siri-Equipped Smart Displays
But that’s not the only new smart home device that Apple appears to be working on.
According to the Bloomberg report, the company is considering new HomePod speakers featuring built-in screens and cameras that would integrate an iPad connected via a robotic arm to track and follow you around a room during video calls.
HomePod Now Runs the Apple TV Software
Apple’s current strategy for the connected home appears to be lacking on many fronts compared with its rivals. With that in mind, combining Apple TV and HomePod functionality into a brand new device could help the company turn the tables on the competition.
The original HomePod was powered by a custom version of the iOS operating system used in iPhones and iPads. Last year, however, Apple transitioned the HomePod to using a modified version of the tvOS software that powers its Apple TV box.
The move puzzled many watchers at the time. But with the benefit of today’s hindsight, and taking into account Bloomberg’s report, this could make lots of sense if Apple is indeed building a more versatile device for the smart home.
Image Credit: Apple
