Apple Ramps Up Plans for Amazon Echo Rival [Report]

Apple is ramping up its plans for a device that would rival the Amazon Echo, reports Bloomberg.

Apple is said to have started the project about two years ago. The device is based on Siri and can be used to control appliances, locks, lights, curtains, and other smart home devices. Sources say the project has exited the research and development lab and is now in prototype testing.

The company is attempting to differentiate itself from Echo and Google Home with more advanced microphone and speaker technology, two people said. Some of the prototypes in testing include facial recognition sensors, another person said. Apple has acquired the facial recognition startups Faceshift and Emotient over the past two years, which may help the device act based on who is in a room or a person’s emotional state.


Beyond smart home control, the device will likely read e-mails, send text messages and Tweets, and stream content from Apple Music. It may even use your calendar and Maps to let you know when it's time to leave the house for an appointment.

Sources say that Apple employees are already testing the device in their homes. Hit the link below for more details and please follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, or RSS for updates.

Read More