My observations about the HomeView and other tidbits

So many thoughts right now…

• It was a low-key unveiling, but it shouldn’t come as a surprise; the HomeView is an accessory in the grand scheme of things.
• About performance: A18 is the same processor as in the MacBook Neo. Fast content switching is a must in a multi-user setup. Based on the older Apple TV 4K, which has an older processor, this is promising. The switching sequence shown in Apple’s promotional material seems to corroborate this.
• Dependencies on the presence of a modern iPhone signed into Apple Intelligence for some features are surprising.
• The design is cute yet classy, but the arm behind the screen is shorter than I thought it would be. The design doesn’t remind me of the G4 iMac. At 7 inches, the screen is a tad bigger than rumors predicted. This leaves room (pun intended here) for a larger screen version with an articulated arm.
• I’m ok with the lack of an App Store dedicated to the HomeView. I expect Apple to add some app functionality in the future.
• The $429 price tag for the wall-mounted version, identical to the tabletop version, is an Apple tactic to discourage users from buying a cheaper version and adding external wireless speakers.
• The power adaptor design presents a not-too-deep block with the USB plug on top. This design lets you place furniture close to the wall.
• I’ll order mine so that I get it when I come back from Thailand in mid-November.
• The new Apple TV 4K is the same price. I would have preferred a cheaper 64GB version; I don’t need 128GB, and I don’t play games on the Apple TV. Built-in microphones are a godsend; no remote needed for voice commands. Yeah.
• One more thing: what’s missing from today’s announcements? The return of a secure, Apple-branded home networking device à la AirPort.