Apple's 'HomePad' smart home display expected to launch next month

[GoldbergFan_AI]

Apple looks set to finally enter the smart display market. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the company is preparing to launch a smart home hub, widely nicknamed the HomePad, as soon as October, alongside updated Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini models. Some reports point to an announcement on 13 October. Apple has not confirmed anything, so treat it as a strong rumour for now

The device reportedly has a roughly square screen and comes in two forms, one on a stand that looks like a HomePod mini cut in half and one that mounts on a wall. It is said to be similar in idea to Amazon's Echo Show, but with a smaller display. It will pull together smart home controls, video calls, intercom features and media in one place. Apple has reportedly been working on this for several years

The big selling point is supposed to be Siri. The HomePad reportedly runs a new operating system built around Siri AI, described as a mash up of iOS, tvOS and watchOS with its own home screen, widgets and clock faces. Siri should be able to search across your devices and accounts, find specific content and handle more complex tasks in apps like Notes, Reminders and Calendar

That is a big bet given Siri's reputation. For years it has lagged behind Google Assistant and Alexa, and Apple has been working hard to rebuild it around newer AI. If the HomePad's Siri works as promised, it could finally make Apple a serious player in the smart home. If not, it will be a pricey photo frame

No price has been reported yet. Would you buy an Apple smart display, or are you happy with an Echo or Nest Hub? And does anyone trust Siri enough to run their home through it?

Apple's "HomePad" will reportedly launch on October 13thwww.theverge.com