The upcoming Echo-like Apple TV might be able to watch you with a camera
Apple
On Thursday we learned that it will likely come embedded in the next Apple TV, rather than as a standalone speaker.
And now, on Friday, CNET reports that it will likely have a camera that watches whatever room it's plopped down in.
With major tech companies betting on a computing future that involves a lot more talking to boxes and orbs strewn about your home - Google is launching an Echo competitor as well - it actually makes a lot of sense that these devices would gain the power of sight.
That's because, as is already the case with your laptop and smartphone, it's increasingly important that your home device know exactly who is talking to it before it does anything. The Amazon Echo can already learn to bank for you. In the future, it looks likely that more and more personal data will pass through these devices.
A camera would give Apple's Definitely-Not-An-Echo an added layer of security. It could see your face, recognize you, and require that visual confirmation for sensitive data.
Of course, there are obviously massive privacy concerns here. But if the sighted Apple smart device does work out, expect to see cameras on a lot more of these devices.
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- One of the world's only 5-star airlines seems to be considering asking business-class passengers to bring their own cutlery
- From terrace to table: 8 Edible plants you can grow in your home
- India fourth largest military spender globally in 2023: SIPRI report
- New study forecasts high chance of record-breaking heat and humidity in India in the coming months
- Gold plunges ₹1,450 to ₹72,200, silver prices dive by ₹2,300
- Strong domestic demand supporting India's growth: Morgan Stanley