Gurman calls Apple’s new smart device “the most significant new Apple product” of 2025 – Digital Trends
Apple’s new smart hub could look like a HomePod with a seven-inch screen attached to it, and a higher-end version of the same device could even have a robot arm that lets it track users around the room. In his latest Power On! newsletter, Mark Gurman lays out what fans can expect from the new device. It aims to improve on the capabilities of the existing HomePod and elevate Apple HomeKit to a higher level. Gurman said, “I still consider it Apple’s most significant release of the year because it’s the first step toward a bigger role in the smart home.”Currently, HomeKit users can set up a home hub using either the HomePod, HomePod Mini, Apple TV, or similar device. Its new smart home hub is rumored to be part of an attempt to elevate HomeKit to the same level of Alexa or Google Assistant.Gurman calls the new smart device a “smaller and cheaper iPad that lets users control appliances, conduct FaceTime chats and handle other tasks.” It doesn’t sound like the new hub will stand alone, though; Gurman goes on to say that it “should be followed by a higher-end version in a few years.” That version should be able to pan and tilt to keep users in-frame during video calls, or just to keep the display visible as someone moves around the home.This information contradicts earlier leaks that predicted a six-inch screen, but they do corroborate other details like the idea Apple would combine an iPad and AI features with a HomePod. Other details are still known, like whether the device will use an original operating system. The overall plan is to make the new smart device the center of an Apple-based smart home and open the doors to a more conversational Siri.Amazon has an impressive roster of smart displays, but few are as popular as the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 10. The Echo Show 8 is now on its third generation, offering an HD display and a small footprint that’s great for most homes. The Echo Show 10 is also on its third generation — though it’s much larger than its sibling and comes with a few exclusive features.But is the bigger smart display better? Both products share much of their spec sheets, and it’s not immediately evident that the Echo Show 10 does enough to deserve its hefty price. Here’s a look at the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 10 to help you determine which is best for your needs.
Pricing and designNanoleaf has been a big proponent of Matter, with a couple of products in its Essentials lineup already supporting the interoperability standard. The company today announced it’s expanding its selection of Matter-enabled smart home gadgets with four new products — two of which are members of the Essentials lineup, while the other two are stylish table lamps designed in collaboration with Umbra.The Nanoleaf Essentials Matter GU10 and Recessed Downlight are the two products joining the existing Essentials catalog. Both work with Matter over Thread, allowing users to access millions of colors, Schedules, and Scenes. The Downlight is of particular interest, as it features a slim design that should easily fit existing cutouts for 4-inch recessed lights.The smart home marketplace has seen tremendous growth over the past few years. From smart thermostats and smart light bulbs to video doorbells and solar panels, there are plenty of ways to upgrade your home and give it a boost in functionality. Best of all, many of these smart home devices can save you money.They might require a bit of an upfront investment, but there’s a look at all the smart home devices that can cut down your monthly energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
Smart thermostatsUpgrade your lifestyleDigital Trends helps readers keep tabs on the fast-paced world of tech with all the latest news, fun product reviews, insightful editorials, and one-of-a-kind sneak peeks.
