This year we witnessed many ups and downs in the tech world and many were related to Apple. The Cupertino giant not only discontinued its HomePod but also launched an iterative update to its redesigned Siri Remote. According to sources, even if the HomePod is discontinued Apple is reportedly in the works of developing a combined HomePod-Apple TV device with a built-in screen and FaceTime camera.
Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, in his latest report, mentions that Apple engineers have personally expressed their concerns about the direction of Apple’s living room hardware strategy. And that the success rate of this sector is low.
Despite having some great benefits, Gurman opines that the set-top box is largely failing in a market dominated by cheaper alternatives from the likes of Amazon and Roku. Apple needs to understand that the features offered by its devices are also offered by its competitors albeit at a low price.
What Apple needs to do is offer a more competitive option for the market. However, “as of now, it’s hard to believe that will happen soon. especially with Apple engineers telling me that the company doesn’t have a strong living room hardware strategy and that there isn’t much internal optimism.”
Gurman also mentions in his report that, Apple TV software has gone through more interface redesigns compared with any other Apple product. But still, the product has remained un-impressive in the market. Meanwhile, Apple’s combined Apple TV-HomePod device remains on schedule for release around 2023.
If that doesn’t go well, Gurman suggests “it might be time for Apple to consider putting the Apple TV on the same shelf as other living room products like the iPod HiFi and high-end HomePod.”
