New 'HomePod' Hub With 7-Inch Screen on Track to Launch This Year
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HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
Apple Inc???
$300 + $500 = $800, so this 2 in 1 "incredible", "magical" device "only Apple could make" can be yours, starting Tuesday, for only $999. "We think you'll love it."
But, but, but I can just get a HP and a more functional Mini for $800. Yes, but you can't get them in this "beautiful", "magical" mount with this prominent Apple logo on the front... in these 5 incredible colors. Act now! Hurry!
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turbineseaplane
Contributor
Extract more cash from our wallets to help Apple fill vault #177.
Actually, the main point of a stationary, less-functional iPad Mini screen like this could be to be at home when those of us who have iPads are out with them. This is akin to asking why someone might want a standalone camera for AppleTV when they can just use their iDevice as Continuity Camera: what about when the "continuity camera" is out with its owners and others at home want to FaceTime Grandma?
What I would do is buy any number of <$30 mounts on Amazon to just allocate such jobs to retired, older iPads (which would offer full iPad functionality as a sizable bonus) than buy something like this, but Apple knows that some number will buy anything they make... so they'll make it.
Conceptually, this MIGHT be able to do something regular iPads or repurposed older iPads can't... though it's hard to imagine exactly what that might be. Include proprietary connectors to HVAC equipment (that doesn't exist as iPad dongles)? Perhaps some OS offshoot functionality not shared with iPadOS (nor permitted to be replicated in iPad apps)?
Otherwise, based on accumulated rumors, this looks like less functional iPad in a dedicated frame with an Apple brand prominently on it. Maybe that last part is the entire draw???
You’ve brought up a really good use case that I might have
Something like this could be installed at an older relatives home and remotely managed to cycle through photos and also be a stationary FaceTime area
Yes, we realize an iPad could do this but something much more focused and dedicated for this is really really welcome in a senior environment.
Trust me.
It’s a little bit like an iPhone versus a landline
Someirishguy
macrumors 6502
If it becomes the central ‘brain’ of a smarter home, that brings Apple Intelligence to all 9 of my HomePods (assuming Apple Intelligence can do some smart home stuff), then it’s a day one purchase.
If it’s a less functional touch screen than all my other touch screens (iPhones/iPads), that sits in one place, then, eh, no
If it’s a less functional touch screen than all my other touch screens (iPhones/iPads), that sits in one place, then, eh, no
Looking forward to seeing it hit the market. No doubt in my mind it will offer features and functionality way beyond the comments above about it being just another iPad.
Which reminds me when iPad was announced by Jobs way back in 2010, with comments here (paraphrased):
"iPad... who asked for that? It's just a big iPhone!"
Which reminds me when iPad was announced by Jobs way back in 2010, with comments here (paraphrased):
"iPad... who asked for that? It's just a big iPhone!"
turbineseaplane
Contributor
I think your wallet is safe
I’m surprised at home many on here are completely discounting a segment that already currently exists and Apple isn’t in it.
We have iPads, iPhones and Apple TVs, but I appreciate having a google nest just for quick access that’s always in the kitchen. We don’t use it a ton, but for the $49, it’s an easy buy.
Now if apple releases one, I’d like a better calendar support and other widgets/apps. We use paprika app and having that right there in the kitchen without having our iPhone/ipad out and moving around would be nice. Could a specialized stand work instead? Sure. But again, in a multi device household, it can be a more permanent fixture. Apple TV requires a large tv to run. Phones depend on everyone else to be present. I just hope they make their software with home automation much more robust with this next release.
We have iPads, iPhones and Apple TVs, but I appreciate having a google nest just for quick access that’s always in the kitchen. We don’t use it a ton, but for the $49, it’s an easy buy.
Now if apple releases one, I’d like a better calendar support and other widgets/apps. We use paprika app and having that right there in the kitchen without having our iPhone/ipad out and moving around would be nice. Could a specialized stand work instead? Sure. But again, in a multi device household, it can be a more permanent fixture. Apple TV requires a large tv to run. Phones depend on everyone else to be present. I just hope they make their software with home automation much more robust with this next release.
Spot on. Same here. Apple's been working on this for awhile. I think many will be surprised. No doubt some will be stuck in the "who asked for this?" camp... similar to when many of Apple's other products were announced in the past.
Seeing a lot of potential possibilities and utility, I'm looking forward to it being released.
turbineseaplane
Contributor
Correct.
The problem is the pricing most likely
Like you said it needs to be inexpensive and something you don’t mind having around that is just money you kind of threw away on it
At the 349 and up this will probably be, it’s gonna have a hard time.
Another problem with Apple is they are so high on their own supply, they think everything they make should be expensive even when it clearly is not the case in given markets
jmgregory1
macrumors 68040
An interesting possible use case for a stationary HomePod Hub with a screen would be to show at a glance calendar events, to-do’s, location, etc., not just for a single user who set it up, but for all users within a household (or business). Obviously it would require everyone to agree to share details, and that might be problematic for safety/security.
But beyond this possible use case, I’m just not sure what the selling point will be for a household of people already in the Apple ecosystem.
But beyond this possible use case, I’m just not sure what the selling point will be for a household of people already in the Apple ecosystem.
In my opinion a limited market.
I for one don't even like the iPad. I much prefer to have an MBP so I can do everything I need. Ok so no touch screen and super portability but the iPhone meets that need.
Apple need a device like this because there is a niche there. But still a small market.
I buy a lot of Apple products and use the iPhone, AppleWatch, MBP, AppleTV in that order of usage. A hub device would not get used much and I only buy things that I know I will use regularly. A lot of people are like that.
I for one don't even like the iPad. I much prefer to have an MBP so I can do everything I need. Ok so no touch screen and super portability but the iPhone meets that need.
Apple need a device like this because there is a niche there. But still a small market.
I buy a lot of Apple products and use the iPhone, AppleWatch, MBP, AppleTV in that order of usage. A hub device would not get used much and I only buy things that I know I will use regularly. A lot of people are like that.
iMac The Knife
macrumors 6502a
The headline in three weeks will read: New 'HomePod' Hub With 7-Inch Screen delayed until 2076.
Ummm, I can do all of that already with my iPad...
bradman83
macrumors 65816
An iPad as a home hub was always kind of a bad idea since it’s a portable battery powered device. Go on a trip and take your iPad with you and your smart home stops working, or if you go on a trip and forget to plug your iPad in and the battery depletes and you’d run into the same situation. Ideally you’d want the home hub to be something connected to a consistent power source.
I would buy it if it brought Siri super intelligence to my dumber than dumb HomePods with Siri. Because nothing will piss me off more than me having to replace my 8 HomePods (2 new large versions, 2 OG, and 4 minis) just to get a version of Siri that isn't stupid. Has anyone else with smart home light switches noticed random weird behavior where some or multiple of the lights in the home flash on and off? I'm using Leviton light switches which are Matter enabled along with the Home app. I have read that Apple's Home app is causing these problems. It's almost like an Apple engineer decides to reboot the server (usually over the weekend) and it causes havoc with the customers.
Allen_Wentz
macrumors 601
Since you "don't even know who would want this thing, or 'why'," I will tell you: me. I have been waiting for Apple to step up before expanding my smart home ecosystem. I absolutely love the full-size HomePods, and although this appears expected to be a totally different product, Apple continuing its expansion into the smart home space makes lots of sense.I see the rendering inspiration was a Magic Trackpad 1
I don't even know who would want this thing, or "why" ... but none of it will matter if it's overpriced
I'm a little skeptical about Apples ability to do something new like this and price it to actually sell
Apple has years of experience now, including the excellent full-size v1 HomePod and some [IMO crap] like v1 HomePod Mini. Matter is now at v1.4 with WiFi and Thread incorporated, and supporting most device categories [notably not including cameras, a huge flaw]. IMO the underlying basics are consistent enough now for Apple to step up with some authority. People like me whose wide range of devices (Macs, iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, etc.) live within Apple's ecosystem have wanted a working Apple smarthome ecosystem for a long time.
azentropy
macrumors 601
Oh I know. Just pointing out the hypocrisy of Apple.
turbineseaplane
Contributor
There is room for dedicated devices too
Not everyone has (or wants) an iPad
Allen_Wentz
macrumors 601
You ask
The point would be that after ten generations many of us have unused iPads that we would happily use as an always-powered smarthome hub.
211
macrumors 6502
This is a problem looking for an answer. As many have already said, Apple already has the iPad, iPhone, tv and HomePod. I cannot see how this product could not be accomplished with its existing products.
Apple should look into how existing products can complement each other (eg. HomePod minis as rear surround speakers) and actual devices that cannot be done with their existing ones (eg. Doorbell/security cameras, WiFi and backup storage mesh systems, integration with 3rd parties (eg. TVs, washing machine, fridges, etc. so we don’t need to use their individual apps) and of course, better Siri and Home app
Apple should look into how existing products can complement each other (eg. HomePod minis as rear surround speakers) and actual devices that cannot be done with their existing ones (eg. Doorbell/security cameras, WiFi and backup storage mesh systems, integration with 3rd parties (eg. TVs, washing machine, fridges, etc. so we don’t need to use their individual apps) and of course, better Siri and Home app
turbineseaplane
Contributor
If this had a good sound system on it and was basically in the HomePod line, I may indeed be a customer for it on my kitchen island as I do a lot of podcast listening there (through an old Bose speaker right now)
AppleTO
macrumors 65816
Don’t forget, a couple of years ago Apple ‘conveniently’ removed the ability for the iPad to be a home hub.
cicalinarrot
macrumors 6502a
I don't know what you do with your iPad, iPhone or Apple TV but I don't keep any of them always on and with the Home app open and ready to use.
Having an iPad just for that could probably do the trick but a device that's just meant for that use could be better in a few relevant ways.