I disagree. And you clearly don't see the utility in the Echo vs having a device you already own always listening. That's fine. But that doesn't make it an unworthy product
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Apple's Amazon Echo Competitor Could Feature Camera, Facial Recognition
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Of course they introduced new features. That's how they improve on existing devices. But Apple never invented a device category. They've always taken one that wasn't ideal and made it user friendly and beautifully designed.
Making their version of a home assistant falls right in that pattern. They'll take an ugly device and make something beautiful and a pleasure to use.
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Apple's rumored product designed to compete with the Amazon Echo could come equipped with a camera and facial recognition capabilities, reports CNET. Citing sources with knowledge of Apple's plans, CNET says the device would be "self aware," able to detect the people in the room through facial recognition technology.![amazonecho2.jpg]()
Once the device determines who is in the room, that information could be used to pull up each person's preferences, "such as the music and lighting they like," allowing for a customized interactive experience for each member of the home. Facial recognition is something Apple has previously expressed interest in, both through patent filings and acquisitions.
News of Apple's work on an Amazon Echo competitor first surfaced earlier this week, when The Information reported such a device was under development. The Amazon Echo is an in-home personal assistant device that features a built-in speaker and a robust artificial intelligence system, and a product from Apple would likely be similar, with AI capabilities based on Siri along with its own speaker and microphone.
It is not clear what form Apple's in-home hub will take. While The Information's report suggested it was a standalone hardware product, a second report from VentureBeat has said Apple will built the Echo-like features into a next-generation Apple TV.
Apple is laying the groundwork for a robust in-home AI-powered product through its work on Siri, and major Siri improvements could come in iOS 10. Apple is said to be preparing to release a Siri SDK, which would make the personal assistant available to developers for the first time and greatly increase its functionality.
Today's report is the first to include details on a potential release timeline, suggesting the device could launch at the end of 2016, but 2017 is a more likely target. CNET cautions that Apple's plans for a camera could change as it is a potential privacy risk that may not be favorable with consumers. As with all Apple products still under development, there's also a chance Apple could scrap its Echo competitor entirely.
Article Link: Apple's Amazon Echo Competitor Could Feature Camera, Facial Recognition
Apple's talking tube had better be a bong. Those are the only tubes that are allowed to talk to me
Now if they could only get Siri to work right on my iPhone and Apple Watch, that would be awesome.
Sounds like you've already decided. Congratulations.
It was a few years ago, but compromised webcams turned out to have been a very unhappy surprise for some people.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2428635,00.asp
https://www.macrumors.com/2013/12/1...-macbook-webcams-without-green-warning-light/
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Oh, come on. You almost had me on board until this patently false hyperbolic statement.
Amazon Echo? What is Amazon Echo? Can somebody please tell me more about Amazon Echo?
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Ha. All the extreme points of view at MacRumors Forums. Getting my daily dose, how about you?
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It's true, Apple just never have been good at software. Or hardware. Or services as a matter of fact.
Ha. All the extreme points of view at MacRumors Forums. Getting my daily dose, how about you?
Agreed. I hope Apple's Siri appliance will help them make Siri better on all their devices.
The problem with this this thinking is if they DON'T enter this product category, but it becomes a big deal, people will say "where is Apple?". If they enter the product category, people will say "Apple is a me too company" now.
In reality, Apple was not the first company to release MP3 players, smart phones, tablets, and so on. They always wait until companies make mistakes, then step in with their own measured response
I miss when Apple used to make insanely great products and software.....
When was that?
I've already decided? Congratulations? Does your snark somehow compensate for not having anything of importance to say on the matter?
With respect to those links, you are aware that was tracking software installed by the school, hacked as it modified the system, and only would work on pre-2008 computers (8 years ago), right? And that SI would not permit that today.
There's your problem, you have been listening to Wall Street complete idiots.
Google and Microsoft have been playing them for fools that they are, and more and more keep coming, I will give their CEOs the capabilities for that, and you're just more canon fodder...
Go away and sell your AAPL shares if you will, your broker will be happy, but don't sell that BS to sane people.
I too have Amazon Echo upstairs and downstairs, they've worked out exceptionally well. It's IFTTT that's been especially nice since I've been enjoying it even before i bought the Echo. It fits in perfectly with my cross platform ecosystem, the improvement and refinements of these latest Echos compared to the original proves how well Amazon understands the category.
The reason Apples device won't interest me is twofold. First I have no use for a closed proprietary device, and second, like SIRI Apple's device is bound to be a gimmicky thing preprogrammed with cutesy responses designed to impress the easily amused.
No Thanks...
I will not deny that the iPad is just a big iPhone they pretty much run the same OS but on a bigger screen. Hey Siri on the 6s/Plus does not require the iPhone to be plugged in. This is why a bluetooth speaker with mic would make since. you get all the functionality of siri, and home kit. no need to build a device with its own OS.
it wont be stored by Apple, itll just be the device looking for people. Dont trust Apple? Fine, but youd better get rid of all of your Apple devices since if they're liars they're already recording you with your phone, tablet, and Mac, and keping the results.
"CNET says the device would be "self aware,"
I don't think that means what CNET thinks it means?
I don't think that means what CNET thinks it means?
Lately?
Others made MP3 players, Apple: Me too, with the iPod.
Others made smart phones, Apple me too, with iPhone.
Others made tablets, Apple me too with the iPad.
Others made maps, Apple me too with it's own Maps.
Others put a fingerprint scanner on the phone, Apple me too with it's touch ID.
Others made smart watches, Apple me too with the Apple watch.
Others are making automated electric cars, presumably Apple me too with the Apple car.
Guess Apple should drop everything else and stick with macs
Lately?
Others made MP3 players, Apple: Me too, with the iPod.
Others made smart phones, Apple me too, with iPhone.
Others made tablets, Apple me too with the iPad.
Others made maps, Apple me too with it's own Maps.
Others put a fingerprint scanner on the phone, Apple me too with it's touch ID.
Others made smart watches, Apple me too with the Apple watch.
Others are making automated electric cars, presumably Apple me too with the Apple car.
Guess Apple should drop everything else and stick with macs
"Guess Apple should drop everything else and stick with macs
"Nope, can't do that. Others made personal computers before the Mac came to market in 1984.