Rumored New Apple Product Could Be a Throwback to an Abandoned Xbox Peripheral

08.04.2024 - 22:19 / gamerant.com / Vision Pro / John DiCarlo

Apple is reportedly exploring a built-in camera to natively support FaceTime in a future Apple TV release, an idea that might remind Xbox fans of the abandoned Kinect. Apple has already added FaceTime support with tvOS 17, which requires a compatible iPhone or iPad to stream a video call to an Apple TV, but this upgrade would make things much more seamless.

Xbox's Kinect was first launched in 2010 when Microsoft hoped the bold, motion-sensing product would usher in a new generation of home entertainment, and while it sold well initially, its popularity died out due to privacy concerns and a lack of interest from most gamers. The unfortunate timeline ended in 2022 when the Kinect's inventor left Microsoft after allegations of misconduct were levied against him. However, it seems the idea of a camera-enabled entertainment system has found a new home.

A Bloomberg report states that Apple has big plans for its category of smart home products. Apparently, the tech giant is discussing a redesigned Apple TV set-top box that would include a built-in camera for both FaceTime and gesture control capabilities. Like other Apple products, the technology would be meant to work seamlessly with a user's iPhone or the new Vision Pro. According to the report, Apple has already begun testing a lightweight smart display that is part of this new family of smart home products. The displays would presumably be used as a command center for a user's relevant Apple devices. However, reportedly, the company has not yet decided whether it will move forward with the new products.

The smart home sector is a wide-reaching and potentially lucrative market for Apple to invest further in, following previous products like the HomePod, but it would have plenty of tough competition from other tech companies like Google, Amazon, and others. However, the report states that Apple's canceled electric car project and recently released Vision Pro have freed up substantial resources to develop future products.

For fans interested in forthcoming Apple releases, the company's WWDC24 event takes place on June 10. During it, Apple is expected to announce new software like iOS 18 and macOS 15, but hardware rumors have been scant so far.

VR or AR fans can already get a taste of the future with Apple's highly expensive Vision Pro, which starts at $3,500 and tops out at almost $5,000 with all accessories included. Some Vision Pro owners have explained that the device is incredibly impressive thanks to its intuitive spatial control features and super precise eye tracking, but also say that the device is almost too ahead of its time, which can be seen in its exorbitant price and inconvenient features like an external battery.

Apple began as a small tech