Last week, my colleague Parker Ortolani shared an original concept for how Apple could offer a compelling future for HomePod by adding a screen and more. Now in a new report, we’ve heard that this is something Apple is working on. Is a HomePod smart display product something you’d buy?
With Apple abruptly discontinuing HomePod, we’ve noted that the company’s smart home strategy, including HomePod and Apple TV, could really use a roundtable to address questions and concerns about Apple’s home efforts.
Now, less than a week after Parker imagined how Apple could combine HomePod, tvOS, and iPad for a great home hub experience, we got confirmation in a new Bloomberg report that Apple has been working on such products.
Today’s news from Bloomberg was focused on HomePod mini having a hidden temperature and humidity sensor. However, at the end, there is a mention that “it has also been developing new speakers with screens and cameras, but such a launch isn’t imminent.”
So a timeframe isn’t clear or whether or not such a product will ever come to market, but this could be a natural next step for Apple’s home plans. However, part of the challenge is likely offering compelling use cases beyond what you can get now with HomePod mini and an iPad at a price point enough people would consider.
- Concept: How Apple could combine the best of HomePod, Apple TV, and iPad to create the perfect smart display
- Google announces 2nd-gen Nest Hub with Soli-powered ‘Sleep Sensing’ for $99
