Apple unveils HomeView smart home device featuring upgraded Siri AI

Apple has unveiled new smart home products, including an iPad-like device called the HomeView. The HomeView features a 7in screen along with face recognition and Apple’s AI-upgraded Siri virtual assistant.

What the story says

• The HomeView device starts at $299 and is scheduled to begin shipping next month.

  The HomeView device starts at $299 and will begin shipping next month.

• Preorders for the devices begin today, with availability expected to start on 13 November.

  Preorders begin today and the devices are expected to be available starting 13 November.

• Apple said the HomeView device will not be sold in the European Union because Siri AI is unavailable there due to EU regulations.

  The HomeView device will not be sold in the European Union, because Siri AI remains unavailable there due to EU regulations, Apple said.

• The HomeView launch included updates to Apple’s HomePod smart speaker and Apple TV devices, alongside accessories made by LG and Schneider Electric.

  Apple’s HomeView launch was accompanied by updates to its HomePod smart speaker and Apple TV devices. It also introduced a range of accessories, including doorbells, cameras and thermostats, made by LG and Schneider Electric and designed with help from Apple.

• The new line of devices can be accessed and managed in the Apple home app.

  The new line of devices are accessible and managed in the Apple home app.

• An Apple press release described the new version of Siri as more capable and conversational, using information from personal apps to provide relevant answers.

  An Apple press release described the new version of Siri as more capable and conversational, using information from personal apps like Messages and Calendar to provide more relevant answers.

• Apple first released its Home app in 2016 and followed it with HomePod smart speakers in 2018.

  Apple first released its Home app to control smart gadgets in 2016, with HomePod smart speakers following in 2018, but those offerings are competing with Alphabet’s Google Home speakers and Amazon’s Echo line.

• An Apple release stated that the system is powered by Apple Intelligence with Siri AI at its core while keeping user information private and secure.

  “It’s powered by Apple Intelligence with Siri AI at its core, drawing on personal context from your iPhone to help you find what you need and get more done, all while keeping everyone’s information private and secure,” the release said.