Amber Neely
Apple is setting its sights on the smart home market beyond the HomePod, and is reportedly prepping smart home accessories with screens, and a next-generation Apple TV.
Apple relaunched its larger HomePod on Wednesday, which boasts improved audio and better Siri integration.
The move signifies that Apple may be ready to tackle the smart home market and take on competitors like Amazon and Google.
According to Bloomberg, Apple's next smart home device will be a smart tablet that will control smart home devices like thermostats and lights. It will also display video and handle FaceTime chats, similar to an iPad.
According to Bloomberg's sources, the tech giant has also discussed building larger smart-home displays. It's not clear how far along this initiative is, however.
The company is also looking into revamping the Apple TV in early 2024 with a faster processor, which could launch in the first half of 2024.
It's not clear why Apple would want to refresh the Apple TV so soon. The existing model already supports Matter and Thread on the high-end, and wide 8K content distribution is still several years away.
If the timetable is correct, it would be the shortest time between refreshes since the product initially launched.
Christine McKee
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21 Comments
I look forward to Apple's entry, but I'd prefer sensors (motion, water, smoke, temperature, etc.) and bulbs (maybe even combining them with sensors) rather than more displays.
Also, my home is already exclusively built with Thread, but I'm really tired of Siri telling me (daily) that there's a problem with some random bulb (or multiple bulbs) around the house. I can't recommend this technology to friends and family until it's reliable.
Will Apple stop marketing products with the term "HomeKit" now since "Matter" is compatible with HomeKit? Or will Apple use both terms on future products?
...is Apple really after your data...?
I don't understand this.
"Bloomberg, Apple's next smart home device will be a smart tablet that will control smart home devices like thermostats and lights. It will also display video and handle FaceTime chats, similar to an iPad."
But... we already have that — it's called an iPad. And the cheapest one is already $329. All that's missing here is the mounting hardware for a wall or countertop fixed position. So why not just stick magnets on the back or something? This has to be a different kind of product. And an Apple TV with just a faster processor isn't really changing ... anything. ¯\(°_o)/¯
Hey, maybe if Apple wants a bigger share of home computer gear they could make wifi equipment (eg the Apple Airport).) You know, the stuff everyone needs, wants, and Apple is very qualified to make secure and trustworthy with a built in Apple run VPN.
I'll buy a new Apple TV when it comes with a coax antenna jack that feeds an ATSC 3.0 tuner(s). Since that ain't happening, I don't see ever buying a new one. Apple wants people to pay for ATV+ subscriptions, not watch OTA broadcasts for free (like NFL games on CBS, Fox, NBC.) Unless...wait for it...ATV+ subscriptions come with bundled OTA DVR services. Given the plight of Aereo and Locast, I kinda don't see Apple wanting to take on that legal issue again.