“Future HomePod smart speakers from Apple could do much more than the current model”
Apple unveiled the HomePod smart speaker during Worldwide Developers Conference in 2017. Although the speakers were critically acclaimed for their sound quality and volume, they weren’t very smart. In comparison to the Google Home and Amazon Echo smart speakers, the Apple HomePod was a dud. That could all change in the near future.
According to a patent application made by Apple in July 2017, a bunch of cool new features could be coming to a next generation HomePod. However, the patent application doesn’t use the word HomePod, but instead calls the device as a countertop speaker. The exact description calls the device “a countertop speaker with various sensors and cameras that gather hand gestures and other three-dimensional gesture input.”
The patent further describes that the speaker would use gestures to wake or unlock the device. It could use various sensors and LEDs hidden under the speaker fabric to provide feedback to these gestures. The LEDs could also be used to show the time and other information. The gesture support could come thanks to Apple’s acquisition of a company called PrimeSense. This company also provided its technology for use in the Kinect Xbox sensor by Microsoft. Apple has also used the technology in its TrueDepth facial recognition system that’s present on the iPhone X and later.
Apple also states in the patent that the speaker could recognise people around it with facial recognition technology. It would also be able to tell how far the user is from the speaker. This could be used to tell users apart and answer requests accordingly. The patent also explains other features that could be part of this speaker. It talks about ambient light sensing, showing logos for sport teams, heart rate monitoring, weather forecast by showing an icon of a sun if it’s sunny, and so on. It also talks about how the speaker can tell if a user is sad or happy and adapt accordingly.
If all of this ends up making its way to a HomePod speaker, then it would be great for Apple. However, many patents don’t make it actual products, so take all of this with a pinch of salt and don’t be disappointed if the next HomePod isn’t as smart as you thought it would be.