Gurman: Combined HomePod/Apple TV Device Remains in Early Development

[MacRumors]

Apple's work on a new combined HomePod and Apple TV device is ongoing, according to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman.

As has been previously reported, Gurman reiterated that the new device will feature a built-in screen and a camera for FaceTime calls.

As part of its broader home, audio and accessories strategy, Apple has also begun early development of a HomePod speaker with a built-in screen as well as a device that combines the features of a HomePod, FaceTime camera and Apple TV, Bloomberg News has reported. Competition for speakers with screens is already widespread. Apple released a HomePod mini speaker last year and outlined a minor update to the Apple TV set-top box last month.

The report suggests that, given the fairly minor update to the Apple TV 4K that was announced last month, the new combined HomePod device will represent a much more significant advancement in the Apple TV product line.

Gurman has also explained in the past that Apple is exploring a future high-end HomePod speaker that could include an iPad connected via a robotic arm that tracks and follows users around a room.

Apple was planning to release an updated HomePod model in 2022 as a successor to the 2017 HomePod, but these plans were apparently shelved after the larger HomePod was outright discontinued. The company now appears to be focusing on this new combined HomePod-Apple TV product instead.

Gurman's report earlier this morning also laid out Apple's plans for third-generation AirPods coming later this year and second-generation AirPods Pro coming in 2022 with health tracking features.

Article Link: Gurman: Combined HomePod/Apple TV Device Remains in Early Development

 

[fwmireault]

A combinated homepod and Apple TV could be interesting. But I have 0 interest to have a screen on my smart speakers. I already have iPhone and iPad for that

 

[Appleman3546]

It makes sense for Apple to combine the two expensive hobbies into one expensive hobby. Both have floundered separately, so maybe it could be unique enough when they are together?

 

[otternonsense]

Is this the new ToasterFridge?

 

[DanTSX]

Oh man this would be cool.

 

[Dydegu]

That G4 design is pretty dope.

 

[FSMBP]

That G4 HomePod-iPad combo looks sick! Would totally get that to easy HomeKit access + a decent speaker.

 

[Superdrive]

I’ve never used any of my HomePods and thought, “Gee, I wish this had a screen.” Bring me that shelved 2022 HomePod instead.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

I think it’s going to sell like hot cakes but it’s going to take years

 

[DrJR]

I just threw my 2 year old homepod in the garbage because it died. What a garbage product. Never again. JBL Charge 3 was like $120 on Amazon.

 

[BWhaler]

These are the worst mock-ups of all time.

 

[AngerDanger]

Gurman has also explained in the past that Apple is exploring a future high-end HomePod speaker that could include an iPad connected via a robotic arm that tracks and follows users around a room.

Seems like it'd bee cool if it was a weird looking HomePod with an arm by default, and then you could attach your own iPads to it for FaceTime tracking or audio passthrough or something.

As described, it sounds like a HomePod that'd be 1.5x–2x expensive because it has an iPad permanently connected.

 

[otternonsense]

These are the worst mock-ups of all time.

Right? The faux G4 iMac especially is an insult to that once iconic product.

 

[ipponrg]

Sounds similar to the Google Home hub but with all sorts of identity issues. The mockups make it look like someone just did it for fun without caring about it being practical.

I do wish they did combine the Homepod with AppleTV, so that I don't have to use 2 plugs and can save some space. I would prefer to not have a built-in camera or screen. It's not that helpful as a living room device.

 

[FasterQuieter]

Those are some funky looking renders.

 

[MetalProgrammer]

What people complaining about the high price of the Apple TV don't get is that there is a great processor in there. With the right software, this could be a full-blown computer. I would expect Apple to do something along those lines.

 

[JRobinsonJr]

A combinated homepod and Apple TV could be interesting. But I have 0 interest to have a screen on my smart speakers. I already have iPhone and iPad for that

In addition, I want to use my 65" TV for FaceTime... not some tiny screen sitting on a table somewhere. If that's the solution I too would rather use my iPad/iPhone.

 

[KrisLord]

I don’t know why this ends up looking like Google alexa devices when what we really want is something like a Sonos Beam.

 

[Moonjumper]

That G4 design is pretty dope.

I would have loved the new iMac to be similar in design to that.

 

[rgwebb]

I had 2 HomePods and an Apple TV 4K in my entertainment center and the home theater functionality was a substantial upgrade from the decade or more old soundbar+woofer connected to the television over HDMI ARC. I got the new Apple TV 4K and was pleasantly surprised by the ARC/eARC feature added to the home theater functionality. Now I get better audio on all the other inputs too.

I have little doubt that if Apple made a purpose built entertainment center homepod that it would compete favorably with the comparable Sonos offerings but have the advantage of ecosystem fit for those already knee-deep into Apple products.

I've said this elsewhere: the problem with the original homepod was not that it was a bad product but that it was a bad product for the home assistant market they were targeting. The homepod is actually a very compelling product for the home entertainment center.

 

[alexandr]

Right? The faux G4 iMac especially is an insult to that once iconic product.

in this mock up — yes, but i could see apple revisiting that amazing design. i'll get my old g4 from my grandparents and put them side by side(devices not grandparents)

 

[Lemon Olive]

Here is what I want:

Better wide angle FaceTime with the living room TV as the display.

That's where the potential is. So the family can see the remote parties on the big screen, and a camera and mic system that is designed to pick up everything.

To do this we need:
- Beam forming mic array to pickup voices across the room.
- FaceTime camera with Center Stage. Honestly, it would be better for it to be a mechanical camera that can pan, instead of just an ultra wide lens that is cropped, but we know Apple will never.
- Output to the HDTV.

You put those together and you do get an Apple TV / HomePod hybrid. Sort of. It's just hard to see how it all fits together.

 

[TVreporter]

I don't get the need or appeal for this... I can already mirror a FaceTime call to Apple TV and have a full screen to talk. I have an iPad or phone to take calls elsewhere in the house.

That rendor of a iPad mini on a stick attached to a sliced HomePod needs some major work guys.

 

[orbital~debris]

as well as a device that combines the features of a ‌HomePod‌, FaceTime camera and ‌Apple TV

Of the two products, this (👆🏻) is the one with a lot of potential for the lounge/living room. It makes sense to offer a product that:

• Outputs clean, clear, amplified high quality audio
• Brings the existing features of Apple TV (why not, and avoids the need to have a separate box)
• Has a camera so allows FaceTime calls directly on your TV
• Incorporates technologies of the new iPad Pro’s ‘Center Stage’ FaceTime camera, to include the capability to track people in a wide, whole room view

No more mirroring your iPhone, iPad or Mac to get the FaceTime on the larger TV display, or needing to worry about where that device’s camera & mic are positioned so the other side of the call can see and hear you.

Sounds perfect for hassle-free family-group to family-group FaceTime calls on your sofa.


(The other product - the ‘HomePod with screen but no Apple TV’ - should be great for kitchens and other spaces where you want to FaceTime while doing other things, and a large display isn’t as necessary).

 

[rumz]

Here is what I want:

Better wide angle FaceTime with the living room TV as the display.

That's where the potential is. So the family can see the remote parties on the big screen, and a camera and mic system that is designed to pick up everything.

To do this we need:
- Beam forming mic array to pickup voices across the room.
- FaceTime camera with Center Stage. Honestly, it would be better for it to be a mechanical camera that can pan, instead of just an ultra wide lens that is cropped, but we know Apple will never.
- Output to the HDTV.

You put those together and you do get an Apple TV / HomePod hybrid. Sort of. It's just hard to see how it all fits together.

I could even see something like this in a corporate meeting room (Other solutions exist but demand will certainly be higher now with remote work being a much bigger thing than it used to be).