Apple's Next-Gen Smart Home Devices Include Innovative Robot and Security Enhancements
Apple's aspirations in the smart home sphere have taken a leap forward with reports indicating the development of a tabletop robot that could redefine the way we interact with home tech. Rumors of a touchscreen-enabled smart device from Apple have been a persistent subject of speculation, and recent insights from Bloomberg reveal a broader scope of ambitions extending beyond the typical HomePod offerings.
At the core of Apple's smart home advancements is a "tabletop robot". This futuristic device is said to resemble an iPad mounted on a flexible arm capable of moving to follow users around a room. Such an innovation aims to enhance user interaction by turning towards those addressing it, effectively capturing their attention. Prototypes have reportedly utilized a 7-inch display, reminiscent of the iPad mini, alongside a built-in camera for seamless FaceTime calls.
Targeted for a 2027 release, the tabletop robot might arrive sooner or later, or perhaps not at all, as is often the case with tech unveilings from Apple. This gadget could evolve from Apple's previously considered smart home device—an envisioned HomePod with a screen—now deferred to 2026 according to updated schedules.
Enhancing the overall home security experience, Apple's product line will reportedly include cameras and smart doorbells equipped with facial recognition features. These could automate various household tasks such as unlocking doors, turning off lights, and customizing their music playlists based on recognized individuals.
Comparisons with Amazon's experiments like the Astro robot and the Echo Show displays have been drawn, with Apple seeming to carve out its own niche by introducing distinct AI-backed capabilities. Amidst Amazon's recent hardware scale-back, Apple is preparing for a major leap with a more intuitive Siri powered by large language models akin to ChatGPT. This brings a "more personal Siri" that was delayed for a 2024 release but is expected soon.
Furthermore, Apple is exploring different iterations of this revamped Siri, internally dubbed "Linwood" and "Glenwood". These iterations leverage internal as well as external machine learning models to elevate user interaction in Apple’s ecosystem.
