Apple's new HomeView turns your home into a smart hub

Apple has unveiled HomeView, a new smart home hub designed to centralise control of connected devices across the household ^[1]. The 7-inch Retina display serves as a digital photo frame, music streamer with karaoke-style lyrics, and a FaceTime video calling station thanks to its built-in Centre Stage camera.

The device uses facial recognition to identify users, automatically switching to their personal profile when they stand in front of it ^[1]. Up to six family members can have custom settings, with private data like messages only accessible when the individual is present.

HomeView integrates with a wide range of existing smart home accessories, allowing users to control lights, thermostats, plugs, and security cameras via a single interface ^[1]. Siri, powered by Apple Intelligence, handles voice commands for tasks like scheduling appointments, sending messages, and automating device routines.

A standout feature is the recipe mode: users can send a recipe from their iPhone to HomeView, which then displays ingredients and step-by-step instructions with one-touch timers ^[1]. The device also dims to just 0.3 nits at bedtime, minimising light pollution in dark rooms.

Two models are available: a wall-mounted version and a stand-equipped one for kitchen or bedside use, with the latter offering more powerful audio ^[1]. HomeView comes in Silver, Starlight, Rose Pink, and Sage Grey, starting at £299.

Apple also introduced a new Home Collection in partnership with LG, including a dual-camera video doorbell and an indoor camera that retracts when the household is home to reduce false alerts ^[1]. All devices are designed for seamless setup and full integration with HomeView. The story was first reported by Mirror.