Apple is working on an Apple TV combined with HomePod speaker that has a camera to make video calls using a connected TV, according to BloombergMark Gurman.
/article-new/2019/02/appletvhomepod.jpg?resize=560%2C289&ssl=1)
From the report:
The company is working on a product that would combine an “Apple TV” decoder with a “HomePod” speaker and include a video conferencing camera via a connected TV and other smart home features, according to people familiar with the matter. who asked not to identify themselves by discussing internal issues.
Other features of the device would include standard Apple TV, such as watching video and games, as well as using smart speakers, such as playing music, and using Apple’s Siri digital assistant.
After disappointing sales, Apple suspended its original high-end homePod in March, leaving many wondering if the company was working on a successor. The HomePod mini, which was launched last year, has been much more popular thanks to its lower price.
Apple unified its engineering equipment for omeHomePod and Apple TV last year, suggesting that an integrated device that offered the best of both worlds could be within reach.
However, according to today’s report, product development is still in the early stages and Apple could choose not to launch the product or change key features.
Apple is known to be working on an updated version of the Apple TV that will presumably have a gaming approach with an updated remote control, a faster processor, and increased storage capacity, although it seems likely that the report today refer to another possible future product. Signs of the new Apple TV appear on iOS from January 2020, so we expect to see a new launch Apple TV in 2021.
Today’s report also mentions that Apple is working on a concept for a future omeHomePod design that has an iPad connected via a robotic arm, which can track room users during video calls.