Apple is working on an Apple TV combined with a HomePod speaker that has a video calling camera through a connected TV, according to BloombergMark Gurman.
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From the report:
The company is working on a product that would combine a set-top box Apple TV with a speaker omeHomePod and would include a video conferencing room through a connected TV and other smart home functions, according to people familiar with the problem, who asked not to to be identified by discussing internal issues.
Other capabilities of the device would include standard Apple TV box functions, such as watching videos and games, plus the use of smart speakers, such as music playback and the use of Apple’s Siri digital assistant.
Following disappointing sales, Apple discontinued the original high-quality “HomePod” in March, leaving many wondering if the company is working on a successor. HomePod mini, launched last year, was much more popular due to its lower price.
Apple unified its engineering teams for omeHomePod and Apple TV last year, suggesting that an integrated device that offers the best of both worlds could be in its infancy.
However, according to today’s report, product development is still in its infancy, and Apple may choose not to launch the product or change key features.
Apple is known to be working on an updated version of Apple TV, which is supposed to have a game focus with an updated remote control, a faster processor and increased storage capacity, although today’s report seems to refer to a another potential future product. Signs of the new “Apple TV” have appeared in iOS since January 2020, so we expect to see a new launch of “Apple TV” in 2021.
Today’s report also mentions that Apple is working on a concept for a future omeHomePod design that has an iPad connected via a robotic arm, which could track users around a camera during video calls.