Apple delighted its fans today with the launch of HomeView – a brand-new smart home device.
Described by Apple as a 'smart home management' system, the device recognises different family members' faces and brings up a personalised display for each person.
HomeView can be used for entertainment, as a smart assistant and to control compatible smart devices around the home.
Unveiled at an event in New York, the gadget won't go on sale until November 13.
However, the Daily Mail's Science & Technology Editor, Shivali Best, was at the event and was among the first to get her hands on it.
So, is HomeView worth £299/$299?
If you've already bought into the Apple ecosystem, I think it's a no-brainer. But if your home runs on Ring, you might want to think twice, as HomeView won't fully integrate with your existing cameras and doorbell.
Unveiled at an event in New York, the gadget won't go on sale until November 13. However, the Daily Mail's Science & Technology Editor, Shivali Best, was at the event and was among the first to get her hands on it
If you've already bought into the Apple ecosystem, I think it's a no-brainer. But if your home runs on Ring, you might want to think twice, as HomeView won't fully integrate with your existing cameras and doorbell
Family-specific interfaces
One of the features in the HomeView that impressed me the most was the family-specific interfaces.
The device has a built-in camera that can recognise up to six people, bringing up a personalised experience based on who is using it.
So, if I'm cooking in the kitchen, listening to my favourite music and following along with a recipe, the HomeView will automatically show me my favourite apps on screen.
If my husband then comes through, and wants to check his messages, he can simply approach the HomeView, and it will automatically switch to his personalised experience.
While I was initially worried that this could raise privacy concerns, Apple reassures that personal content stays private from others, with things like messages hidden from any prying eyes.
If you live with family or friends, I think the HomeView provides a great personalised experience for everyone, with minimal faff.
One of the features in the HomeView that impressed me the most was the family-specific interfaces
While Siri AI can answer questions on 'virtually any topic', according to Apple, where I really think it will be handy is in pulling together information from multiple apps
Design
Apple is known for its sleek designs, and the HomeView is no exception.
There are two versions available – a countertop model, which features an adjustable screen atop a speaker base, or a wall-mounted model.
I personally prefer the countertop model, which comes in four colourways (space grey, silver, starlight, or rose pink), but I like that there's the option for a wall-mounted model if you prefer something more discreet.
Siri AI
Following the launch of Siri AI earlier this year, Apple has included the next-generation smart assistant in the HomeView – and it's going to be incredibly useful.
While Siri AI can answer questions on 'virtually any topic', according to Apple, where I really think it will be handy is in pulling together information from multiple apps.
For example, say you suddenly remember that your friend Dave sent you a catchy song on iMessage. You could simply ask Siri to 'play that song Dave sent', and it will sift through your messages, find the track, and put it on through Apple Music.
Or say you're looking at a recipe, and realise you don't have onions. You could ask Siri to check the opening times of your local shop, to add onions to your shopping list, and even to remind you to pack a shopping bag!
Best of all, these conversations will automatically sync across your devices, so you can pick them up on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch when you're not at home.
I personally prefer the countertop model, which comes in four colourways (space grey, silver, starlight, or rose pink), but I like that there's the option for a wall-mounted model if you prefer something more discreet
Beyond entertainment, one of the features Apple focused on the most is the option to sync the HomeView up with other smart accessories in your home
Apple HomeView: Key specs
Price: £299/$299
Colours: Countertop version is available in space grey, silver, starlight, or rose pink. The wall mounted version comes in space grey and silver.
Users: Compatible with up to six users
AI: Siri AI and Apple Intelligence
Availability: Pre-order from today, on sale from 13 November
Compatible smart accessories
Beyond entertainment, one of the features Apple focused on the most is the option to sync the HomeView up with other smart accessories in your home.
'Thousands of smart home accessories are compatible with HomeView and Apple Home products,' it explains on its website.
'Just look for the Works with Apple Home logo. Lights, locks, cameras, and much more are available.'
However, one of the most notable exceptions is Ring – whose smart devices are some of the most popular in the world.
Unfortunately, without Ring integration, you can't view your Ring doorbell or security camera feeds directly through the HomeView, meaning you'll need to keep using the Ring app to monitor your home.
Cost
The HomeView is priced at £299 in the UK, and $299 in the US, which I think is pretty reasonable.
For comparison, the Amazon Echo Show 11 costs $249.99, while the Google Nest Hub Max is $229.
So, is it worth buying one for your family?
In short, my answer is yes – but only if you use smart accessories that are compatible with the HomeView (you can see the full list here).
For households already invested in Ring's ecosystem, however, I'd perhaps think twice before splashing out.
The lack of compatibility could be a significant drawback – particularly given that one of HomeView's biggest selling points is bringing all your smart home controls together in one place.
The trillion-dollar rise of Apple
1976: Founders Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne created the company on April 1, 1976, as they set about selling computer kits to hobbyists, each of which was built by Wozniak.
The first product was the Apple I.
1977: Apple released the Apple II in June, which was the first PC made for the mass market.
Steve Jobs unveils Apple Computer Corporation's new Macintosh in California on February 6, 1984
1981: Jobs became chairman.
1984: The Macintosh was introduced during an ad break for the Super Bowl and later officially unveiled during a launch event. It was discontinued a year later and Jobs left the firm.
1987: Apple released the Macintosh II, the first colour Mac.
1997: Apple announces it will acquire NeXT software in a $400 million deal that involves Jobs returning to Apple as interim CEO. He officially took the role in 2000.
Steve Jobs, then-chief executive officer of Apple, with the iPhone
2001: Apple introduced iTunes, OS X and the first-generation iPod.
The first iPod MP3 music player was released on October 23, 2001, at an event in Cupertino and was able to hold up to 1,000 songs.
2007: Apple unveils the iPhone.
2010: The first iPad was unveiled.
2011: Jobs resigned in 2011 due to illness, handing the CEO title to Tim Cook. Jobs died in October from pancreatic cancer.
2014: Apple unveiled the Apple Watch. It also unveiled its first larger iPhones - the 6 and 6 Plus.
2015: After purchasing Beats from Dr Dre, Apple launched Apple Music to compete with Spotify and other music streaming services.
2016: Apple returned to its roots and announced the 4-inch iPhone SE. Meanwhile, the firm is embroiled in a legal battle with the FBI, involving the agency demanding access to the locked phone used by Syed Farook, who died in a shootout after carrying out a deadly December attack in San Bernardino, California, with his wife. The court order was dropped on March 28 after the FBI said a third party was able to unlock the device.
2017: Apple introduces the iPhone X, which removes the home button to make way for a futuristic edge-to-edge screen design and a new FaceID system that uses advanced sensors and lasers to unlock phones with just the owner's face.
Jobs at an Apple event at the company's headquarters in Cupertino, California
2018: In a first for the company, Apple introduces new features in its latest operating system, iOS 12, that encourage users to manage and spend less time on their devices. The move was spawned by a strongly worded letter from shareholders that urged the firm to address the growing problem of smartphone addiction among kids and teenagers.
2019: In January, Apple reports its first decline in revenues and profits in a decade. CEO Tim Cook partly blamed steep declines in revenue from China.
2020: In March, Apple closes all its brick-and-mortar retail stores outside of China in response to coronavirus.
2021: In an online virtual event in April, CEO Tim Cook declares Apple's goal of becoming carbon neutral for Earth Day. Later in the year, the iPhone 13 was announced.
2022: In September, the iPhone 14 was announced. One of the new features included a new sensor to detect if a user had been in a car crash, as well as an improved camera system.
2023: Apple brings back its 'Home Pod' after the first generation was discontinued. The 'Home Pod' can be seen as an alternative to Amazon's Alexa or Google Home, as it is powered by voice commands.
2024: Apple makes its first steps into artificial intelligence with the release of Apple Intelligence. The features are not all released at once, with many delayed until the following year.
2026: Apple announces a leadership shakeup. After 15 years leading the company, Tim Cook steps aside from his position as CEO to become executive chairman. John Ternus, 51, Apple's widely respected hardware chief, takes as CEO on September 1.