Apple Video Doorbell & 2024 Smart Home Wrapped!
HomeKit Insider
Deep Dive
What is Apple's new smart home device and its unique feature?
Apple is working on a smart video doorbell with advanced facial recognition, allowing it to recognize your face, scan it, and unlock your door if identified. This feature, akin to Face ID for your front door, is expected to arrive by 2026.
Why is Apple's smart video doorbell considered a potential competitor to Ring?
Apple's smart video doorbell could compete with Ring by offering advanced facial recognition and secure, private integration with Apple's ecosystem. It may also partner with existing lock manufacturers like Schlage or Yale, enhancing its appeal in the smart home market.
What challenges does Apple face in improving its AI video processing for smart home devices?
Apple's AI video processing lags behind competitors like Arlo, which excels in recognizing people, cars, animals, and packages. Apple struggles with motion detection and lacks automation capabilities based on specific recognitions, such as turning on lights when a human is detected.
What is the significance of Apple's Proxima chip in the smart home space?
Apple's Proxima chip, designed for Wi-Fi, Thread, and Bluetooth, could convert devices like HomePod or Apple TV into mesh access points. This innovation may enhance smart home networking, though it's unclear if it will integrate with Matter or operate independently.
What were the most popular episodes of HomeKit Insider in 2024?
The most popular episodes included the CES episode, rumors about Apple's smart home display, guest appearances by the Thread Group and Brian Tong, and discussions on IKEA's Matter integration and tvOS 18 updates.
What are the host's favorite smart home products of 2024?
The host's top picks include the Roborock S8 Max V Ultra vacuum, the Level Lock with Matter support, GE SYNC under-cabinet lights, and the Aqara U300 Interior Door Lock. These products stood out for their reliability, design, and smart home integration.
What improvements does the host hope to see in HomeKit Insider in 2025?
The host aims to enhance audio quality, incorporate more guest hosts, and continue improving the podcast's overall production value. They also plan to focus on CES and other major smart home announcements, making 2025 the 'year of the smart home.'
- Apple is reportedly working on a smart video doorbell with advanced facial recognition.
- The device is expected to launch in late 2025 or 2026.
- Apple may not be developing a new router, but the Proxima chip could enable mesh networking in future HomePod and Apple TV products.
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