Apple has unveiled a new device called the HomeView, designed to control smart gadgets such as lights, plugs, thermostats and cameras around the home. The announcement follows last month's reveal of the iPhone Duo with a foldable display, which goes on sale next week.
Control and customisation
Apple says the HomeView is fully compatible with many accessories already on the market. It can be used to see who is at the front door, adjust heating, or turn smart bulbs on and off. A voice command like "I'm home" will instantly activate lights and other devices.
The device also serves as a digital photo frame, offers music streaming with karaoke-style lyrics on the display, and can make FaceTime video calls via an inbuilt Centre Stage camera. The home screen is fully customisable, showing the time, date and upcoming diary events.
Smart features and privacy
Using facial recognition, the HomeView can identify who is looking at the 7-inch Retina display and switch to unique family profiles. Up to six people can have profiles, and text messages sent via the device cannot be read or opened by guests once the user walks away.
The device includes Apple's latest Siri assistant, deeply integrated for playing songs, adding calendar events, sending messages, answering questions, setting reminders, and switching on smart home devices at specific times. A recipe mode allows users to send a dish from their phone to the HomeView, which then displays ingredients, a simplified cooking method, and one-touch timers matching the recipe.
Form factors and pricing
The HomeView comes in two form factors: a wall-mounted version with a screen, or a model with a built-in stand. Both feature internal speakers, though the model with the attached base delivers improved audio that can fill a room. The display can be dimmed to 0.3 nits to avoid glowing too brightly at night.
Apple says the device has been built around privacy, with safeguards including profiles that do not open unless another device, such as an iPhone, has been unlocked nearby by the account holder. It is available in Silver, Starlight, Rose Pink and Sage Grey, priced at £299.
Alongside the HomeView, Apple has announced a new Home Collection featuring smart devices created in partnership with LG. This includes a video doorbell with dual cameras for monitoring driveways and checking for parcels, and an indoor camera that automatically folds away when owners get home to stop false alerts. These products will arrive soon and offer simple setup and full integration with the HomeView.
