It was late in 2024 when we first heardrumors of a new HomeKit devicethat wouldessentially blend a HomePod and iPad , and service it atop an AI software phonograph record . It was later reported that Apple is developing two version of this gadget , and one of them could arrive in 2025 .
It seems those plans have been press further into the time to come , thanks in no part to Apple ’s struggle with AI evolution . “ At one degree , the company had hoped to announce this merchandise in March . But because the gadget , to an extent , relies on the delayed Siri capabilities , it has been remit as well , ” pronounce aBloombergreport .
Currently in exploitation under the codename “ J490 , ” the equipment is say to resemble a paries tablet that will also serve as a show window for Apple Intelligence . It is indecipherable how long the delay run , but if Apple ’s updated plan for a next - gen Siri release are anything to go by , the equipment could mayhap launch next year to forfend any further bad press .
The delay seems squarely tied to advanced spokesperson interactions and how Siri will get tasks done across unlike apps . “ The ironware was design around App Intents , a system that lets AI precisely control lotion and tasks , which is set to debut in the do months,”Bloombergreported in November last yr .
Apple is yet to release the App Intent system , which allows Siri to desegregate deeply with in - house as well as third - party apps , and carry through tasks using vocalization program line . The idea is not too different from Gemini extensions , which allow Google ’s AI helper to not only interact with apps such as Gmail and Docs , but also third - party apps such as Spotify .
The app design system is one of the most conspicuous postponement in the Siri armory , alongside forward-looking natural language conversation capability . These features are expected to arrive next class , and it seemsthe detain rollout plan for Siri ’s next - gen avatarwith the aforementioned features has also pushed the voguish base hub .
On a confident note , Apple is said to have reached advanced level of testing and is permit a select few employee to take it home for sourcing feedback . The smart home twist reportedly feature a 6 - in screenland and front like a square - ish iPad . It has a front - confront camera , speakers , and a built - in assault and battery .
The big draw play is going to be its ingathering asa centralized command center for controlling all connected bright domicile devices . It will also provide an intercom system , while FaceTime will enable a picture provender for face - to - facial expression communication .
The twist could be price in the $ 130 - 230 ballpark to compete with rival product from the the likes of of Amazo and Google ’s Nest . Talking about Amazon , it of late unveiled anastonishingly upgrade AI assistant called Alexa+ turbocharged by generative AIcapabilities , and will soon launch a bracing ticket of smart home gadget , as well .
