Apple has three artificial intelligence products in the works, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says in his latest “Power On” newsletter.
Gurman says that one is a modular tablet system pairs with a speaker base. This could be the rumored “HomePad,” although Gurman says it won’t have the “HomePod with a screen” design that’s been predicted for months. Previously, he’s said there are two versions in the works: a table top model and one designed to be wall-mounted. He adds that both models will include a FaceTime camera for video calls, and sensors to recognize the person that’s using it and adjust to an individual’s smart home preferences.
The other AI device is a tabletop robot. Gurman says it will likely have a 9-inch display.
The idea is for the device to act like a person in a room. It could interrupt a conversation between friends about dinner plans, say, and suggest nearby restaurants or relevant recipes,” Gurman wrote back in August. “It’s also being designed to engage in back-and-forth discussions for things like planning a trip or getting tasks done — similar to OpenAI’s voice mode.”
The third product is an Apple security camera, he says. I’m confused about this. I think perhaps Gurman is referring to the rumored smart doorbell the tech giant has apparently been working on.
It could provide advanced facial recognition that wirelessly connects to a deadbolt lock. The idea is that the doorbell could automatically unlock the door for a home’s residents by scanning their face — just like Face ID lets them into their iPhone.
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