Apple reportedly working on two new smart home products

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Apple is working on two new smart home products, according to a new report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman (reliability: 84.38%). One of the devices may be a combination of an "Apple set-top box with HomePod speakers", he said. It would also contain built-in Siri and a FaceTime video capabilities, along with all of the original functionalities of an Apple TV such as gaming, watching videos and more.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that this product would combine an Apple TV, HomePod, camera for video conferencing, and other smart-home features. While that doesn’t scream “soundbar” at me, I have a hard time understanding why you’d build a box with a speaker that you’re supposed to attach your TV and not use it to route TV audio, too.

Another device, dubbed as a “high-end” speaker, is also under development. Bloomberg stated that the speaker has a touch screen “to make it more competitive with market leaders Google and Amazon.” The touchscreen will allegedly be the key feature that will make consumers want to purchase the product, hopefully standing out with its iPad, HomePod speakers and camera combination. Reports indicate that these products are still in very early stages of development. Allegedly, these two additions could be what Apple needs to finally fill their current gap in the smart home market, as Apple only held about 2% of the TV streaming device market in 2020, according to estimates.

Apple recently discontinued the original HomePod in March, with the new HomePod mini taking it place. On the other hand, the Apple TV box hasn’t seen updates in around three years so this combination is going to be the best update for the both.

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Published to Apple Scoop on 18th April, 2021.