A report published by Bloomberg earlier today highlights something interesting – the HomePod mini has built-in temperature and humidity sensors. But obviously, at a software level, those sensors are disabled, and there is a chance that they might never be enabled, ever. However, if Apple eventually enables the sensor, it would bolster a smart-home strategy that has sometimes lacked focus and trailed those of Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Nest.
In the same report, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg hints about the fact that Apple has been working on HomePod models with built-in cameras and displays. Furthermore, the report suggests that the news should be taken with a grain of salt as a launch is not imminent and nothing is guaranteed that such a thing will ever see the light of day on the consumer end.
Considering the discontinuation of the HomePod in favour of the HomePod mini, an axe that The Verge’s Uzair Ghani believes iPod touch deserved more than the smart speaker, it does make sense for the Cupertino tech giant to step things up with a smart speaker that dives into things more visually.
The built-in display and camera would make the HomePod a complete dream come true audio product from Apple. A visual representation of what is being played on Apple Music will be seen on it, you can check which accessories are turned on or off in HomeKit (an Apple software system that controls thermostats, lights, locks, plugs and other devices in the home) and it would also be able to make FaceTime video calls.
Until 2018, Apple didn’t have a serious offering in the smart-home market, then they launched the original HomePod. After lacklustre sales, that device was discontinued recently. Some decision-makers at the company are not fond of the idea of Apple trying to make a strong entry in the sector, especially as it focuses on other new categories such as electric autonomous cars and virtual and augmented-reality headsets. Others believe the company’s loyal customers and its continued quality products can still make a mark in the sector.
