According to Bloomberg, Apple is now entering the smart home industry. According to reports, the business intends to launch a new AI-powered display that would serve as a central control center for all of the linked household appliances. Project J490, as it is known internally, may be introduced as early as March 2025.
The new gadget will have Apple Intelligence, the company’s suite of AI-powered products and services, and is anticipated to look like a tiny, wall-mounted iPad. According to sources, it will also have a 6-inch touchscreen with voice activation, as well as functionality for automation, task management, and natural language processing. It’s unclear if this gadget can help Apple establish a presence in the highly competitive smart home sector, which is controlled by companies like Google and Amazon. Both businesses have established themselves in this field, with Apple lagging behind thus far.
The gadget will also have a built-in speaker system, a rechargeable internal battery, a camera on top, and the ability to make FaceTime video calls and other types of communication. Additionally, proximity sensors are anticipated to be included in the gadget, enabling it to identify users in close vicinity. This will enable the device to modify its display to present pertinent information based on the users’ distance from the device.
Additionally, a new operating system code-named Pebble—which reportedly combines features from iOS and the Apple Watch OS—is anticipated to be included with the device. It is anticipated that Pebble would include a dock for commonly used apps and a customized home screen with widgets that display data such as weather forecasts.
Bloomberg claims that the gadget is somewhat expensive, with a suggested retail price of up to $1,000. Compared to Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo models, which usually range in price from $100 to $230, this represents a significant price hike. However, at a time when the market for smart home gadgets has grown quickly, Apple’s release of the device will put the Cupertino-based tech giant in direct rivalry with both Amazon and Google.
Apple is (reportedly) seeking to provide a higher-end version of this device as well, which is likely to give the business an advantage over its competitors. The display may follow users around a room with the help of a robotic arm. Another differentiator could be Apple Intelligence, which allows customers to control gadgets that are compatible with HomeKit. Several third-party devices, including cameras, lighting, and thermostats, are currently supported by HomeKit. Furthermore, it has been said that Apple intends to release a few smart home accessories—like indoor security cameras that might also be used as baby monitors—alongside the device.
Additionally, it is anticipated that the new smart home gadget would prioritize data security and privacy, which is undoubtedly a selling factor for smart home devices. Integration with iCloud is anticipated in order to store private data and security footage. Additionally, intercom capability will be available, allowing customers to receive real-time security warnings and converse across numerous Apple devices in the same home.
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