Apple is preparing to enter the smart home market with a new wall-mounted product that combines artificial intelligence and home appliance control.
The product, codenamed J490, is expected to be announced in March as reported by Bloomberg, and will act as a control center for the home, leveraging the Apple Intelligence AI platform.
The device has a 6-inch screen with a square shape, similar to an iPad, and is about the size of two iPhones placed side by side. It includes a front-facing camera, a rechargeable battery, and built-in speakers. It will be available in silver and black. The device’s operating system, codenamed Pebble, combines elements from the Apple Watch OS and the iPhone’s StandBy feature. The interface automatically adapts to the user’s distance, thanks to the built-in proximity sensors.
In home automation technology, Apple has fallen behind Alphabet and Amazon in recent years. CEO Tim Cook has made the development of this device a priority, with more than three years of research and design. The device will support applications such as web browsing, news updates, music playback and photo viewing. Users will also be able to access notes and a calendar, and the device can be turned into a digital photo frame.
The price of the base version is expected to be competitive with similar products in the market. For comparison, the Echo Show 8 costs $150, the Echo Hub costs $180, and the Nest Hub Max costs $230. The company designs various mounting accessories, including wall mounts and stands with additional speakers for placement in the kitchen, nightstand or desk. Security is a key priority for Apple, with the device supporting features such as security alerts, camera view and intercom functionality between multiple Apple devices in the home.
The device will work standalone, but will require an iPhone for some functions, such as initial setup. It will also support Handoff mode, allowing users to continue tasks on their iPhone. Apple’s future plans include a more sophisticated version with a robotic arm that can move the screen, with an estimated price of up to $1,000.
0 Comments