Latest news with #HomeKit-compatible
Mint
14-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Apple's long-rumoured Smart Home Hub delayed until 2026 amid Siri overhaul: Mark Gurman
Apple's long-anticipated smart home hub, once expected to launch in 2025, is now unlikely to arrive before 2026, according to the latest update from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The device, intended to serve as a central controller for HomeKit-compatible accessories, has reportedly been delayed due to Apple's ongoing development of its next-generation Siri assistant. The product, internally referred to as J490, is believed to resemble a hybrid between a HomePod and a small touchscreen display. It has been under development for some time and is expected to feature a 6- to 7-inch screen, possibly square in shape. It may also include mounting options for walls and a detachable speaker base for flexible use in different domestic settings. At the heart of the delay is Apple's dependence on its upcoming AI-powered Siri upgrade. The new voice assistant is expected to leverage 'Apple Intelligence' and an expanded App Intents framework, which would allow Siri to offer more context-aware, on-device responses and improved control over third-party apps. These capabilities were initially tied to the rollout of iOS 18.4, which itself has been delayed, pushing back the launch of the hardware. Gurman notes that the smart hub's features are heavily reliant on these AI advancements. Without the necessary software infrastructure, Apple has reportedly opted to postpone both the hardware and its integrated features. A prior internal target of March 2025 has now been scrapped, with 2026 seen as a more realistic launch window. Beyond serving as a hub for smart home automation, the device is expected to support FaceTime video calls, display interactive widgets, and potentially integrate with a new Apple-designed home security camera. References to such a device have recently been discovered in the iOS 18.6 developer beta, pointing to a screen resolution consistent with that of the iPad mini, reinforcing existing speculation about its size and display capabilities. Earlier this year, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had predicted the hub would enter mass production by the third quarter of 2025. However, that timeline now appears uncertain given the delays in software readiness. Meanwhile, internal testing reportedly continues, with select Apple employees trialling early versions of the device in real-world environments as recently as March.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Yahoo
Smarten Up Your Home Security With an Aqara Smart Lock U50 for Its Lowest-Ever Price
When it comes time to secure your home adding a new smart lock to the mix can be a real boon. They're convenient and secure, and they don't have to cost a fortune, either. In fact, there are plenty of cheap smart locks for you to consider and one of the best is now yours for just $90. This price represents a $60 savings and means the Aqara Smart Lock U50 can be yours for its lowest-ever price. The only catch to this smart home deal that we can see is the fact that it'll only be available for a limited amount of time. Actually, there's a related catch -- we don't know just how limited this limited-time deal is, so keep that in mind. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. Assuming you do manage to get your order in before it's too late you'll get a smart lock with a ton of features at a bargain price. Those start with support for all the main smart home systems including Apple's HomeKit as well as Google Home and Amazon Alexa. In fact, it's Matter-compatible, so you shouldn't struggle for compatibility. The lock itself comes with a handy keypad so you can enter a PIN to gain access to your home and that means you even create temporary passcodes for your visitors, too. Other features include support for auto-locking the door as well as a Do Not Disturb mode that can mute the door lock sounds at certain times of the day. Our homes are now smarter than ever, but kitting yourself out from scratch can be an extremely expensive business. That's why we think the chance to save money on any smart home gear is worthwhile paying attention to. And when you can buy a HomeKit-compatible smart lock for its lowest-ever price, you really can't go wrong.
