Apple CEO Tim Cook during Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event in Cupertino, California, on September 9, 2024.
Nic Coury | AFP | Getty Images
Apple is focusing on a revolutionary device that would transform the smart home world: the wall-mounted tablet. It is AI-powered to control appliances, conduct video calls, and run applications smoothly. Code named J490, it may come as early as March, and it could turn out to be a new game-changing user experience that redefines the smart home hub world.
It looks like a square IPad with a 6-inch screen, available in both pristine silver and black. The tablet will contain built-in speakers and a camera, capable of multitasking to enable smart home device control and FaceTime video calls, among other things. It will run on the company’s new AI platform, Apple Intelligence, and provide an easy-to-use interface that feels natural and effortless for users. Through Siri, users can give hands-free voice commands, interact with applications, and control various home automation features, ranging from lights and thermostats to security systems, all within Apple’s HomeKit framework.
This new product is far from just convenience; it’s, in fact, designed to streamline life. Imagine walking into your home and simply speaking into a tablet as it adjusts your smart thermostat, turns on the lights, or dials a video call.
With its sleek design, the J490 can be mounted on a wall or positioned on a counter—very discreet in any living space. Even so, although the device will stand alone, some tasks will require an iPhone in order to have full functionality.
Competition-wise, this is going to be a fight for the ages between the J490 and established rivals from Amazon in the form of Echo Show or Google in the form of Nest Hub. But, with this promise of integration of all its products seamlessly, Apple will bring a refreshing apple compatibility with all other Apple devices as well.
Pricing will start at about $1,000 (around ₹84,000) for the expensive version, but there could be a cheaper option available only in stores. CEO Tim Cook has stated that he will be able to release it into the smart home space within the future.
This seems to be part of a larger strategy by Apple in enlarging product offerings and capturing the increasing demand for smart home technology. The intelligent tablet may well be the next giant leap in the next edition of home automation: cutting-edge innovation that Apple can be expected to bring along with simplicity and elegance required.
