Apple Unveils HomeView Smart Hub With Siri AI Features

Apple introduced HomeView, a $299 smart home hub with a 7-inch screen, on Tuesday at its product launch event, expanding its home device lineup with Siri AI features and support for controlling connected household products.

According to CNBC, HomeView is designed to sit on a table or mount on a wall and will ship on November 13. The device uses face recognition to personalize information for household members.

CNBC reported that HomeView supports up to six users and uses an Apple A18 chip. It can display information from Messages, Photos, Calendar, and Reminders while also serving as a digital photo frame and FaceTime device.

Apple said the device was created to highlight new Siri AI capabilities released last month. The company positioned HomeView as a central control point for smart home actions, including viewing cameras, adjusting thermostats, and managing connected locks.

"It recognizes your face to shift from a household screen to your own experience, fills the room with incredible sound, keeps you connected to the people who matter most with FaceTime, and makes it easy to control your smart home" said Greg Joswiak, Apple's chief marketer.

Joswiak's statement highlighted Apple's effort to combine personalized content, communication features, and home controls in a single device. CNBC reported that the launch also included new Apple TV 4K hardware and updated HomePod Mini speakers.

The new Apple TV 4K was announced with a $299 price, up from the previous $199 model, according to CNBC. The device includes a redesigned remote that can play a sound when misplaced.

Apple's HomePod Mini now costs $149 and comes in new colors, compared with its previous $129 price, CNBC reported. The products are part of Apple's Wearables, Home, and Accessories category.

CNBC reported that the category generated $7.88 billion in sales in the quarter ended June, representing about 7% of Apple's total revenue. Apple also said HomeView works with new smart home accessories from LG Electronics and Schneider Electric.

The launch marked the second major event under CEO John Ternus, who succeeded Tim Cook in September. CNBC reported that Apple is placing greater focus on home products while continuing to rely heavily on iPhone sales.