Apple Homeview - A Nice Addition but Limited

On October 14 - Apple introduced some new devices that many are saying is their recommitment to the home automation market.  

First is HomeView a small 7" screen that contains a set of apps that Apple has determined you need.  One of the main ones being Apple Home.  It also contains cameras and microphones that can support Facetime calls along with Messages

HomeView comes in two form factors, a free standing device with a built-in speaker/stand and a wall mount version. Priced at $299.  The wall mount has a few options for installation including USB and hardwired.  A PoE option is listed but can't be ordered yet.   

In addition Apple introduced what they call the Home Collection via partnerships with LG and Schneider Electric.   This collection includes a a thermostat, doorbell, smart lock and both indoor and outdoor cameras including a spotlight camera.

Finally they announcement a partnership with ADT to provide installation services.

If you've bought into the Apple Home / HomeKit ecosystem - the HomeView can provide a compact alternative to using an iPad as your control panel.  

Additionally the HomeView also acts as a home hub - so there is no need to purchase a HomePod Mini or AppleTV for that capability.

With that said - there are a lot of limitations - Especially for those of you have more extensive home automation and already utilize an iPad to support the home.

The biggest challenge is that there are only 15 native apps and NO app store support.  So if your home automation solution includes apps outside of Apple Home - you're pretty much out of luck.   

And even some Apple apps like AppleTV are NOT native - you have to use the app on your phone then share it with the HomeView.   So kind of like CarPlay.   And even simple IOS apps like Apple News and Audiobooks have to be launched from your phone or iPad.  And while the HomeView has some camera based identity detection - it doesn't support the Mail app - only Messages.

Considering these devices have an A18 processor - this app limitation is really a showstopper in my opinion.  

When I look at the use cases for the HomeView I struggle to understand who would buy this.  While it has some potentially useful features like identity detection and an intercom capability, It's not really suited to be a complete home automation controller due to the lack of store apps.  And while my view of the use cases is more focused towards automation, several of the capabilities called out in the 

And while the freestanding unit provides a compact footprint to fit on a kitchen counter for example and adds improved audio with the built-in speakers and down firing woofer - are folks really going to swap out an existing iPad on a stand ?

Similarly the wall mount unit provides a potential control point, but if you've chosen Sonos or Spotify as your music control / source - A) you can't install the app and B) features like Sonos "everywhere" aren't really supported.   

And just like wall mounting an iPad you have to address power with the HomeView.  The good news is Apple tried to address this with USB, Hardwired and PoE installation options.  All of these options are extra cost when ordering.  But I have a hard time recommending installing multiple units in a large home due to the app limitations.   

The home collection devices in my opinion are somewhat redundant as solutions already exist from other providers that support HomeKit and I don't see any compelling reason for someone to switch from existing solutions like Ecobee or Aqara which are much more mature offerings at similar price points.

Bottom line is this, the HomeView is an interesting concept and has some potential - but it's app limitations are really disappointing.  Maybe with version 2 or 3 the product will mature enough that users can install the apps they need to properly run a modern home.  And in my opinion even users that are deeply engaged into the Apple ecosystem will find some of the limitations challenging or frustrating.

It will be interesting to see if partners like ADT would expand beyond just providing installation services to extending their alarm services.  Until then, its just a limited gadget.  

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