Is Apple About To Release a Soundbar?
Speculation is rife that Apple could soon release a soundbar based on its HomePod speaker, along with Apple TV built-in, and a video camera for video conferencing.
Bloomberg, who says its source is “people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified”, thinks that Apple's “set-top box” will also receive a camera for video communication, as well as a set of functions for a smart home. The device is said to be at an early stage of development, and it's far from confirmed if the product will even make it to the shelves.
With the HomePod discontinued earlier this year and Apple TV well overdue for a refresh, it would make sense to merge this technology to produce a soundbar that slipstreams Apple TV tech into the HDMI chain, along with a smart speaker that plays nicely on the Apple ecosystem.
Bloomberg further reported that “Apple combined its HomePod and Apple TV engineering groups in 2020 and unified the underlying software that runs on both devices. That was an early hint that Apple may eventually integrate the hardware lines.”
What We Think?
With Apple's know-how, the integration of a soundbar and Apple TV makes perfect sense. Apple seems to be shying away from the previously speculated TV range, and the addition of an “iBar” to Apple's growing lineup seems like a great idea. We'd say it's not a question of 'if', but more a case of 'when'.
Gallery
Marc Rushton
StereoNET’s Founder and Publisher was born in England and raised on British Hi-Fi before moving to Australia. He developed an early love of music and playing bass guitar before discovering the studio and the other side of the mixing desk. After a few years writing for audio magazines, Marc saw the future in digital publishing and founded the first version of StereoNET, known at the time as Planet Audio, in 1999.
Posted in:Home Theatre Visual Lifestyle Technology Smart Homes & IoT
Tags: apple soundbar homepod apple tv
JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION
Want to share your opinion or get advice from other enthusiasts? Then head into the Message Forums where thousands of other enthusiasts are communicating on a daily basis.
CLICK HERE FOR FREE MEMBERSHIP
Trending
applause awards
Each time StereoNET reviews a product, it is considered for an Applause Award. Winning one marks it out as a design of great quality and distinction – a special product in its class, on the grounds of either performance, value for money, or usually both.
Applause Awards are personally issued by StereoNET’s global Editor-in-Chief, David Price – who has over three decades of experience reviewing hi-fi products at the highest level – after consulting with our senior editorial team. They are not automatically given with all reviews, nor can manufacturers purchase them.
The StereoNET editorial team includes some of the world’s most experienced and respected hi-fi journalists with a vast wealth of knowledge. Some have edited popular English language hi-fi magazines, and others have been senior contributors to famous audio journals stretching back to the late 1970s. And we also employ professional IT and home theatre specialists who work at the cutting edge of today’s technology.
We believe that no other online hi-fi and home cinema resource offers such expert knowledge, so when StereoNET gives an Applause Award, it is a trustworthy hallmark of quality. Receiving such an award is the prerequisite to becoming eligible for our annual Product of the Year awards, awarded only to the finest designs in their respective categories. Buyers of hi-fi, home cinema, and headphones can be sure that a StereoNET Applause Award winner is worthy of your most serious attention.