With a possible new arrival regarding the AirPods, according to a recent Bloomberg report next Apple TV Apple could diversify in particular with respect to existing models so far with the presence of an integrated HomePod. The source says Apple is working on a new device that will combine the functionality of a streaming media device with a intelligent speaker, having a webcam supplied.
Such a device wouldn't be the first to combine media streaming functions with a smart speaker: Fire TV Cube di Amazon it already does, allowing users to control their entire home theater system with voice commands. Despite this, no company has so far integrated a webcam in a device of this type. If Apple was really working on such a gadget, it could end up falling short of the Facebook portal or Mecool Now, both designed to perch above a TV, where the built-in webcam allows for a better view of the room.
From Apple's point of view, an Apple TV boosted with these additional features would make a lot of sense - the company recently ditched its smart speaker. HomePod, choosing to focus on its much more affordable HomePod mini instead. Curiously, as Bloomberg notes, Apple has joined his engineering groups HomePod and Apple TV in 2020.
The HomePod mini can already be used as a replacement for the pseudo-soundbar by pairing one or more speakers with an Apple TV. Given the massive increase in popularity of video calling services, including FaceTime from Apple, a single device capable of combining these features could find a very large audience. The question would then be whether Apple would allow third-party video calling apps such as Zoom, Google Meet o Skype to stay on the platform or maintain exclusivity for the iconic FaceTime.
Price will also be the key to the success of a new Apple TV. TO dollars 180 o dollars 200 depending on the configuration, the current Apple TV 4K it is among the most expensive media streaming devices that you can buy. Most competitors, like the Chromecast with Google TV, are around $ 50 and come with a very similar feature set.
