Apple is preparing to take a new direction in the smart home sector, starting with a smart home display that could be released next year.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who is quoted in Power On's newsletter, the display will run on a new operating system, homeOS, which is based on Apple TV — similar to the software that powers HomePods.
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Gurman says the display will support Apple apps like Calendar, Notes , and Home, and the company has tested prototypes with magnets for wall mounting. It will also incorporate Apple Intelligence, something that is currently missing from HomePods.
Rumors about such a device have been circulating for some time, with proposals ranging from a HomePod with a display to a screen attached to a robotic arm that can rotate during video calls, but products related to this direction have been looking more convincing lately.
Another recent rumor suggests that a “HomeAccessory” device will be released soon in a square shape and that users may be able to control it with gestures from a distance, as 9to5Mac reported earlier this week. MacRumors has also reported apparent code references related to the device and homeOS.
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Such a display seems more realistic than Apple's idea of a robotic display. Plus, it could be more affordable than using an iPad as a dedicated smart home controller. We'll find out if and when it's released - which doesn't seem like it'll be long.
Source: theverge
