Apple’s Smart Home Display Delayed by Siri Upgrades
Apple’s much-anticipated entry into the smart home display market, a device designed to compete with Amazon’s Echo Show and Google’s Nest Hub, is experiencing further delays. According to reports, the postponement is due to ongoing challenges in upgrading Siri to handle the complex tasks required of a smart home hub.
The device, codenamed “J490,” was initially slated for a March announcement. The delay stems from the device’s “reliance on the delayed Siri capabilities,” as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter. Apple confirmed last week that the enhanced Siri features would take longer than initially anticipated, with an expected release in the “coming year.”
What the Smart Display Could Offer
The rumored smart display is described as resembling a square-ish iPad with a 6-inch screen. It’s designed to serve as a central control point for smart home devices, offering intercom functionality and video communication via FaceTime. Other anticipated features include a front-facing camera and built-in battery.
Testing Underway
Despite the setbacks, Apple has progressed to an advanced testing phase. Select employees have been given the device to use in their homes to provide feedback and evaluate its performance.
Competition in the Smart Home Market
This delay comes as Amazon and Google are aggressively integrating AI into their smart display offerings. Amazon has already unveiled Alexa Plus, with Google rolling out its Gemini AI to some Nest speakers. Both companies are navigating the challenges of incorporating advanced AI into consumer products.
