All articles tagged with #smart home hub
Apple released HomeView Software 27.2 ahead of the device's November 13 launch, revealing 20 default wallpapers, a new face customization interface, and a Control Center. The update confirms the smart hub will rely on CarPlay for third-party apps rather than a dedicated App Store, while Siri AI will provide personalized, context-aware assistance for up to six household members.
Apple is set to hold a special event on October 13, 2026, to unveil a new smart home hub, a refreshed HomePod mini, and an updated Apple TV 4K. While the iPhone Duo launches later in the month, this event marks Apple's first dedicated October showcase in several years, focusing on home and entertainment devices rather than flagship phones.
Apple is scheduled to unveil a new smart home hub, an updated HomePod mini, and a refreshed Apple TV 4K on October 13, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The hub features a 6-inch display with an iMac G4-inspired design and runs a hybrid operating system integrating Siri AI. Meanwhile, production yields for the upcoming iPhone Duo remain below 60%, potentially limiting initial stock. CEO John Ternus is also pushing for faster, more frequent product releases to compete in the AI era.
Apple has distributed confidential packaging to its global retail network, marked 'Do Not Open Until October 8,' in preparation for the launch of new smart home devices. These materials are expected to contain visual merchandising assets for the upcoming release of the smart home hub (codenamed J490), a refreshed HomePod mini, and an updated Apple TV 4K. While the exact announcement date remains unconfirmed, Bloomberg reports the devices will launch on October 13. The move signals a coordinated retail rollout for Apple's first major expansion into the smart home market under CEO John Ternus.
Apple is set to launch its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, on October 23, alongside iOS 27.1 and 27.2 updates. The month also features a high-end Mac Studio with 512GB RAM, a new M6 MacBook Pro, and a smart home hub. Rumors suggest OLED displays for premium Macs and updated HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K models.
Apple is expected to launch its long-rumored smart home hub, internally codenamed J490 and widely referred to as the 'HomePad,' as early as October 2026. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the device will feature a square display that either sits on a stand resembling a halved HomePod mini or attaches to a wall. It will run a new operating system blending elements of iOS, tvOS, and watchOS, centered around Siri AI. Key features include facial recognition for personalized content, video calls, intercom capabilities, and centralized control of smart home devices. The device is currently being tested in employees' homes and is expected to launch alongside new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini models.
Apple has launched 'Apple Upgrade,' a new leasing program in the U.S. that replaces the previous iPhone Upgrade Program. Backed by Klarna, the service allows customers to lease iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches with terms ranging from 12 to 36 months. Simultaneously, Apple released iOS 26.6, a security-focused update preparing devices for the upcoming iOS 27 launch. The leasing program arrives as Apple increases prices for several iPhone models due to rising chip costs, with the new foldable iPhone Duo starting at $1,999.
The 2026 refresh of Walmart’s Onn 4K Pro Google TV box adds 3GB of RAM, 32GB storage, a Matter over Thread smart home hub, built-in far-field mics, a mute switch, Find My Remote, and a backlit remote, plus Wi‑Fi 6, Ethernet, USB-C power and USB-A 2.0, with a price around $59.88 and a near-term Walmart release.
Apple is rumored to unveil five all-new devices in 2026: a smart home hub, a Face ID-enabled smart doorbell, a lower-cost MacBook powered by the A18 Pro chip, a foldable iPhone, and augmented reality glasses. Details vary by rumor, but the lineup would expand Apple’s ecosystem across home, computing, and wearables, with timelines suggesting some products could launch this year and others later depending on development progress.
The article suggests various ways to repurpose old Samsung phones, such as using Samsung DeX for a desktop experience, turning the device into a media player, a smart home hub, or a portable gaming console through cloud gaming, instead of selling or discarding it.
Google’s TV Streamer 4K, a versatile device that handles streaming and smart home control, is on sale for $79.99, its lowest price since May, offering excellent features like 4K HDR support, Ethernet, and Google Assistant integration.
Apple's new smart home hub, initially expected in 2024, has been delayed due to Siri and software development issues, with a launch now anticipated in 2026, aligning with the release of new Siri features and updates to related technologies.
Google’s 4K TV Streamer is on sale for around $84, offering a significant upgrade over previous models with enhanced RAM, storage, and smart home capabilities, including Matter and Thread support, making it a versatile device for streaming and smart home control.
The Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro is a versatile outdoor security camera that doubles as a smart home hub, offering 1520p resolution, AI-powered recognition, and support for multiple smart home platforms, all without requiring a subscription for local video storage via RTSP, making it a compelling choice for smart home enthusiasts.
Apple has delayed some features of its upcoming smart home hub to accelerate its release, which is now expected by the end of 2023, though the device's existence and exact launch date remain unconfirmed.