In a report focusing on a disabled temperature/humidity sensor in the HomePod mini, Bloomberg mentions that Apple is “developing new speakers with screens and cameras.”
The recently published Bloomberg report suggests that Apple is working on HomePod models that feature a display and a camera. The devices could compete with products like Google's Nest Hub Max, Amazon's Echo Show, and Facebook's Portal. However, Gurman explains that "a launch is not imminent." This means there is currently no guarantee that Apple will actually release said models. Google's Nest Hub Max, for example, features a 10-inch touchscreen that can also be controlled via voice commands using the Google Assistant. With the Nest Hub Max, users can check daily information like the weather and calendar appointments, stream videos from Netflix and other sources with the built-in Chromecast, play music through the stereo speaker system, make video calls with the built-in 6.5-megapixel camera, control smart home accessories, and much more.
HomePod could support FaceTime video calls and more
The Nest Hub Max also functions as a "smart digital picture frame" for photo albums and can display a live video feed from Nest cameras and video doorbells, making it ideal for a kitchen countertop or nightstand. If Apple were to equip a HomePod with a camera and display, it's safe to assume the device would offer similar features. For example, FaceTime video calling or expanded HomeKit integration would be possible. At the beginning of the month Apple announced that it would discontinue the classic HomePod and shift the focus to the HomePod mini. Now, of course, there is speculation as to whether Apple has planned an update in the near future. However, it remains to be seen whether new HomePod models will actually have a screen and a camera in the end. (Photo by AlexLMX / Bigstockphot)
