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    Apple unveils Apple Home Collection, a new lineup of smart home accessories


    Introducing Apple Home Collection, a new lineup of smart home accessories designed in collaboration with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric.

    Apple today announced Apple Home Collection, a new lineup of smart home accessories — including indoor and outdoor cameras, thermostats, temperature sensors, and a video doorbell and door lock — designed in collaboration with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. These new accessories are simple to set up starting with one tap with iPhone, and everything is managed through the Apple Home app — no separate app or account required. Each accessory is encrypted end-to-end in Apple Home, so only users and the people they choose can access their home data.

    Building on the thousands of Works with Apple Home and Matter accessories available today, Apple Home Collection offers customers a new array of recommended products to better understand what’s happening inside and outside their home, manage access, and keep the temperature just right throughout the day. Availability for all products begins in December, with select accessories available starting early 2027.

    “Apple Home Collection makes it easy to choose smart home accessories with confidence,” said Matthew Costello, Apple’s vice president of Hardware Engineering, in a statement. “Working closely with industry leaders LG Electronics and Schneider Electric, we designed every accessory to work seamlessly with Apple Home, so managing your home is simple, reliable, and private.”

    Apple Home Collection accessories feature a clean, minimal aesthetic and premium materials, with every detail considered, from how they mount and adjust to how they look and feel throughout the home.
    Apple Home Collection accessories feature a clean, minimal aesthetic and premium materials, with every detail considered, from how they mount and adjust to how they look and feel throughout the home.

    Works with Apple Home and Matter certification have allowed a wide array of third-party accessories to connect with Apple’s smart home ecosystem for years, and Apple Home Collection takes it even further. Apple worked closely with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric to create an integrated Apple Home experience across the new product lineup. And like all accessories in Apple Home, Apple Home Collection products are designed for privacy, with Home app data encrypted end-to-end, so LG Electronics, Schneider Electric, and Apple can’t read it.

    These new Apple Home Collection products feature a clean, minimal aesthetic and premium materials, with every detail considered, from how they mount and adjust to how they look and feel alongside Apple products throughout the home. Each product can be set up starting with a single tap with iPhone, controlled entirely from the Home app and using Siri, and work as either standalone accessories or together as a connected system.

    “LG Electronics has spent decades developing technologies and products designed around the way people live,” said Kihyun Jung, LG Electronics’ executive vice president, in a statement. “Working closely with Apple, we’ve co-created a more connected, intuitive, and convenient home experience for our customers.”

    “As a global leader in energy technology, we are proud to bring our experience in innovative and advanced climate control to Apple Home,” said Olivier Blum, Schneider Electric’s CEO, in a statement. “Schneider Home’s new Smart Thermostat is a true collaboration with Apple to give customers a seamless way to help manage their home’s energy use, effortlessly blending efficiency with everyday comfort and simplicity.”

    The accessories are simple to set up starting with a single tap on iPhone, and everything is managed through the Home app — no separate app or account required.

    LG’s lineup of four cameras gives users a private and intelligent way to monitor their homes when using a home hub like Apple HomeView, HomePod, HomePod mini, or Apple TV 4K. Every camera captures up to 2.5K resolution video and recognizes people, familiar faces, pets, vehicles, and packages, with video history securely stored in users’ supported iCloud+ plan, so there’s no separate camera subscription.

    The lineup includes the following devices:

    • LG’s offers dual cameras that capture separate views of visitors and packages — allowing users to switch between the front and bottom camera views seamlessly — along with a built-in spotlight and a chime that plays through HomeView, HomePod, and HomePod mini. The front camera captures 2.5K resolution video, and the bottom camera captures full HD resolution.

    • LG’s delivers powerful perimeter monitoring with adaptive dual floodlights that activate automatically when motion is detected, and low-light color night vision that preserves clarity in darker conditions so users can see more of what’s happening outside.

    • LG’s also offers low-light color night vision and can be easily angled, delivering flexible outdoor coverage with simple self-installation.

    • LG’s takes a distinctive approach to privacy in the Home app by automatically tilting upward and downward to adjust the view when users check in on the home, and tilting back down to stop monitoring as soon as the first member of the household returns. Users can also tilt the camera manually or in the Home app at any time, whether to take a quick look around the room or adjust the view to exactly where they need it.

    LG’s Video Doorbell offers dual cameras that capture separate views of visitors and packages, along with a built-in spotlight and a chime that plays through HomeView, HomePod, and HomePod mini.
    LG’s Floodlight Cam delivers powerful perimeter monitoring with adaptive dual floodlights that activate automatically when motion is detected, and low-light color night vision that preserves clarity in darker conditions.
    LG’s Outdoor Cam offers low-light color night vision and can be easily angled for flexible coverage.
    LG’s Indoor Cam automatically tilts upward and downward to adjust the view when users check in on the home, and tilts back down to stop monitoring as soon as the first member of the household returns.

    Each camera works with iCloud+, giving users access to 10 days’ worth of event video history. On eligible iCloud+ plans, Apple Intelligence adds automatic video descriptions that summarize what’s happening in a clip, along with the ability to search footage using natural, descriptive language. Built-in storage keeps cameras recording even when Wi-Fi goes down, and improvements to the way footage is captured and stored ensure detected moments aren’t missed during a network outage. Users can view live footage and camera activity at any time right from the Home app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K, or HomeView — with quick live snapshots that give an at-a-glance view without needing to open a full livestream.

    The new HomeView works with Apple Home Collection to help users understand what’s happening inside and outside their home, manage access, keep the temperature just right throughout the day, and so much more.

    LG’s Smart Deadbolt Lock brings a new level of convenience to home access. Using Ultra Wideband technology, the lock can tell how close a user is and when they’re approaching the door. As a user with a home key on a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch walks up, the door unlocks automatically, with no tapping required. For flexibility, users can also tap to unlock with an iPhone or Apple Watch, use an integrated PIN pad, or rely on a hidden backup key slot. The lock can sense if the door has been opened, closed, or tampered with, alerting users if it’s open even while locked. Guest access can also be shared directly through the Home app, making it simple to grant a dog walker, house sitter, or visiting family member their own way in.

    LG’s Smart Deadbolt Lock uses Ultra Wideband technology to tell when the user is approaching the door, and can sense if the door has been opened, closed, or tampered with.

    Controls in the Home app allow the doorbell and lock to work together as a front-door system — letting users see who’s there and unlock the door in a single view or by asking Siri. When a visitor rings the bell, a chime sounds through HomeView, HomePod, or HomePod mini, and a notification appears on the user’s Apple devices, like iPhone or iPad. From wherever they are, users can see who’s at the door, speak to the visitor, and unlock the door for them. The new smart lock is Matter compatible and supports Aliro, working entirely locally so core access functions continue even without an internet connection.

    Two new Smart Thermostats are available — one from LG Electronics and one from Schneider Electric — so users can choose the product that best fits their home’s broader energy ecosystem. Using on-device intelligence from iPhone, Adaptive Temperature in the Home app automatically adjusts the thermostats based on whether someone is at home, winding down at night, or away, ensuring the home is always at the right temperature without any manual scheduling.

    Schneider Electric’s new Smart Thermostat for Apple Home Collection works with a broad range of HVAC systems and ensures the home is always at the right temperature without any manual scheduling.
    LG’s new Smart Thermostat for Apple Home Collection works with a broad range of HVAC systems and ensures the home is always at the right temperature without any manual scheduling.

    In the contiguous U.S., Clean Energy Guidance can shift heating and cooling to cleaner, lower-cost periods for users with a compatible utility plan, and the Home app displays usage insights over time, including peak and off-peak rate information. The new thermostats can read temperature and humidity across multiple rooms using LG Electronics’ and Schneider Electric’s new standalone temperature and humidity sensors, or the sensors already built into HomeView, HomePod, and HomePod mini.

    Using on-device intelligence from iPhone, Adaptive Temperature in the Home app automatically adjusts the thermostats based on whether someone is at home, winding down at night, or away.

    Both thermostats and temperature and humidity sensors are Matter compatible and DIY-friendly, and work with a broad range of HVAC systems, with on-device wire detection to simplify installation.

    Every product across the new lineup shares a consistent, seamless setup and control experience. Starting with a single tap with iPhone, the accessory is added to Apple Home, similar to setting up HomePod — with no additional app to download and no separate account to create. Every device supports Thread, helping it maintain connectivity even if a Wi-Fi connection drops. Products also automatically update their network credentials if a customer changes their home Wi-Fi, eliminating a common smart home frustration.

    The accessories are designed to work together, and users can control every product with Siri. A single “Good Morning” scene can simultaneously adjust the thermostat, tilt an indoor camera down while a user is getting ready, and start music on HomePod. Using on-device intelligence from iPhone or Apple Watch, users can set up Apple Home to recognize key moments throughout the day: As the last user leaves for work, the thermostat adjusts for an empty home, the door locks, and cameras begin monitoring again. Before they arrive home, the thermostat begins adjusting the temperature, and the front door unlocks automatically as they approach.

    Privacy is foundational to Apple Home. Camera footage and personal data in the Home app are stored end-to-end encrypted and never accessible to LG Electronics, Schneider Electric, or Apple. Camera footage is securely processed locally on the customer’s own Apple Home hub or in Private Cloud Compute and, for users with iCloud+, stored encrypted in iCloud for 10 days. No one, not even Apple, can access the data.

    For customers who prefer to have their smart home accessories professionally installed, Apple Retail now offers third-party installation from ADT for an additional charge, available in the U.S. starting this fall.

    • Apple Home Collection will be available starting in December at apple.com/store, in the Apple Store app, and at Apple Store locations, with select accessories available starting early 2027.

    • LG Video Doorbell Wired starts at US$249.95, LG Floodlight Cam starts at $399.95, and LG Outdoor Cam Plug-In starts at $299.95, all available in Essence Graphite and Essence Silver in the U.S., Canada, and the UK. LG Indoor Cam Plug-In, also available in the U.S., Canada, and the UK, starts at $199.95 in Essence White.

    • LG Smart Deadbolt Lock starts at $349.95 and is available in Essence Graphite and Essence Silver in the U.S. and Canada.

    • LG Smart Thermostat starts at $199.95 and LG Temperature Sensor starts at $39.95, and are available in Essence White in the U.S. and Canada.

    • Schneider Home Smart Thermostat starts at $199.95 and is available in Silver + White in the U.S. and Canada. Schneider Home Room Sensor, also available in the U.S. and Canada, starts at $39.95 in White.

    • Installation accessories for smart thermostats are available separately at apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app. LG C‑Wire Power Adapter starts at $24.95, Schneider Home Trim Plate starts at $14.95, and Schneider Home C‑Wire Power Adapter starts at $24.95.

    • Apple HomeView is not available for sale in the European Union, as Siri AI is currently unavailable in iOS in the EU. Apple is working constructively with the EU in an attempt to find a path forward.

    While we’re sticking with our Anker Eufy 4K solar-powered outdoor cameras (no wires and no issues), some of these other items are intriguing. Because Apple is relatively late to the game here, we already have smart thermostats, other aforementioned camera systems, smart deadbolt locks, etc., so we’ll see home well Apple Home handles them all, hopefully freeing us from having to use several third-party apps to control everything and access all of their capabilities (one app for the cameras, another for the thermostats, etc.).


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    Source link: https://macdailynews.com/2026/10/13/apple-unveils-apple-home-collection-a-new-lineup-of-smart-home-accessories/

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    Apple unveils $299 next-gen Apple TV 4K, powered by profoundly more capable Siri AI


    Apple today announced the next generation of Apple TV 4K, delivering its most immersive home theater experience yet. The new Apple TV 4K features Siri AI, an entirely new version of Siri powered by the next generation of Apple Intelligence, transforming how users search for, discover, and enjoy their favorite movies and TV shows through a full-screen Siri AI experience. With built-in far-field microphones, Apple TV 4K also lets users talk to Siri completely hands-free.

    The new Apple TV 4K delivers even faster performance and, when paired with four HomePod mini 2 or HomePod (2nd generation) speakers, unlocks the most immersive home theater surround sound setup Apple has ever offered. As a home hub, Apple TV 4K also makes managing the smart home easier than ever, with Apple Intelligence-generated camera activity descriptions and summarized notifications in the Home app, and control of accessories and scenes.

    The new Apple TV 4K, which features 128GB storage, can be pre-ordered starting today for US$299 or $49.83 per month for six months, with availability beginning November 13th.

    “The new Apple TV 4K is our most immersive home theater experience yet,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, in a statement. “With Siri AI, finding something to watch becomes a full-screen, conversational experience, and with built-in far-field microphones, it’s completely hands-free. Pair it with HomePod for the best surround sound setup we’ve ever offered, and it makes managing your Apple Home accessories easier than ever. Now, alongside HomeView, HomePod mini 2, and Apple Home Collection, it’s part of the most connected Apple Home we’ve ever built.”

    Apple TV 4K brings Siri AI to the living room with a rich, full-screen experience. An entirely new version of Siri powered by the next generation of Apple Intelligence, Siri AI is a profoundly more capable and conversational assistant with personal context understanding, broad world knowledge, and the ability to take even more systemwide app actions, making it effortless to find entertainment. Users can simply ask Siri “What Apple TV shows won at the Emmy Awards this year?” and see beautiful poster art pulled directly from the Apple TV app, along with relevant suggestions like “More award-winning comedies” to keep exploring. While watching, users can ask Siri AI follow-up questions and tap into Siri AI’s broad world knowledge to go deeper into a show, asking things like “Where was Pluribus filmed?” or “Is this appropriate for a 15-year-old?” Responses appear in a compact, subtle overlay, providing helpful information when viewers ask while keeping them immersed in the action. With an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, Siri AI on Apple TV 4K can now tap into a user’s personal context to answer requests like “Play the show Alinda recommended.”

    Siri AI is a profoundly more capable and conversational assistant with personal context understanding, broad world knowledge, and the ability to take even more systemwide app actions, making it effortless to find entertainment.

    The new Apple TV 4K features three far-field microphones, letting users control what they’re watching and discover new shows completely hands-free. Advanced echo cancellation intelligently isolates a user’s voice from background sound to deliver crystal-clear “Hey Siri” or “Siri” recognition, even while audio is playing.

    The A19 chip in the new Apple TV 4K delivers up to 50 percent faster CPU performance and up to 2x faster GPU performance than the previous generation, for greater responsiveness, faster navigation, and smoother animations. The A19 chip also includes a new, dedicated AV1 decoder, enabling more efficient, high-quality streaming while using less bandwidth.

    The new Siri Remote keeps its familiar design while adding Find My support with Precision Finding and an option to play a sound on the remote — making it far easier to locate.

    The Siri Remote adds Find My support with Precision Finding and an option to play a sound, making it far easier to locate.

    Pairing HomePod with Apple TV 4K already offers users an immersive viewing experience that’s easy to set up, and the new Apple TV 4K takes it even further. For the first time, users can create a four-speaker surround sound experience with Apple TV 4K (4th generation) and HomePod mini 2. The four speakers work together with Apple TV 4K to intelligently recognize their position in the room so audio timing and levels are automatically calibrated to the space. HomePod (2nd generation) can also be used in this four-speaker setup for the ultimate audio experience, as long as the front and rear speaker pairs match.

    For the first time, users can create a four-speaker surround sound experience with HomePod.

    The new Apple TV 4K continues to serve as a powerful home hub, giving users control of their smart home accessories from anywhere. With a compatible doorbell, notifications appear directly on the TV so users can see who’s at the door, speak with them, and control other accessories like unlocking the door — all without interrupting what they’re watching. Apple TV 4K supports automations, guest mode, and secure local processing of HomeKit Secure Video, now enhanced with Apple Intelligence-generated camera activity video descriptions and summarized notifications. Users can also use Siri AI to control smart home accessories and turn scenes on or off hands-free. And with built-in Wi-Fi and Thread, Apple TV 4K can seamlessly connect and control a user’s smart home.

    Apple TV 4K is a powerful home hub, giving users control of their smart home accessories from anywhere.

    Apple TV 4K is more than just a way to watch — it’s a home essential that transforms the living room to reflect what users want in the moment. With Apple Fitness+, the living room becomes a workout studio, while Apple Arcade and the App Store’s library of games turn it into a home arcade. With the Apple TV app, users can stream hundreds of Apple Originals, including thrilling dramas, epic sci-fi, and feel-good comedies, as well as live sports such as Formula 1 in the U.S., Major League Soccer, and Friday Night Baseball. Users can also make FaceTime calls with Continuity Camera, view photos, and do even more, all from the big screen. With an iPhone or iPad, users can now customize how their iCloud photos appear on Apple TV, making it easy to set up personalized Memories & Slideshows or Portraits screen savers without making their entire library visible. Plus, a new screen saver shuffle feature automatically rotates between categories so there is always something new to see.

    Users can now customize how their iCloud photos appear on Apple TV.
    With Apple Fitness+, Apple TV 4K can turn the living room into a workout studio.
    Apple Arcade and the App Store’s library of games turn the living room into a home arcade.
    A new screen saver shuffle feature automatically rotates between categories so there is always something new to see.
    With Continuity Camera, users can make FaceTime calls right from the big screen.

    Like every Apple product, Apple TV 4K is designed with privacy and security in mind. Apple TV 4K and the A19 chip include Secure Exclaves: protected and compartmentalized runtimes used to process microphone data separately from the rest of the system. Isolation features added across many core components of the silicon work in tandem to protect Secure Exclaves and keep them segregated from the rest of the system. Data that is processed and analyzed in the Secure Exclaves cannot be accessed by tvOS, apps, the user, or Apple.

    Siri AI takes full advantage of the bold new architecture for Apple Intelligence. Siri requests on Apple TV 4K can use on-device processing or Private Cloud Compute, which extends the privacy of the device to the cloud. When processed in Private Cloud Compute, data is neither stored nor made accessible to Apple or anyone else. HomeKit Secure Video footage is stored end-to-end encrypted and never accessible to Apple.

    Apple TV 4K was built with the environment in mind and drives progress toward Apple’s ambitious plan to be carbon neutral across its entire footprint by 2030. Apple TV 4K features 100 percent recycled gold plating and tin solder in all Apple-designed printed circuit boards, and 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets. The thermal module is made with 80 percent recycled aluminum, while the enclosure of the Siri Remote includes 100 percent recycled aluminum. Apple TV 4K meets Apple’s high standards for energy efficiency and safe chemistry. As with all Apple products, its paper packaging is 100 percent fiber-based9 and designed to be recycled.

    • Customers in the U.S. and 29 other countries and regions can pre-order Apple TV 4K (4th generation) starting today from apple.com/store and in the Apple Store app, with availability in stores beginning Friday, November 13th.

    • Apple TV 4K (4th generation) is available for US$299 or $49.83 per month for six months.

    • Siri AI is available as a beta on Apple TV 4K (2nd generation or later), and is available at launch in the U.S., Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and the UK in English.

    • The new Siri Remote is compatible with Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K, and is also available for purchase separately. Find My support is available on the Siri Remote (2nd generation or later).
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    So much more capable than a cheap streaming stick or a slow “smart” TV, but that $299 price point is going to make the new Apple TV 4K a tough sell for anyone who hasn’t already experienced the difference.


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    Source link: https://macdailynews.com/2026/10/13/apple-unveils-299-next-gen-apple-tv-4k-powered-by-profoundly-more-capable-siri-ai/