Apple Inc. on Thursday confirmed it will hold an Oct. 13 product launch in New York to introduce new smart home products.
During the event, which has the tagline “Welcome home,” Apple will unveil multiple devices that, taken together, are meant to revitalize its presence in the smart home under John Ternus, who became CEO last month.
The headlining product is a smart home hub that Bloomberg News has reported will take the form of a roughly 6-inch square display that can be used both on a table or mounted to a wall. Apple will also introduce an updated, more powerful Apple TV 4K streaming box and a refreshed HomePod mini speaker.
All of these devices will support the company’s latest Siri AI artificial intelligence capabilities, with the home hub positioned as the centerpiece as Apple ratchets up competition with Amazon.com Inc. and Alphabet Inc.’s Google.
The hub, code-named J490 and J491, will be able to identify various members of a household either by their appearance — using its built-in camera — or through voice recognition, providing personalized content based on whoever is interacting with it.
The device’s other core functions include photo slideshows and serving as a stylish, interactive clock. Apple will ship the device with mainstay apps including Calendar, Messages, Photos, FaceTime, Notes, Reminders, Music and Podcasts.
Apple is also partnering with LG Electronics Inc. on a range of accessories such as a doorbell, thermostat, indoor security camera and other accessories that will tie into its smart home ecosystem, Bloomberg has reported .