Apple this week introduced an all-new HomeView smart home hub, but popular tech reviewer Marques Brownlee is "not convinced" about it.


In his HomeView impressions video on his YouTube channel MKBHD, Brownlee said "I cannot figure any group that this is actually ideal for."

HomeView has a lot of overlap with other Apple devices, including the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and HomePod. Brownlee said the HomeView does not provide enough "extra value," leading him to believe that the device should be "a skip for most people."


HomeView lacks an App Store, which limits its usefulness, but it can also display CarPlay-enabled audio and video apps from a paired iPhone.

Do you think the HomeView is a useful addition to the Apple ecosystem? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
This article, "MKBHD is 'Not Convinced' About Apple's New HomeView, Here's Why" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's wall-mounted HomeView will ship without a power adapter, USB-C cable, or mount, requiring customers to purchase compatible accessories separately.


In a support document posted on October 14, Apple outlined different power requirements for the two versions of its new smart home hub. The tabletop HomeView requires a USB-C power adapter rated for at least 30W, supporting an output of 15V at 2A or higher. The wall-mounted model requires at least 20W, with support for 9V at 2.22A or higher.

The tabletop model includes a 30W power adapter and a 1.5-meter USB-C cable. The wall-mounted version's box contains only the device and documentation.

Customers choosing the wall-mounted HomeView will need a compatible third-party mount and power solution. Depending on the mount, the device can use a separate USB-C cable and power adapter or a hardwired connection to line power.

If the power requirements are not met, HomeView will display a "Power Adapter Not Supported" message, accompanied by a lightning bolt and yellow warning triangle. For a wall-mounted unit, Apple suggests testing the device outside its mount with a compatible USB-C cable and adapter. If it works when connected directly, customers should contact the mount manufacturer or their professional installer.

Apple introduced the HomeView earlier this week, featuring a 7-inch Liquid Retina display, an A18 chip, and Siri AI. Both models are available to pre-order for $299 in the United States, with availability beginning on November 13.
This article, "Apple's Wall-Mounted HomeView Ships Without a Power Adapter" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple plans to launch the HomeView on November 13, so we have a month to go until we can learn more about it. Right now, we're limited to the information Apple has shared and what members of the media learned during limited hands-on time.


We've rounded up some interesting HomeView tidbits you might have missed.

• Recipe walkthroughs - HomeView makes Safari recipes easier to follow by pulling out the ingredients and steps. You can tap on a "Start Cooking" button to get step-by-step instructions you can use as you cook. The device also supports multiple voice-activated timers.


• Siri access - You can say Siri (English only) or Hey ‌Siri‌ for hands-free access, but there are also options for activating ‌Siri‌ with a swipe down from the top of the display or using Type to ‌Siri‌.


• Apple Intelligence - HomeView has some Apple Intelligence features built in. You or members of your household can use ‌Siri‌ AI for general knowledge questions if you don't have an ‌Apple Intelligence‌ iPhone or iPad, but you do need one for any requests involving personal context.


• Guests - Personal data is private, but guests can control smart home accessories, check the weather, set timers, and play music. Visitors can also AirPlay audio to the HomeView using peer-to-peer discovery.


• Adaptable interface - HomeView can tell when someone is approaching and parts of the interface will change based on proximity. If someone is across the room, it shows less information in a larger view. As the person approaches, the view can change to show more information.


• Faces - HomeView has multiple customizable faces similar to watch faces. Apple says some faces can "wake with you in the morning, wind down with you at night." The Snoopy face, for example, has different animations based on time of day, weather, and holidays.


• Third-party apps - There's no App Store, but the HomeView has CarPlay-like software capabilities. It can show CarPlay audio and video apps from a linked iPhone. There are no ‌CarPlay‌ video apps except for Apple TV, so app developers will need to add support.


• Handoff - You can transfer songs, podcasts, calls, videos, and recipes from the iPhone to the HomeView.


• Live Activities - HomeView supports Live Activities, so if you have a timer running or get an incoming Intercom message, content will be visible while you use other apps.


• Sensors and HomeKit - The HomeView has temperature and humidity sensors that can be used in Home app scenes and automations. It also serves as a home hub for controlling HomeKit and Matter devices when you're away from home.

HomeView is available for pre-order now, and it will launch on November 13. It is priced at $299 and comes in either a tabletop version with a speaker base or a wall-mounted version.
This article, "10 HomeView Features You Might Have Missed" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's new HomeView underwent regulatory testing in October 2024, and it was running what would now be known as HomeView software version 18, according to an FCC document uncovered by MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris.

The document provides the clearest evidence yet that the HomeView was held up due to Siri AI's delayed launch. Apple initially previewed the more intelligent version of Siri at WWDC 2024, but in March 2025 the company announced that it needed more time to get it ready. Siri AI finally launched this September.
This article, "Apple's Long-Delayed HomeView Was Already Being Tested in 2024" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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