Apple has confirmed the release of its new HomeView device, a smart home hub designed to control connected gadgets such as lights, plugs, thermostats and cameras. The device follows last month's announcement of the foldable iPhone Duo.
Control Centre and More
Apple says HomeView is fully compatible with many accessories already on the market. It can be used to see who is at the front door, ramp up the heating, or turn all the lights on and off.
Beyond being a control centre, it functions as a digital photo frame, offers music streaming with karaoke-style lyrics, and supports FaceTime video calls via an inbuilt Centre Stage camera. The home screen is fully customisable, showing the time, date and reminders of upcoming diary events.
Smart Features and Profiles
Using facial recognition, the HomeView can identify who is looking at its 7-inch Retina display and switch to unique family profiles. Each household member can set their on-screen preferences, and text messages sent via the device remain private: when the user walks away, those texts can no longer be read or opened by others. Up to six people can have profiles.
The device integrates Apple's latest Siri assistant, allowing users to request songs, add events to calendars, send messages, ask questions, set reminders, or switch on smart home devices at specific times.
Recipe Mode and Design
A standout feature is recipe mode. Users can find a recipe on their phones via a website and send it to the HomeView, which automatically displays the required ingredients and a simplified cooking method, complete with one-touch timers that match the recipe.
HomeView comes in two form factors: a wall-mounted model with a screen, or a model with a built-in stand. Both feature internal speakers, though the version with the attached base offers improved audio that can fill a room. The display can be dimmed to just 0.3 nits to avoid keeping owners awake at night.
It is available in Silver, Starlight, Rose Pink and Sage Grey, priced at £299.
Home Collection Accessories
Alongside HomeView, Apple's new Home Collection includes smart devices created in partnership with LG. A video doorbell with dual cameras monitors driveways and checks for delivered parcels. An indoor camera automatically folds away when owners get home to prevent false alerts and privacy concerns. These products will arrive soon with simple setup and full HomeView integration.
