In keeping with analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple could possibly be engaged on a brand new HomePod gadget that will function a built-in show for 2024. The rumor appears to be based mostly on third-party provide chain firms, reminiscent of Tianma, a Chinese language show producer.
This new product within the HomePod lineup would look utterly completely different from present HomePods as it might function a seven-inch show. In different phrases, it might appear like a speaker with a small pill (or a small pill with a speaker) just like the Amazon Echo Present or Google’s Nest Hub.
Kuo believes that Apple is in the midst of revamping its sensible dwelling technique with new units and options. Along with the HomePod Mini, Apple just lately launched a brand new premium HomePod with a well-recognized look. It seems to be just like the mannequin that debuted in 2018 however with model new inside elements.
There’s a motive Apple is focusing extra on the sensible dwelling. Matter, a brand new sensible dwelling normal, is meant to unify sensible dwelling units — and Apple is among the launch companions. The brand new HomePod helps Thread, the Matter-backed wi-fi protocol particularly designed for IoT units.
“The brand new Matter sensible dwelling connectivity normal provides customers extra alternative and interoperability to attach all kinds of sensible dwelling equipment throughout completely different ecosystems,” Apple’s vice chairman of {Hardware} Engineering and Operations Matthew Costello advised TechCrunch’s Brian Heater final month. “With assist for Thread, the brand new HomePod can function a border router and securely allow communications to Thread-based equipment situated all through the house.”
Apple can also be the corporate behind the iPad. Including a touchscreen show to a sensible speaker would make sense for the corporate as many individuals already use and like their iPad. It might be a well-recognized interface and will additionally doubtlessly run some common iPad apps out of the field.
In January, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman mentioned that Apple has additionally been engaged on a sensible show that could possibly be used to regulate your sensible dwelling. Primarily, it might be a low-end iPad that you can mount on a wall to regulate your lights, thermostat and extra.
It’s unclear whether or not Ming-Chi Kuo is speaking about the identical gadget or not. This sensible dwelling pill may carry the HomePod model, or Apple could possibly be engaged on two separate units — a wall-mounted pill and a countertop HomePod with a pill.
