In line with current rumors, Apple is actively engaged on HomePod prototypes with a completely interactive show. Extra particularly, one among these prototypes recognized as “B720” has the identical form-factor because the HomePod 2, however with an LCD display screen on prime. However would any such show on a HomePod actually add a lot to the person expertise?
The present HomePod expertise
I’ve a number of HomePods unfold round my house, from minis to a stereo pair of HomePod 2 in my lounge. Whereas I agree that HomePod might be the most effective sensible speaker various for individuals who are actually into the Apple ecosystem, there’s quite a bit that Apple may do to enhance the HomePod expertise.
One factor I miss about HomePod is having a option to shortly verify helpful info. Certain, I can at all times ask Siri issues just like the progress of a timer or the temperature inside my house, however I want there was a option to hold this info at all times seen. There’s additionally the truth that Siri isn’t at all times useful, and HomePod is especially primarily based on Apple’s digital assistant.
I’m nonetheless hoping to see Apple rebuild Siri with extra trendy applied sciences, however till that occurs, Siri will proceed to play a very totally different tune to the one I requested for every so often. I’d like to have some extra superior music controls proper on the HomePod.
Apple may remedy these two points by placing a show within the HomePod, one that’s able to exhibiting greater than colours to point if there’s a tune taking part in or if Siri is listening. And evidently Apple is lastly going to try this, however not in one of the best ways, for those who ask me.
What the rumors say
Trying again in any respect the rumors, Apple has been exploring alternative ways of placing a show on the HomePod. There’s a extra formidable prototype that appears extra like an Amazon Echo Present, which principally has a pill hooked up to the speaker. 9to5Mac not too long ago reported that Apple has been internally working tvOS 17 builds on iPad minis as an idea for this HomePod.
However this extra formidable undertaking could take longer to see the sunshine of day. Till then, the corporate wants a faster answer to make the HomePod extra interesting to clients.
That short-term answer appears to be the B720, a HomePod that appears like another HomePod we all know, however with a multi-touch LCD display screen on prime as a substitute of the present coloured LEDs. However the extra I give it some thought, the extra I consider it could find yourself being extra of a gimmick than an actual enchancment, and right here’s why.
Would a HomePod with a show change something?
The sphere of view of a display screen on prime of the HomePod can be fairly restricted, as a result of it could require the person to be a lot nearer to the machine to see what’s happening. If I’m distant from the HomePod, I gained’t be capable to see what it’s exhibiting me. This makes the show type of pointless for issues like always exhibiting the clock or the climate.
Nonetheless, there are some cool issues this may allow, like selecting a tune out of your library proper from the HomePod display screen or checking the title of what’s taking part in at a look. These are good issues, for positive, however I don’t see them drastically bettering the HomePod expertise.
And I’m not saying that Apple shouldn’t put an LCD display screen on the present HomePod. I’m positive that will make lots of customers pleased. However I’m nonetheless wanting ahead to that extra formidable HomePod with a big show that may present me tune lyrics, movies, and let me shortly work together with Dwelling app controls with out having to ask Siri.
What about you? What do you consider the concept of getting a display screen on the HomePod? Let me know within the feedback part beneath.
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