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Title: Could an Upcoming Apple Smart-Home Tablet Lead to Mobile Robots - and
Maybe Even a TV Set?

Link: https://apple.slashdot.org/story/24/11/17/200...

"Here's how Apple's next major product will work," writes Bloomberg's Mark
Gurman: The company has been developing a smart home command center that will
rival products like the Amazon Echo Hub and Google Nest Hub... The product
will run many of Apple's core apps, like Safari, Notes and Calendar, but the
interface will be centered on a customizable home screen with iOS-like
widgets and smart home controls... The device looks like a low-end iPad and
will include a built-in battery, speakers and a FaceTime camera oriented for
a horizontal landscape view. The square device, which includes a roughly 6-
inch screen, has sensors that let it change the interface depending on how
far a user is from the screen. It will also have attachments for walls, plus
a base with additional speakers so it can be placed on a table, nightstand or
desk. Apple envisions customers using the device as an intercom, with people
FaceTiming each other from different rooms. They'll also be able to pull up
home security footage, control their lights, and videoconference with family
while cooking in the kitchen. And it will control music throughout the home
on HomePod speakers. The device will work with hundreds of HomeKit-compatible
items, a lineup that includes third-party switches, lights, fans and other
accessories. But the company doesn't plan to roll out a dedicated app store
for the product. Given the lack of success with app marketplaces for the
Vision Pro, Apple Watch and Apple TV, that's not too surprising. Looking
ahead, the article concludes "The success of this device is still far from
assured. Apple's recent track record pushing into new categories has been
spotty, and its previous home products haven't been major hits." But Gurman
shares the most interesting part on X.com: If the product does catch on, it
will help set the stage for more home devices. Apple is working on a high-end
AI companion with a [$1,000] robotic arm and large display that could serve
as a follow-up. The company could also put more resources into developing
mobile robots, privacy-focused home cameras and speakers. It may even revisit
the idea of making an Apple-branded TV set, something it's evaluating. But if
the first device fails, Apple may have to rethink its smart home ambitions
once again. Gurman also writes that Apple is also working on a new AirTag
with more range and improved privacy features (including "making it more
difficult for someone to remove the speaker."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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