Podcast #1190: Ford Patent - Apple HomePod 3 - DirecTV MySports Review

On this week’s show we look at a Ford Motor patent that has potential implications for home entertainment. We preview a potential Homepod 3 and we finish off with a listener review of DirecTV MySports. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news

News:

• Bundle of Disney+, Hulu and Max Has a Strong Hold on Viewers
• NESN 360 slashing price by nearly $100 per year
• Roku Channel reveals MLB Sunday Leadoff schedule for 2025

Others:

• What Does Q Think? - YouTube

Ford Seeks Patent For Multi-Vehicle Audio System

Big tech companies like Apple file patents all the time. Some of these, like Apple’s patent for an AirPods case with a built-in display, or the one for an iPhone that folds in half, could easily become products if Apple thinks they’ll make money. But sometimes, these patents outline technologies that seem impossible, or at least unlikely. Full Story … 

Apple HomePod 3: Everything We Know So Far (From Tom’s Guide) 

Apple is anticipated to launch the HomePod 3 later in 2025, marking a significant upgrade from its predecessors. Key rumored features include the introduction of a touchscreen, which could position it against competitors like Amazon and Google’s smart displays.  Full article here…

Rumored Release Date: Analysts speculate that the HomePod 3 could be unveiled in either spring or summer 2025. However, there are rumors of a possible delay to the third quarter, coinciding with Apple's WWDC.

Potential Price: No official pricing information has been released, but the current HomePod 2 retails for $299. Given the competitive landscape, analysts speculate the HomePod 3 might be priced around $249, but if bundled with accessories, the total could elevate to $499 or more.

Display and Design: The standout feature of the HomePod 3 is expected to be its 6 to 7-inch OLED display, which would function as a smart home control hub. The device is anticipated to be slightly smaller than an iPad mini and could include a FaceTime camera for video calls and possibly act as a home security camera. Additionally, the HomePod 3 may incorporate presence sensors for smart home automation and feature a new custom-made Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip.

Interface:The Apple HomePod 3 is primarily designed as a smart home hub, with an interface focused on controlling HomeKit devices, possibly resembling the Apple TV's layout based on recent code findings. Reports suggest a strong emphasis on security, enabling users to view live feeds from compatible security cameras and interact with visitors, though compatibility with HomeKit remains limited compared to competitors. While the HomePod 3 will prioritize smart home functionality over audio, users will still be able to manage playlists. Interaction will occur through both touch and Siri voice commands for tasks like setting timers and family communication, and the integration of Apple Intelligence will enhance its smart capabilities, the specifics of which are yet to be clarified.

What We Want to See: For the HomePod 3, there are several desirable features that users would like to see, starting with a larger interface, as a 6-inch screen feels limited compared to similarly sized smart displays from Amazon that support