Apple's HomeView smart home device has launched in the United States. Priced at $299, it features a 7-inch display and family facial recognition, but overseas reviews have also pointed out weaknesses.
HomeView features a 7-inch square display and was launched as a family-oriented device combining a speaker and camera. It is priced at $299 and comes in tabletop and wall-mounted versions, but Japan is excluded from the launch markets.
Reviews in the United States and other countries praised its sound quality, attractive display, natural-sounding Siri, and ability to recognize each family member and switch between schedules and messages accordingly. They also pointed to weaknesses, including support for Apple TV as the only video app, with no Netflix or Hulu support, the need to have an iPhone or iPad nearby, and the absence of a physical button to disable the camera and microphone.
Some reviewers said it is not essential for a person living alone with an iPhone, while others saw potential for households that want to make locks and intercoms smarter, play music in the living room, or integrate cameras in each room for viewing on a single screen. The Japanese launch date has not been determined, and the fact that Siri requires English support is another point to consider.
Based on overseas reviews, the product has some immature aspects, but usability could improve depending on future updates, and expectations are high for strong integration among Apple products. The timing of a Japanese launch is attracting reader interest.