Apple is set to launch three new Home products this year, with the first one generating much excitement—a new smart display dubbed ‘HomePad’ that addresses a significant gap in Apple’s smart home offerings.
Apple Home is gaining its first true command center
Apple has consistently promoted the concept of a ‘home hub’ across its devices.
As outlined in their support documentation, options for a home hub include the HomePod, HomePod mini, Apple TV, or even an iPad.
But what does this really entail? Essentially, your home hub enables you to manage smart home devices remotely, execute automations, and more.
However, being a home hub doesn’t fully equate to being the central command for all your smart home requirements. Rather, it provides some connectivity advantages.
The upcoming HomePad will redefine the concept of a ‘home hub’ by acting as a tangible command center for managing smart home devices.
The original HomePod was thought to fulfill this role, but controlling smart devices through it relied solely on Siri.
Regardless of your experience level with Siri, it still falls short as an effective smart home ‘command center’ for one reason: it operates purely via voice.
In contrast, the HomePad will allow users to manage all their smart home devices through both Siri and a user-friendly touch display.
This concept isn’t entirely novel. Users can currently control home devices through various screens—such as iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, Apple TVs, and even the Vision Pro.
However, Apple has never provided a screen specifically designed to act as a home hub, serving as a command center for smart home management.
HomePad will enhance smart home management for everyone
While some users have transformed old iPads into smart home command centers, the iPad lacks the specialized software required for this function.
On the other hand, the HomePad is designed specifically for that purpose.
With its 7-inch square display, it can be placed on your kitchen counter, attached to your refrigerator, or located on a console table, acting as a dedicated controller for your smart home.
For many users, controlling home devices via Siri works perfectly well—and they can continue to do so.
Nonetheless, for a significant number of non-tech-savvy users, the introduction of a physical touchscreen controller will represent a major enhancement.
Should Apple make the HomePad affordable enough for multiple units to be placed around the home, convenient smart home command centers could be at your fingertips wherever you are.
Home hubs with displays have long been available from competitors like Amazon and Google, but HomePad should finally deliver what Apple Home users have been anticipating.
Are you considering using the HomePad as a central control hub for your smart devices? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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