Several Apple devices are currently in development as the company challenges competitors like Google and Amazon in the smart-home market after HomePod speaker's relaunching. This will include new displays, enhanced TV set-up boxes, and more.
MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 14: A general view of a closed Apple Store at Puerta del Sol Square on March 14, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. Today known cases of Covid-19 in Madrid are 2940, while there are 86 reported deaths. The cases in Spain are 5867 people infected of Coronavirus and 135 deaths. The Spanish Government has declared the state of alarm to contain the spread of the virus. All businesses which are not of prime interest, such as grocery stores and pharmacies will have to close temporarily. (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images)
Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images
(Photo : Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images) MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 14: A general view of a closed Apple Store at Puerta del Sol Square on March 14, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. Today known cases of Covid-19 in Madrid are 2940, while there are 86 reported deaths. The cases in Spain are 5867 people infected of Coronavirus and 135 deaths. The Spanish Government has declared the state of alarm to contain the spread of the virus.
New Smart-Home Lineup
After relaunching the new Homepod speaker, Apple will expand its smart-home lineup as they develop new devices and displays to offer in the market. Bloomberg reported that Apple is aiming to enter the smart-home market this year.
New displays will include a tablet product that will be essentially lower-end than iPads. The device will be able to control several things in users' homes, such as thermostats, and lights, show videos, handle FaceTime chats and ask questions.
The tablet could be mounted on walls or anywhere in your home using magnetic fasteners. This will be positioned as more of a home gadget than a regular iPad that you can carry wherever you go.
Aside from this, Apple discussed plans to develop larger smart-home displays, especially standalone smart-home devices' demand are increasing day by day. Competitors like Amazon and Google are currently selling Echo Show Products and Google Nest Hubs with their own displays.
Apple has been struggling in the home-market as its rivals became one of the top sellers of smart-home devices in this sector. The company also offers limited functionality on its current devices, like Siri's voice control which falls behind Amazon's Alexa and even Google Assistant.
By launching new devices and upcoming changes to Siri, it will help Apple to turn around their fortunes in this industry. While all remains unclear and unconfirmed, Slash Gear reported that the alleged device will kick off the arrival of a wider slate of Apple products.
Relaunching HomePods
Apple brought back the full-size HomePod as they released the second generation of the device today, which was very unexpected news to everybody. This device is a smart speaker with Siri on board that offers killer audio quality.
Homepods will offer an incredible listening experience, including support for immersive Spatial Audio tracks that you can listen to on Apple Music. The company also presents its new features, such as smart home automation using Siri and smoke or carbon monoxide notifications when detected.
Apple Worldwide Marketing Senior Vice President Greg Joswiak described HomePods offerings as rich, deep bass, natural mid-range, and clear, detailed highs.
He added, "With the popularity of HomePod mini, we've seen growing interest in even more powerful acoustics achievable in a larger HomePod. We're thrilled to bring the next generation of HomePod to customers around the world."
HomePods will be available in white and midnight, the newest color made with 100% recycled mesh fabric, with matching color for the woven power cable.
With its high price and limitations, 9ToGoogle reported that it led the first generation of HomePods to being discontinued in 2021, just weeks after Apple introduced a cheaper variant for this home gadget. The product was originally launched in 2017.
