Apple's next smart home device could have a robotic arm that follows your voice

Apple is reportedly working on a futuristic new smart home device that acts like a robot. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, this upcoming gadget will feature a large screen attached to a motorised robotic arm that can rotate a full 360 degrees to face whoever is talking.Here is everything we know so far about Apple's big push into smart home robotics.A screen that moves with youInternally codenamed "J595," the new device is being developed as a highly advanced version of Apple’s recently launched "HomeView" smart display. While the standard HomeView comes with a fixed 7-inch screen, this new premium model is expected to get a bigger 9-inch display mounted on a robotic limb.The most exciting feature is its ability to move on its own. Using advanced voice recognition technology, the device can figure out who is speaking in a room and automatically turn its screen towards them. For example, if you are walking around your kitchen while on a family video call, the screen will physically rotate to keep you in the frame. When will it launch and how much will it cost?If you want to buy one, you will have to be patient. Apple is reportedly targeting a launch window between 2027 and 2028 for the robotic display.It will be sold as a premium, high-end model rather than a replacement for the current HomeView. For context, Apple's standard HomeView is priced at $299. While the official price for the robotic version isn't confirmed, previous reports have suggested it could cost around $1,000. The company is reportedly considering names like "HomeView Pro," "HomeView Max," or "HomeView 360" for the new gadget.The challenges ahead Apple's new device is a clear attempt to catch up in the smart home and AI race, a space currently dominated by Google Nest and Amazon Echo devices.However, the journey hasn't been completely smooth. The release of the base HomeView was reportedly delayed by about two years due to software struggles with the new AI-powered Siri, leaving finished units sitting in warehouses for an extended period.Apple also faces software limitations. The current HomeView relies heavily on a connected iPhone and lacks a dedicated app store. With major apps like YouTube and Netflix missing from the platform, tech experts believe Apple might have a hard time convincing people to ditch their existing Google or Amazon smart home setups. - Ends