Apple has finally entered the smart home market.
During its "Welcome Home" event on Oct. 13, Apple announced the launch of Apple HomeView, the tech giant's first smart home hub that connects with home applications like doorbells, thermostats and security cameras in addition to applications on a user's other Apple devices. Available as a countertop device or wall mount, the HomeView is capable of detecting up to six individual faces, presenting unique displays and access to each user's Apple ecosystem. The device serves as Apple's competition against Amazon's Echo Smart Home Hub and Google's Nest Hub.
The HomeView features Siri AI, Apple's latest AI-powered addition of the personal assistant. Siri AI is supposed to be more conversation, have broader
world knowledge and provide a more tailored experience for the user.
The HomeView is compatible with Apple Home Collection, a brand-new line of smart home cameras, thermostats and doorbells made in collaboration with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. As of Oct. 13, a launch date for the Apple Home Collection hadn't been announced.
The HomeView announcement comes about a month after Apple introduced the highly anticipated iPhone Duo, the first foldable iPhone. Folding like a book, the iPhone Duo is available Oct. 23, starting at $1,999.
Here's what to know about the Apple HomeView.
Apple HomeView features
Facial recognition, personalization
The HomeView is capable of recognizing up to six individuals through a built-in camera, presenting a personalized display for each user. When one of the registered users is detected by the smart home hub, the HomeView pulls up that user's prefers apps and widgets.
According to a news release, personal context and conversations stay private to each user, while shared photo albums and music can be accessed by all.
Cross device capabilities
With Apple Intelligence enabled on another device, like an iPhone or iPad, the HomeView is capable of taking actions and pulling up information from various Apple mainstay apps, including Messages, Calendar, Reminder and Apple Music, according to a news release. For example, if a user has Siri AI enabled on an iPhone, the user can pull up that same conversation on the HomeView.
Interactive displays
The HomeView offers a variety of display options, including a single image or clock face, live photo album, dynamic art that shifts when someone walks by the device and animations featuring popular characters like Snoopy, according to a news release.
Audio connection across the house, different devices
In addition to providing listening and watching capabilities to Apple Music, News, TV or Podcasts, the smart home hub can serve as an intercom, letting a user broadcast a message to a single room or the whole house through other HomeView and HomePod speakers or personal devices like iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, according to a news release.
The HomeView is also Find My compatible, so a user can search for a misplaced iPhone or AirPods charging case through the hub.
Home security
Similar to pre-existing smart home ecosystems, the HomeView allows a user to check security cameras, change the temperature or turn on the lights through remote control. The HomeView is capable of displaying up to nine security camera feeds at once.
Apple HomeView size
The HomeView boasts a 7-inch Liquid Retina display, according to a news release. For the countertop device, the display sits on a domed speaker base with a steel hinge that allows a user to tilt the display up and down.
Apple HomeView colors
According to a news release, the countertop HomeView is available in:
- Silver
- Starlight
- Rose pink
- Space gray
The wall-mounted HomeView is available in:
- Space gray
- Silver
How much does the Apple HomeView cost?
Both the countertop and wall-mounted HomeView options are available for $299, according to a news release.
As of Oct 13, the wall mounted HomeView is available with a choice of two mounts, a power mount USB-C wall connector for $59.95 or a power mount AC wired (no wires) for $79.95, according to a news release.
When will the Apple HomeView be available to purchase?
Starting Oct. 13, the HomeView is available for pre-order on the Apple website. The smart home hub will be available in stores starting Nov. 13.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Apple releases first smart home hub. See features, colors and price
