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Hans India
14 hours ago
- Hans India
Apple Eyes 2027 Launch for Pixar Lamp-Inspired Tabletop Robot with AI-Powered Siri
Apple is reportedly working on a new AI-powered tabletop robot that could mark a significant leap in its smart-home ambitions. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the device—currently in the prototype stage—is slated for a potential 2027 launch and is designed to resemble the iconic Pixar Lamp. At its core, the robot is said to feature a 7-inch horizontal display mounted on a motorised arm. This arm can swivel, tilt, and extend about six inches in any direction, enabling the device to physically follow a user's movements during conversations, video calls, or while displaying information. The concept aims to create a more interactive and lifelike experience than existing smart displays. Functionality-wise, Apple is reportedly testing features such as automatic subject tracking for FaceTime calls. This would allow the camera to keep a user perfectly framed even as they move around. Another potential feature in development would let an iPhone serve as a joystick, giving users remote control over the robot's position during calls. This could add a layer of flexibility and fun to video interactions. Driving this innovation is a major upgrade to Siri. The redesigned assistant is expected to handle multi-person conversations, remember past exchanges, and deliver real-time suggestions. Bloomberg notes Apple is exploring giving Siri an animated on-screen personality, with options like the classic Mac Finder smiley or Memoji-style characters under a concept internally referred to as 'Bubbles.' The vision for this Pixar Lamp-inspired robot extends far beyond serving as a display. Gurman reports Apple wants it to manage daily schedules, assist with planning, and enable more natural, engaging communication. The company is also positioning it as a hub for work, entertainment, and household coordination, making it a potential centrepiece for smart-home living. Apple's AI, hardware, software, and design teams are reportedly collaborating on the project, with Kevin Lynch—who has previously overseen Apple Watch software and automotive initiatives—playing a key role in its development. Despite the buzz, Gurman cautions that the product is still a prototype, meaning plans and timelines could shift. The tabletop robot is part of a broader push into AI-driven home products. Bloomberg reports Apple intends to launch a smart speaker with a display as soon as next year and is working on home security cameras to form the backbone of a new Apple security system. Other concepts under consideration include a wheeled home assistant, akin to Amazon's Astro, and a large robotic arm for industrial or retail use. If these plans come to fruition, Apple could be setting the stage for a future where AI-powered robotics blend seamlessly into daily life—transforming how people work, communicate, and manage their homes.
India Today
20 hours ago
- Business
- India Today
Apple reportedly making Pixar Lamp tabletop robot with AI Siri for 2027 launch
Apple is reportedly developing several new AI-powered devices, including a tabletop robot featuring a swivelling display and upgraded Siri integration. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, this robot is planned for Apple's 2027 product line-up and is part of the company's broader push to expand into AI-driven consumer products and strengthen its position in the smart-home reports that the robot is described internally as resembling the Pixar Lamp. It is said to feature a 7-inch horizontal display mounted on a motorised arm. This arm can swivel, tilt, and extend roughly half a foot in any direction, allowing the device to follow users around a room during conversations, video calls, or while providing information. According to the report, the design of Apple's tabletop robot is intended to make the device more interactive and responsive than existing smart Apple is said to be testing features like automatic subject tracking during FaceTime calls, allowing the camera to follow users as they move. Another feature in development could let an iPhone act as a joystick to remotely control the robot's position during video calls. This feature could give users more flexibility to control the device. At the center of this AI-powered Apple device is said to be the much-ancipated redesigned Siri. Bloomberg adds that this upgraded assistant will support multi-person conversations, remember past exchanges, and offer suggestions in real time. Apple is also said to be exploring giving Siri an animated on-screen presence, options under consideration include the Mac Finder smiley face or Memoji-style characters, in a concept internally called 'Bubbles.'All in all, the tabletop robot is said to be designed to serve as more than just a display. Gurman notes that it is being developed to help manage daily tasks, assist with planning, and facilitate interactive communication. Apple is also reportedly envisioning it becoming a central device for work, media consumption, and household for the development, Apple's AI, hardware, software, and design divisions are reportedly working on the new tabletop AI-powered device. Kevin Lynch, who has previously overseen Apple Watch software and automotive projects, is said to be among those leading the initiative. However, Gurman notes that the robot is currently still in the prototype stage, and Apple's plans or timelines could the tabletop robot is said to be part of Apple's broader hardware pipeline. Bloomberg reports that Apple plans to release a smart speaker with a display as early as next year and introduce home security cameras to lay the foundation of a new Apple security system. Other robotics projects are also said to be under discussion, including a wheeled home assistant similar to Amazon's Astro and a large mechanical arm for use in manufacturing or retail backrooms.- Ends
