Apple is developing a new unusual product: details leaked online

Apple, which seeks to reduce its gap with competitors in the smart home market, is approaching the launch of a new product category. We are talking about a smart screen that will be able to control household appliances, make video calls, and use AI to navigate programs.

This was reported by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, who is considered to be one of the main sources of Apple leaks. Referring to several insiders, he said that the company is preparing to announce the new product in March after three years of development.

CEO Tim Cook is betting that the product will help Apple make a breakthrough in the smart home segment. In recent years, the Cupertino-based tech giant has been lagging far behind Alphabet Inc. and Amazon.com Inc.

According to preliminary data, the device will have an approximately 6-inch screen and will look like a square iPad. The product will have a touchscreen interface that looks like a mix of the Apple Watch operating system and the recently launched StandBy mode in the iPhone. However, the company expects that most people will use their voice to interact with the device, relying on Siri digital assistant and Apple Intelligence capabilities. The hardware was developed on the basis of App Intents, a system that allows artificial intelligence to precisely control applications and tasks. This system is also set to debut in the coming months.

The new product is planned to be positioned as a way to control home appliances, communicate with Siri, and conduct voice communication sessions using Apple's FaceTime program. It will also have Apple applications installed, including web browsing, news, and music playback. Users will have access to their notes and calendar information, and will be able to project slideshows of their photos on the device.

According to insiders, the price of the smart screen can reach $1,000, depending on its configuration. A device with only a display will cost much less, approaching the cost of competitors' products. Echo Show 8 currently costs $150, and Echo Hub costs $180. Nest Hub Max is sold in the US for $230.

Apple has developed various mounting options for the device, including a wall mount that will turn it into a classic home security panel. There will also be stands with additional speakers that can be placed on a kitchen surface, nightstand, or table. This will allow you to use FaceTime while cooking or for video conferences and work meetings.

The screen device will run a new operating system codenamed Pebble. It will have sensors that will determine how close a person is, which will help to better manage smart home settings. For example, turning on the heating or air conditioning only where there are people.

The new operating system will also include a customizable home screen where users can launch widgets to check stock quotes, weather, and their meeting schedule. Or they can customize the screen to highlight key home controls. There will also be a dock for quickly launching favorite apps and a grid of software icons on the home screen, just like on the iPhone. During development, Apple discussed launching an app store as part of the device, but recently decided to exclude this feature - at least in the initial version.

Security will be given special attention in the new device. It will send alarm notifications and show video from cameras, including intercom video. It will also serve as an intercom system between rooms in homes with multiple Apple displays.

Apple is considering creating its own line of smart home accessories, including an indoor security camera that could act as a baby monitor. If the smart home display proves successful, the company may prioritize plans to bring such accessories to market.

The product will be a standalone device, meaning it will work almost entirely on its own. But for some tasks, such as initial setup, it will need an iPhone. It will also work with Apple's Handoff feature, which allows users to start a function on one device and then continue it on their iPhone after they move away from it.

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