Report: Apple working on Apple TV - speaker combo


Bloomberg is reporting on two new home devices in development. If rumors are true, development could represent changes to Apple's TV home platforms. It should be noted that last year Apple reorganized its Apple TV and HomePod development teams. Additionally, Apple transitioned its HomePods to run tvOS that powers the Apple TV.

The first product sounds like a smart soundbar, which would bundle functions for Apple TV and HomePod with the added benefit of improved TV audio in a single device. Soundbars have grown in popularity as TV continues to get thinner, leaving less room for quality speakers. The device is also rumored to include a camera for living room video conferencing.

The second device rumored to be in development is a smart speaker with a video camera. The report indicates the camera may be movable by a robotic arm, presumably to follow people as they move throughout the room.

While Apple touts privacy features, I'm not sure how receptive the mass market is to cameras in their living rooms. Products exist from Amazon and Facebook. If there is a strong demand for hands-free video chatting, Apple may be able to make a stronger case than those companies.