Adam Kos Like it or not, the HomePod is still a largely neglected Apple accessory. After all, the first one was already introduced in 2017, and the mini model in 2020. After four years, we still only have two models here, while Apple has many interesting patents in its pocket on how to improve this smart assistant, including on the software side.
Smart cameras
New patent application Apple describes how to receive notifications when a specific person is detected at a specific location. The user can thus be alerted if there is someone he recognizes at the front door and it is not a member of the household, otherwise he will not receive a notification. Of course, this is in connection with the continuation of smart security cameras. In that case, the HomePod could inform you exactly who is standing at the door.
Built-in camera system
As a possible development of the HomePod mini in terms of hardware, it can be equipped with a camera system or at least certain sensors. LiDAR is offered directly here. These cameras or sensors would be able to capture user's eyes, and especially the direction of his gaze when he asks Siri to perform a given action. In this way, he will know if he is talking directly to the HomePod, but at the same time he will be able to better recognize which person is speaking to him not only based on the analysis of the voice, but also of the face. The result would then be better personalized settings according to a specific user.
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Gesture control
You primarily control HomePod with your voice and through Siri. Even though it has a touch surface on its upper side, you can only use it to adjust the volume, pause and start music, or activate the voice assistant with a long hold. Some users may have a problem with this. However, new generations could learn gesture control.
For this purpose, sensors would be present to detect the user's hand movements. Depending on what gesture he would then make towards the HomePod, he would elicit such a reaction from it. The patent also mentions a new form of fabric that would be illuminated by LEDs and would inform the user about the correct interpretation of the gesture.
