Apple introduces HomeView, its first smart display running a hybrid OS blending Apple Watch and CarPlay interfaces.
Powered by Siri, the device features a 7-inch Liquid Retina screen, a 12MP camera with facial recognition for user switching, and local smart home integration.
Available in desktop and wall-mounted versions starting at $299.
The first version is intended for wall mounting, while the second is a desktop version with a stand and a movable arm. Both models have a 7-inch screen. Pre-orders have already started, while the market launch is scheduled for November 13.
The device runs a separate operating system that combines elements from the company's wristwatches and car systems. Users can customize the screen with personal photos, shared albums, widgets, artwork and animations. In terms of sound, the desktop version offers strong bass and clear voice performance, and also supports synchronized audio playback in multiple rooms.
Apple's digital assistant allows voice control of home devices and information searches. The Home app is pre-installed to view images from security cameras, including a new LG video doorbell developed in partnership with Apple. There's also a feature that lets users send recipes from their phone to the screen, along with step-by-step instructions and timers.
For video calls and messaging, HomeView features a 12-megapixel front-facing camera that automatically centers the user in the frame, as well as four noise-canceling microphones. The device recognizes faces and voices to automatically change settings and apps based on who is in front of it. Accessing sensitive information, such as messages, requires a face scan and a nearby, recently unlocked phone on the same network, while the identification data is stored in a separate secure compartment inside the device.
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