713: I Have Medium Hopes
Summary
The hosts discuss Apple’s new HomeView, a $300 smart display featuring an A18 chip, 7-inch LCD, and camera. They critique the generic name and design, noting the device’s surprisingly low price compared to competitors like Amazon Echo Show. The conversation covers the product’s marketing video, debating its realism and the lack of phone usage in the demo. Finally, they analyze the hardware specs, expressing skepticism about the audio quality and the use of an LCD screen for dim lighting conditions.
Topics discussed
Intro and the word 'eschew'
The origin of the iPad name
Critique of the HomeView and HomePod names
Comparing product naming trends
HomeView design: R2-D2 base and screen
Physical build and mounting options
Price analysis: $300 value proposition
HomePod Mini and full-size price history
Screen size perception and brightness
Review of the HomeView marketing video
Video details: privacy and phone comparison
Market size predictions and target users
Video editing and narrative fiction
Wall mount vs. base mount hardware
Display specs: resolution and brightness
Audio hardware and passive radiators
Computational audio and Siri features
Accessory pricing: USB-C and PoE mounts
Custom installation and high-end market
Sponsor: Quince meal delivery
Software: CarPlay apps and no App Store
CarPlay API limitations and SwiftUI hope
HomeView software naming and HomeOS
Is HomeView a new platform?
AppleCare One and multi-account issues
Multi-user support and family sharing
Voice recognition and lack of Face ID
Privacy concerns for household members
iPhone Duo and location-based security
Siri AI integration and phone interaction
Availability and EU restrictions
Hosts' personal HomePod usage
HomeView as a speaker with a screen
Siri AI slowness and reminder issues
Alternative: Unforgettable app for Siri
Apple's neglect of HomeKit and HomePod
Tolerance for slowness in home devices
Disappointment with color options
Hosts' lack of need for kitchen screens
Home Assistant vs. HomeKit usage
Stereo pairs for better audio
Sponsor: Tailscale networking
Tailscale sponsorship details
Apple TV 4K price increase controversy
Apple TV as a premium streaming box
Single model strategy for Apple TV
Premium experience vs. cheap alternatives
Simplification of Apple TV lineup
Apple TV reliability issues
Pairing with HomePods for surround sound
Computational audio vs. traditional AV
Low hopes for HomePod surround quality
Ultra-wideband and remote compatibility
On-screen controls vs. remote
Siri AI 'Find My' feature for phones
Hosts' plans for new Apple TV units
Apple TV not a gaming machine
Sponsor: Quince clothing
HomePod Mini price increase to $150
HomePod Mini color and design changes
Non-removable power cord criticism
AirPlay reliability issues with HomePods
Request for wired audio inputs
Apple Home Collection accessories
HomeKit partnership with LG and Schneider
No separate apps for HomeKit partners
Multi-ecosystem smart home devices
HomeKit architecture changes over time
Apple's push into the home market
Neutral outlook on Apple Home future
Camera privacy and physical shutters
Sponsor: Quince and closing remarks
Unify UTR travel router experience
Unify UTR antenna design
Using Unify UTR in hotels
Connecting Sonos and Apple TV to Unify
Final thoughts
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