Apple has unveiled HomeView, a new smart home hub designed to serve as a central control point for connected devices. The device supports FaceTime, music playback, video streaming, and photo displays. It is priced at $299 and features a 7-inch display, a front-facing camera, and integrated speakers and microphones.
The hub is available in two form factors: a countertop version and a wall-mountable model. It comes in four color options: silver, starlight, rose pink, and space gray. The device runs an updated version of Siri, which includes voice recognition to display personalized information such as messages, contacts, and calendar appointments for individual household members.
Pre-orders for HomeView begin immediately, with general availability scheduled for November 13. This launch represents Apple's latest attempt to compete with established smart display products like Amazon’s Echo Show and Google’s Nest Hub. Reports suggest the company may eventually develop a more advanced version featuring a robotic arm.
