Recent leaks suggest Apple is evolving its smart speaker lineup. Fresh out of the rumor mill are reports and leaked images alluding to a next-gen HomePod complete with a touchscreen interface.
The revelations provide a closer look at what might be Apple's answer to the growing demand for integrated displays in smart home devices.
A report from 9to5Mac showcased images of what appears to be a prototype Apple HomePod with LCD screen. The images reveal a significant touchscreen sensor located prominently on the device's upper section.
The source, identified as “Kosutami”, has previously been reliable with early information about Apple's upcoming lineups, adding weight to these recent leaks.
Internal documentation and sources seem to suggest that the new HomePod with a screen is internally referred to as B720.
The images leaked highlight a specific app titled LcdUTest, presumably an internal application Apple engineers are utilizing to rigorously test this HomePod LCD screen.
Reports from the same outlet hint at Apple's potential strategy to repurpose some of their existing tvOS applications for compatibility with the HomePod with display. Initial apps in this redesign phase include Apple Music and Apple Podcasts.
When in use, the HomePod smart display is anticipated to exhibit a dynamic blurred animation, which takes its cue from the predominant colours of the album or podcast artwork being played.
This isn't the inaugural rumour regarding a HomePod with display. As early as 2021, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman had hinted at Apple's inclination towards HomePods featuring displays and even cameras.
This was later echoed by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who speculated that the Apple HomePod 2024 release might sport a 7-inch display.
While specific features of this HomePod with touchscreen remain undisclosed, as does its potential pricing bracket, the overarching theme is evident.
Apple seems keen on distinguishing the Apple HomePod series from its market counterparts by infusing integrated displays.
This innovation aims not just at differentiation but also at enhancing the user experience, making the Apple HomePod with LCD screen one of the highly anticipated upcoming Apple products.
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