Back in the summer, it became known about Apple’s plans to release a robotic device that combines a manipulator and a tablet, but now Mark Gurman from the pages of Bloomberg claims that by the spring of next year the company expects to introduce a 6-inch tablet with a new operating system that will expand its use AI, and will also be integrated into the smart home system.
IPad mini. Image Source: Apple
The almost square J490 device in size, as noted by the source, will resemble two iPhones attached to each other, but there will be a wide frame around the display, making it look like a digital photo frame. Such a tablet will also be able to display photographs, and it will also be possible to purchase a docking station with more powerful speakers, convenient for placing on a table. The device will also, if necessary, be mounted on the wall, literally in every room, if the user needs to closely integrate its functions into the operation of a smart home.
The Pebble operating system, specially optimized for such a tablet, will allow you to create custom widgets, and a built-in set of sensors will determine how far away the user is, so that if he approaches, change the background screensaver to interface elements that imply more active interaction. Many commands can be given by voice and will be processed by Apple Intelligence, but the touch interface will also remain. An iPhone may be required for the initial setup of the device, but some types of interaction with it will also be provided.
If the initiative to integrate new products into the smart home system is successful with customers, Apple may supplement the range of solutions with various types of sensors. For example, they will allow you to track how many people are in the room at a particular moment. Integration with security functions will also be provided; using the tablet you can control CCTV cameras and electronic locks. Since the initial configuration of the device will not be equipped with a robotic limb, it will be cheaper than the $1000 that Apple will charge for the older modification, and therefore users will literally be able to purchase several at a time, one for each of the rooms in their home. The video conference function will also be supported thanks to the presence of a webcam.