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Apple Rumored to Develop Apple TV with Integrated Camera Inspired by Xbox's Past Innovation

A leaked report hints at Apple's exploration of a potential new product that may draw parallels to a once-popular Xbox accessory from years gone by.
Apple Rumored to Develop Apple TV with Integrated Camera Inspired by Xbox's Past Innovation

Highlights

  • Apple is looking into incorporating a built-in camera for FaceTime on upcoming Apple TV models to enhance video calling convenience.
  • The company is contemplating a revamped Apple TV design featuring a built-in camera for FaceTime and gesture controls.
  • With the shelving of the Apple car project and the Vision Pro launch, Apple could redirect resources towards innovative smart home technologies.

Apple is reportedly delving into the possibility of integrating a camera directly into future Apple TV models to streamline FaceTime functionality, a move reminiscent of Xbox's now-defunct Kinect. While the current setup involves streaming video calls from compatible iPhones or iPads to an Apple TV, this rumored enhancement aims to simplify the process for users.

Microsoft's Kinect, introduced in 2010, was envisioned as a groundbreaking motion-sensing device that would revolutionize home entertainment. Despite early success, waning interest and privacy issues led to its demise, culminating in the departure of its creator amid misconduct allegations in 2022. Nevertheless, the concept of a camera-enabled entertainment system seems to have resurfaced in a different setting.

As per a Bloomberg disclosure, Apple is gearing up for significant advancements in its smart home product lineup. Discussions suggest a potential overhaul of the Apple TV with an embedded camera for FaceTime and gesture recognition. Designed to seamlessly integrate with iPhones and the Vision Pro, this technology would expand Apple's ecosystem. Trials are reportedly underway for a lightweight smart display, envisioned as a central hub for managing Apple devices within a smart home framework. Yet, the decision on progressing with these innovations remains pending.

Envisioning Future Apple TV Innovations

The smart home domain presents a lucrative growth avenue for Apple, building on past successes like the HomePod. However, fierce competition looms from tech rivals such as Google and Amazon. Notably, the discontinuation of Apple's electric vehicle initiative and the Vision Pro launch have unlocked resources for future endeavors.

Apple enthusiasts anticipating new releases can mark June 10 for the WWDC24 event, where software updates like iOS 18 and macOS 15 are anticipated. While hardware revelations have been sparse, tech aficionados intrigued by VR or AR can explore Apple's premium Vision Pro, renowned for its spatial controls and precise eye tracking. Despite its cutting-edge features, some users find the device's pricing and external battery setup as potential drawbacks.

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