How about a HomePod that has an iPad connected by a robotic arm? According to a new report, Apple is working on just such a device.
Bloomberg published a comprehensive article today about new HomePod and Apple TV products. It explains that Apple is working on several devices that could be released in the future. One of these devices is said to be an Apple TV, which has an integrated HomePod speaker and a built-in FaceTime camera. However, there is also said to be a HomePod model in the works that has an iPad with a robotic arm. The idea is that the user is tracked around the room during a FaceTime call. In the Bloomberg article is called it:
The Cupertino, California-based tech giant is also mulling over launching a high-end speaker with a touchscreen to better compete with market leaders Google and Amazon.com Inc. Such a device would combine an iPad with a HomePod speaker and also include a camera for video chatting. Apple has been exploring connecting the iPad to the speaker with a robotic arm that can move to follow a user around a room, similar to Amazon's latest Echo Show gadget.
The future of the HomePod: What is Apple planning?
Gurman had previously hinted that Apple was working on a HomePod with a screen and a camera worksto bolster its smart home offerings. Today's report, however, brings an entire iPad, complete with robotic arm, into play. The HomePod/iPad combo would work similarly to Amazon's Echo 10, which connects a tablet to a robotic arm and uses facial recognition to keep an eye on the user during conference calls or calls. Bloomberg notes, however, that development of this high-end speaker is still in its early stages. That means this device, too, could end up remaining an idea or appearing in a different form. Apple recently discontinued the classic HomePod, saying it would instead shift its resources to focus on the HomePod mini. So it will be interesting to see if and in what form a high-end successor appears. (Photo by Unsplash / Howard Bouchevereau)
