Apple HomeView and Home Collection Unveiled
Apple unveiled HomeView, a 7-inch smart display featuring AI-powered Siri integration, alongside a new lineup of interconnected hardware called the Apple Home Collection, Novinky reported. Designed to serve as a central hub for connected homes, the system coordinates home security, lighting, and climate control through the Apple Home app. The hardware lineup was developed in partnership with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric to integrate directly with Apple devices.
The HomeView display features a 7-inch square IPS screen with a 1088 × 1080 pixel resolution, a 220 ppi pixel density, and a peak brightness of 500 nits, according to Živě.cz. It includes a 12-megapixel front camera supporting Center Stage for FaceTime calls and a speaker base with spatial audio. According to Forbes Česko, the device will cost $299 for both table and wall-mounted variants, with preorders starting October 13 and shipping beginning November 13 in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, and New Zealand. The device will not launch in the European Union initially because Siri AI features are currently unavailable under EU software regulations, as reported by Forbes Česko.
Smart Display Features and Facial Recognition
HomeView functions as an audio and video playback device, digital clock, calendar, intercom, and weather station while supporting kitchen recipe reading. Živě.cz reported that the device includes a built-in thermometer, a hygrometer, and a microphone capable of recognizing smoke and carbon monoxide alarm sirens to push notifications to family mobile devices. Forbes Česko noted that HomeView uses facial recognition to identify up to six household members, displaying personal content such as messages and calendars only to the recognized user.
The device requires a designated home hub, such as an Apple TV 4K, a HomePod, a HomePod mini, or another HomeView unit. While iPads previously served as home hubs, Apple shifted that requirement exclusively to dedicated hardware platforms under its updated software architecture, as noted by Živě.cz.
Apple Home Collection Hardware and Pricing
The Apple Home Collection relies on external manufacturers for physical hardware while utilizing Apple software for setup and control. Matthew Costello of hardware engineering, stated that the company worked closely with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric to ensure seamless interaction with the Home app. Živě.cz detailed the lineup and pricing, which includes an indoor 2.5K camera from LG priced at $200, an outdoor 2.5K camera at $300, an outdoor floodlight camera at $400, a wired video doorbell at $250, a smart deadbolt lock at $350, a smart thermostat at $200, and smart temperature sensors priced at $40 from both LG and Schneider Electric.
The indoor camera automatically tilts downward toward the floor when family members arrive home, stopping video monitoring of active rooms. The outdoor cameras offer color night vision in low light, while the Floodlight Camera activates its lights upon detecting motion. The LG Video Doorbell features a dual-camera system with a 2.5K upper resolution for visitors and a Full HD lower resolution specifically angled to monitor package deliveries.
AI Search and Local Storage Capabilities
Home security footage is processed locally through compatible home hubs and can be organized using Apple Intelligence via an iCloud+ subscription. The system recognizes people, known faces, animals, vehicles, and packages, generating automated text summaries of recorded events to allow natural language video searches. Paid iCloud+ plans provide access to a ten-day event history without requiring a separate camera subscription. Cameras also feature built-in storage to maintain continuous recording if Wi-Fi connectivity drops.
The LG Smart Deadbolt Lock uses ultra-wideband technology to detect the physical distance of an authorized iPhone or Apple Watch, unlocking automatically without requiring the user to tap the device against the lock. The system also supports PIN codes, physical backup keys, and digital proximity keys, while sending alerts if a door is forced open despite being locked.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple HomeView
Why is HomeView unavailable in the European Union at launch?
Forbes Česko reported that HomeView will not launch in the European Union because the upgraded Siri AI features required by the device are not yet available on iOS within the region.
What power options are available for HomeView?
Živě.cz stated that HomeView is offered in three configuration options: a USB-C variant priced at $60, a direct wall-plug version for $80, and a Power-over-Ethernet model costing $130.
Do the new cameras require a separate monthly subscription?
Novinky reported that the cameras do not require a standalone manufacturer subscription, though an active iCloud+ subscription is necessary to store and access the ten-day video event history.
- Florent Poux argues for automated Scan-to-BIM and IFC workflows
- Strive Expands Bitcoin Treasury Following Warrant Exercises
- Apple Watch Series 10 titanium model discounted from $799 price tag (archyworldys.com)
- Exclusive: Apple Routed a Graphite Pipe Through the iPhone Duo’s Hinge. Here’s Why (newsylist.com)