Samuel Miller
Member
On April 8th, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman revealed in the latest issue of the PowerOn newsletter that Apple is planning to integrate a camera into its Apple TV set-top box for use with FaceTime and other video calling applications.
In the latest tvOS 17 update from Apple, a FaceTime app has been added to Apple TV, allowing users to make video calls using the rear cameras of their iPhones or iPads after connecting.
Gurman also mentioned that with the integration of a camera into future Apple TV models, users could expect "gesture-based interaction control," although he did not provide further details in the newsletter.
"Gesture-based interaction control" could take two forms:
Firstly, it may be limited to video calls. This functionality is already in place starting from updates like iOS 17, macOS Sonoma, and tvOS 17. During video calls on FaceTime and other video calling apps, users can make gestures that create 3D effects on the screen. For example, users can raise two thumbs to display fireworks on the screen or make a peace sign gesture to show confetti.
Alternatively, it could entail gesture interaction for the entire tvOS system.
In other news related to smart homes, Gurman mentioned that Apple is also considering launching a "lightweight smart display" for home use, providing the following insights:
As part of this strategy, Apple is considering a lightweight smart display akin to a low-end iPad. This device could be moved between rooms as needed and connected to charging centers around the house. Apple has begun small-scale production trials for this type of screen but has not yet decided whether to proceed.
As these developments unfold, users can anticipate enhanced functionality and potentially new ways to interact with their Apple TV devices and smart displays, offering more immersive and intuitive experiences in the home entertainment and smart home domains.
In the latest tvOS 17 update from Apple, a FaceTime app has been added to Apple TV, allowing users to make video calls using the rear cameras of their iPhones or iPads after connecting.
Gurman also mentioned that with the integration of a camera into future Apple TV models, users could expect "gesture-based interaction control," although he did not provide further details in the newsletter.
"Gesture-based interaction control" could take two forms:
Firstly, it may be limited to video calls. This functionality is already in place starting from updates like iOS 17, macOS Sonoma, and tvOS 17. During video calls on FaceTime and other video calling apps, users can make gestures that create 3D effects on the screen. For example, users can raise two thumbs to display fireworks on the screen or make a peace sign gesture to show confetti.
Alternatively, it could entail gesture interaction for the entire tvOS system.
In other news related to smart homes, Gurman mentioned that Apple is also considering launching a "lightweight smart display" for home use, providing the following insights:
As part of this strategy, Apple is considering a lightweight smart display akin to a low-end iPad. This device could be moved between rooms as needed and connected to charging centers around the house. Apple has begun small-scale production trials for this type of screen but has not yet decided whether to proceed.
As these developments unfold, users can anticipate enhanced functionality and potentially new ways to interact with their Apple TV devices and smart displays, offering more immersive and intuitive experiences in the home entertainment and smart home domains.
