Apple targeting March release for new wall-mounted smart display product: report

Apple is aiming to release its first Apple Intelligence-powered smart home device as early as March, according to a new report from Bloomberg.

The product will take the form of “a wall-mounted display that can control appliances, handle videoconferencing and use AI to navigate apps.”

The product features the codename J490, which 9to5Mac first reported in September. It will feature a square display that Bloomberg says is roughly 6 inches and “about the size of two iPhones side by side, with a thick edge around the display.”

It will also reportedly feature a camera at the top center along with a rechargeable built-in battery and speakers. The design is centered around being attached to a wall like a “classic home-security panel” and will be available silver and black color options.

Bloomberg also reports that there will be “bases with additional speakers that can be placed in the kitchen, on a nightstand or on a desk.”

On the software side of things, Bloomberg reports:

The screen device, which runs a new operating system code-named Pebble, will include sensors to determine how close a person is. It will then automatically adjust its features depending on the distance. For example, if users are several feet away, it might show the temperature. As they approach, the interface can switch to a panel for adjusting the home thermostat. 

The newly designed operating system will also include a customizable home screen where users can run widgets for checking stock tickers, the weather and appointments. Or they can configure the screen to highlight key home controls. There will also be a dock for quickly launching favorite apps and an iPhone-like home screen grid of software icons.

Apple reportedly “discussed launching an app store as part of the device” but recently scrapped this idea for the initial version. It will also tap into HomeKit for controlling smart home devices.

Apple is also continuing its work on a higher-end smart home product that features a robotic limb to move the screen around, priced at around $1,000. This wall-mounted display will cost “far less than that” and be similar to products like Amazon’s Echo Show line.

Apple unveiled Apple Intelligence at WWDC in June and released the first features for iPhone and Mac users last month. The company hasn’t, however, share any details about its Apple Intelligence plans for the its HomePod smart speaker. This product will be focused on integrating Siri and Apple Intelligence into the home in an entirely new form factor.

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