Recently, Apple has been working on prototypes of its HomePod with an interactive display. In particular, one of these prototypes, identified as “B720,” has the same shape as the HomePod 2, but with an LCD touchscreen on top. But would adding a screen to the HomePod actually improve how people use it?
Right now, HomePod is great for listening to music and asking Siri questions. But it can be frustrating when Siri doesn’t understand or gets things wrong. It would be nice to see information like timer updates or the weather without asking. Some new features, like picking songs or checking what’s playing, would also be good.
Apple is testing different ways to add screens. One idea is like an Amazon Echo Show with a full tablet attached. Another option is the B720 prototype with just a screen on the existing HomePod design. This would be easier to make but might not help very much.
With a screen on top, you’d need to be close to see it. So things like the clock or weather couldn’t always be on display. And the viewing angle would be small. While it could let you choose songs or see what’s playing, would it really change your HomePod experience very much?
I think people really want a HomePod that shows lyrics, videos, and controls without talking to Siri every time. A larger built-in display could deliver that. In the end, adding a screen may not significantly improve using a HomePod. But it could make some users happy.
