Apple Working on iPad-Like Display for Controlling Smart Homes, FaceTime Chats and More

[koelsh]

Soooo…. They would sell an iPad running less software… Why not a mode or extended Home app for people to use on “retired” iPads?

I already kind of do with with a metal plate in my room for putting up papers. Put the iPad Pro in Apple’s folio and it magnetically attaches to this plate. Works pretty well for occasionally poking it while running around cleaning up the room.

 

[jimmirehman]

An “ iPad-like smart home display “, is an iPad.

 

[nutmac]

HomePlay

I think this is it. For at a glance Home use, iPadOS is too complex and cluttered.

I would like a cheaper iPad mini-sized device whose UI is optimized for Home hub and media playback. For added installation flexibility, perhaps Apple can make a variant that can double as a thermostat.

 

[SMH4KIDIOT]

An “ iPad-like smart home display “, is an iPad.

They are talking about something like Google next Hub, a device dedicated to smart home services.

 

[MacMikePro]

Oh that’s one thing we definitely need at this point, a different type of iPad.
The iPad nano

"Behold the iPad nano!" *is literally the iPod touch*

 

[ehrens]

Already using an iPad Air 2 mounted to my wall for a similar effect.

 

[1557750]

No! Bad, Apple.

*coughs, Portal!

 

[BuffaloTF]

How about just... the iPad? Make a dock that has MagSafe and the 3 pin connecter. Add MagSafe to the iPad Air and Pro. Slap it on the dock when you want it, leave it as... I don't know, some form of a HomePod when not docked. It could look like that building in Chicago from Adventures in Babysitting for all I care.

 

[wyrdness]

New hardware? How about something like "HomePadOS" that can be installed on current and older iPads? A stripped down version of iOS that is fully optimised just for HomeKit, so that even on old iPads it can run fast and smooth.

That would be a great use for old, unsupported iPads, but I guess that Apple would prefer them to be electronic junk rather than be repurposed for something useful.

 

[xizdun]

This will be a definite BUY for me. Never purchased a HomePod and never will, because this "HomePod with a Screen" is what I'm holding out for.

 

[1291030]

so, I can get a FaceTime meta portal rip off, but I can to face time and camera continuity on my Apple TV. Makes sense.

 

[twistedpixel8]

You mean to control the homes you have been beating over the head with every iOS 16 update? Yeah maybe focus on fixing all that first.

 

[jmgregory1]

Why do what you can already accomplish on your iPhone or iPad, when you can have yet another device that in this case is stuck in one location on the wall in your house? I am sure that they’re likely looking at a home hub style device, but sticking it to a wall just makes it inconvenient to use.

I would think a better solution for a smart home hub, would be to put the brains of a hub into every HomePod mini or max, and/or AppleTV, since these devices normally just sit in one spot plugged in all the time. Then just have the Home app drive all functions from your iPhone, iPad or MacBook.

I used to have a high-end whole home stereo system with keypads in rooms to run the speakers as desired per room. It was a great idea at the time, because you only needed one system that could drive music into 5 different rooms. But as soon as the iPhone took off and AirPort Expresses were launched, the idea of having to go to the keypad every time to make adjustments, was a huge bother and reminded me of the tv’s I used to have before the days of tv remotes.

I ended up pulling all the keypads for the system and using a series of AirPort Express‘s to stream music and movie soundtracks into the various rooms. I still use one AirPort Express that is connected to a HomePod and control both through the Home app.

 

[mrat93]

Smart homes can be very expensive tho.

I just want a 16" iPad, please.

A 16” iPad (Pro) would probably cost about 4x my smart home setup (mostly lights and switches) but still. Can’t imagine what they’ll charge for a HomePod with a screen.

 

[Ghost31]

Why…didnt they just oh i dont know…release a HomePod with a new design flip up screen that could’ve done all this? Least it would’ve felt new

 

[MallardDuck]

if it runs the home app, it'll fail. Apple's problem in this area isn't hardware (just use an old ipad)...it's software.

 

[Student of Life]

They are talking about something like Google next Hub, a device dedicated to smart home services.

The problem is Google priced that at 50 to 70 when its on sale. I cant see Apple going that low. Knowing Apple we are talking about at least 200 dollars. That is the problem, at that price point you are getting close to an iPad 9th gen Which is an actual full fledge iPad.

 

[Populus]

New hardware? How about something like "HomePadOS" that can be installed on current and older iPads? A stripped down version of iOS that is fully optimised just for HomeKit, so that even on old iPads it can run fast and smooth.

This would be an excellent idea… if Apple wouldn’t want to maximize the sales of this new device.

 

[danmaldesign]

It’s going to be called an iPhone! I can’t wait for this product!

 

[NMBob]

So if I wanna turn the heat up I gotta get up out of my chair and go over to the wall and poke on this thing?

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Can we get something like this to hold the iPad as well?

Source:

 

[mdriftmeyer]

Apple HomeIntercom

 

[MrRom92]

Not down for this but the integrated camera/HomePod/soundbar type device sounds pretty neat. As long as it’s actually a good soundbar (real atmos with upfiring speakers?) I would be very interested

 

[klasma]

An “ iPad-like smart home display “, is an iPad.

Presumably it won’t be battery-powered and won’t display your personal calendar and email etc. unless it has multi-user support. The display may automatically activate by FaceID because it can’t use raise-to-wake and having to tap would be annoying.

Lots of practical differences due to the fixed installation.

 

[TracesOfArsenic]

YESSS! Now THIS is innovation!