Code in HomeView 27.2 hints Apple hub could work as a security camera
A Reddit user found strings in HomeView 27.2 code describing a security camera mode with motion detection, streaming and recording. Apple has not commented, and The Verge and ZDNET treat it as unconfirmed.
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The story, neutrally told
Mixed · 2A Reddit user, pdfu, found strings in the HomeView 27.2 code suggesting Apple could add security camera features to its smart home hub. The VergeLC “Reddit user pdfu found hints hidden in the HomeView 27.2 code that Apple could be adding security camera features to its smart home hub.” Read at The Verge ↗ ZDNETN “according to settings discovered by a Reddit user pdfu” Read at ZDNET ↗ Left · 1The strings describe a security camera mode with motion detection, live streaming and recording options, plus privacy functions; a setup page reportedly reads: "Your HomeView can be used as a security camera with HomeKit Secure Video." The VergeLC “The strings describe a security camera mode with motion detection, live streaming, and recording options, as well as privacy functions.” Read at The Verge ↗ Mixed · 2According to the strings, video would be visible only to home members, and an indicator light and sound would signal when someone is watching or when recording starts. ZDNET describes these as a green status light and a chime. The VergeLC “will both show an indicator light and play a sound when either someone is watching the camera feed or when it starts to record” Read at The Verge ↗ ZDNETN “a green status light will appear, and a chime will sound” Read at ZDNET ↗
Left · 1Home members would also be notified whenever Secure Video settings are changed. The VergeLC “Home members will also get a notification anytime settings are changed for the Secure Video mode.” Read at The Verge ↗ Centre · 1ZDNET reports four possible video options: Off, Detect Activity, Stream, and Stream & Allow Recordings. Detect Activity would alert members to motion without saving footage, Stream would show live video without recording, and the last option would allow recordings that all members can access. ZDNETN “HomeView may have four video options: Off, Detect Activity, Stream, and Stream & Allow Recordings.” Read at ZDNET ↗ Mixed · 2Options to detect, stream or record based on whether members are home, away or asleep are also listed. ZDNET says proximity would be determined from members' iPhone or other device locations. The VergeLC “based on whether you’re home, away, or asleep” Read at The Verge ↗ ZDNETN “using home members’ iPhone or other device locations to determine proximity” Read at ZDNET ↗
Mixed · 2Apple has not said anything to suggest the features are coming. The Verge speculates that Apple, given its privacy marketing, may be refining them before launch, and ZDNET notes the feature could be delayed beyond 27.2. The VergeLC “the company hasn’t said anything to suggest the features are coming” Read at The Verge ↗ ZDNETN “there’s a possibility that this feature gets delayed to an even later software release” Read at ZDNET ↗ Centre · 1ZDNET argues the feature would give Apple an edge over Ring, Nest and Wyze, since users could view streams without a third-party app, and that one device could combine Siri, intercom, smart-lock control and a camera. ZDNETN “Apple’s bottom-up ecosystem control gives it an advantage over competing home security brands like Ring, Nest, and Wyze.” Read at ZDNET ↗
Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on. The pill in front of each says where its sources sit: Left, Centre or Right when one side supplies at least half of them, Mixed when they are evenly split. The number is how many outlets it cites.
Left1 outlet
- Framing
- Short report relaying a Reddit find, hedged with "supposedly" and noting Apple's silence.
- Emphasis
- Privacy safeguards and why Apple might have held the features back.
- Leaves out or plays down
- No competitor comparison or detail on the four video modes.
- For example
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“Supposedly, the video feeds will only be visible to members of the home” — The Verge
Centre1 outlet
- Framing
- Consumer-tech explainer presenting the feature as a competitive threat to Ring, Nest and Wyze.
- Emphasis
- Detailed video modes, competitor advantage and device longevity.
- Leaves out or plays down
- Does not state that Apple has made no comment.
- Charged language
- “watch out Ring, Nest, and Wyze”
- For example
-
“Apple’s HomeView may double as security camera – watch out Ring, Nest, and Wyze” — ZDNET
Right0 outlets
No right outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.
What every side reports
- Reddit user pdfu found the strings in HomeView 27.2 code
- The feature would use HomeKit Secure Video
- Only home members could view feeds, with a light and sound when streaming or recording
- Options can depend on home, away or asleep
Left1 article
-
Apple’s HomeView could add security camera features
Neutral Cautious brief on leaked code strings, noting Apple has not confirmed.
Centre1 article
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ZDNETN ·
Apple’s HomeView may double as security camera – watch out Ring, Nest, and Wyze
Mixed Detailed but enthusiastic, framing the possible feature as an advantage over rivals.
Right0 articles
No coverage yet.
- 1 Nov 17:16 First The VergeLC Apple’s HomeView could add security camera features
- 2 Nov 16:35 +23h 19m ZDNETN Apple’s HomeView may double as security camera – watch out Ring, Nest, and Wyze
Times are when each article was published, or when we first saw it if the outlet gave no time.
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