The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by Jill McKinley, Adam Cristianson, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Guy Serle. Apple’s smart home is getting a major upgrade! In this episode of In Touch With iOS, Dave and the panel dive into Apple’s newly announced HomeView smart home display, the updated Apple TV 4K, and the latest HomePod mini. Is HomeView the smart home hub we’ve been waiting for, or just another screen we don’t need?
We also explore the latest iOS 27.2 betas, including changes to the Health app and Apple Intelligence, and discuss Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone Duo. Plus, can the new Apple TV become a serious gaming console, and is its $299 price justified? We wrap up with the latest Vision Pro immersive content and our favorite apps, games, and accessories in Things We Found.
The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com
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In Touch with iOS Magazine on Flipboard
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Summary
Apple is making a big push into the smart home, and there’s plenty to discuss! In this episode of In Touch With iOS, Dave and the panel explore Apple’s latest announcements, including the all-new HomeView smart home display, an upgraded Apple TV 4K, and a refreshed HomePod mini. We also cover the latest Apple operating system betas, the future of Apple’s foldable iPhone, and some great apps and accessories.
The biggest discussion centers on Apple’s new HomeView, a seven-inch smart home display designed to bring HomeKit controls, Siri, FaceTime, media, and Apple services together in one convenient location. We explore its A18 chip, built-in camera, speakers, sensors, personalized content recognition, and options for tabletop or wall-mounted installation. The panel debates whether HomeView offers enough functionality to justify purchasing another Apple device, especially for those already using an iPad as a smart home controller. With no traditional App Store, will HomeView’s built-in capabilities be enough to make it the centerpiece of Apple’s smart home ecosystem?
Apple’s updated Apple TV 4K brings an A19 chip, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, AV1 decoding, far-field microphones, and a redesigned remote featuring Precision Finding. But at $299, is it worth upgrading from an existing Apple TV 4K? The panel examines the new hardware, improvements to everyday streaming, and whether Apple is positioning Apple TV as a more capable gaming platform. Could Apple finally become a serious competitor in the living room gaming market?
The refreshed HomePod mini also gets attention with improved processing, newer wireless connectivity, and additional audio capabilities, including surround sound support when paired with Apple TV. We discuss whether these improvements justify replacing existing HomePod minis or whether the updated speaker makes more sense for someone expanding their smart home or building a new home theater setup.
The latest developer betas are here, and we review updates across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. One notable change in iOS 27.2 is a redesigned Health app featuring new insights and longevity-related information. We also discuss expanded language support for Apple Intelligence and whether the latest betas offer enough improvements to get excited about.
Apple Vision Pro is getting a new immersive horror experience with The Remnants. The panel discusses what makes immersive storytelling different from traditional movies and whether experiencing horror in a spatial environment might be a little too intense for some viewers. We also briefly touch on the latest visionOS beta developments.
Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone, referred to as the iPhone Duo, generates plenty of discussion. We debate the advantages of a larger folding display, potential productivity benefits, expected pricing, camera compromises, and the possibility of Touch ID replacing Face ID. Would a foldable iPhone change how we use our devices, or is it another expensive gadget that looks more appealing than it is practical? Several panelists explain why they might wait for a second-generation model.
Topics and Links
In Touch with Vision Pro
Apple Unveils Immersive Horror Film Coming Exclusively to Vision Pro
visionOS 27.2 Developer Beta 4 Released
Beta this week.
Apple Releases Fourth iOS 27.2 Beta
iOS 27.2 Beta 4 Removes New Health App
iOS 27.2 Adds New Apple Music Icon
Apple Releases New AirPods Beta Firmware
Apple Releases Fourth watchOS 27.2 and visionOS 27.2 Betas
In Touch With Mac this week
Apple Seeds Fourth macOS Golden Gate 27.2 Beta to Developers – MacRumors
Welcome Home Announcements
Welcome Home: Everything Apple Announced on October 13
Apple HomeView – Technical Specifications
Home Accessories Apple Home Collection
HomeView’s Wall Model: Pay More, Get Less Speaker
Apple HomeView Has These 15 Apps, Some CarPlay Apps and Widgets Also Supported
Ready for HomeView? Don’t Miss These Smart Home Accessory Deals
Apple HomeView Includes Temperature and Humidity Sensors
HomeView’s Faces Include Snoopy, Photos, and Interactive Artwork
Apple’s HomeView Touts These 5 Privacy Features
Apple’s HomeView Repair Fees Revealed
HomeView Runs Third-Party Apps From Your iPhone or iPad
Apple’s Long-Delayed HomeView Was Already Being Tested in 2024
Apple TV 4K is it with the $299 price tag?
Apple TV 4K – Technical Specifications
Siri Remote – Apple with Find My
New Siri Remote is $59 and Compatible With These Apple TV Models
New Apple TV 4K and Siri Remote Have These 14 New Features
New Apple TV 4K Supports Surround Sound via Four HomePods
HomePod mini 2 – Technical Specifications – Apple
Which Apple Home Devices Get Siri AI, and When
HomePod Mini 2: All the New Features
HomePod Mini vs. HomePod Mini 2 Buyer’s Guide: All Differences Compared
Other Topics
iPhone Duo Pre Orders
iPhone Duo Will Have Day-One iOS 27.1 Update
iPhone Duo Compromises: Everything You Have to Give Up
iPhone Duo: Apple Charging $49 for New Cover Layer, $229 for Battery
iPhone Duo: Skipping AppleCare+ Could Be $1,499 Mistake
This weeks “Things we found”
Jill – Desk Clamp Cat Bed https://amzn.to/4yqzYsN
Dave: RØDE LPA1 Low-Profile Studio Arm https://amzn.to/4B8UdxThe
Eric – Godox SL100Bi Bi-Color LED Video Light https://amzn.to/4yPnLyT
Jeff: No Man’s Sky for iPhone and iPad https://apps.apple.com/us/app/no-mans-sky/id1615755735
Guy: Mind the Door – https://mindthedoor.app/ You’re presented with two doors. Pick the right one and move to the next level. Choose wrong and you die
Adam: Spigen GlasTR EZ FIT Screen Protector https://amzn.to/4i1dzxD
Our Guest
Adam Christianson – You can find him on Mac Geek Gab https://macgeekgab.com and The Debut FIlm Podcast https://debutfilmpodcast.com/
Our Host
Dave Ginsburg is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users and shares his wealth of knowledge of iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and related technologies. Visit the YouTube channel https://youtube.com/intouchwithios follow him on Mastodon @daveginsburg, , BlueSky @daveginsburg and the show @intouchwithios
Our Co-Hosts
Jeff Gamet is a podcaster, technology blogger, artist, and author. Previously, he was The Mac Observer’s managing editor, and Smile’s TextExpander Evangelist. You can find him on his blog Jeff Gamet – Mastadon @jgamet Pixelfed @jgamet@pixelfed.social and Bluesky @jgamet.bsky.social Podcasts The Context Machine Podcast Retro Rewatch Retro Rewatch His YouTube channel https://youtube.com/jgamet Buy his art! Jeff Gamet Art
Marty Jencius, Ph.D., is a professor of counselor education at Kent State University, where he researches, writes, and trains about using technology in teaching and mental health practice. His podcasts include Vision Pro Files, The Tech Savvy Professor and Circular Firing Squad Podcast. Find him at jencius@mastodon.social https://thepodtalk.net
Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him by email at eabolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast.
Jill McKinley works in enterprise software, server administration, and IT. A lifelong tech enthusiast, she started her career with Windows but is now an avid Apple fan. Beyond technology, she shares her insights on ai, nature, faith, and personal growth through her podcasts. Her content on YouTube at @smallstepswithai and follow her on X @NorthwoodsJill. Find all her work at http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com
Chuck Joiner is the host of MacVoices and hosts video podcasts with influential members of the Apple community. Make sure to visit macvoices.com and subscribe to his podcast. You can follow him on Twitter @chuckjoiner and join his MacVoices Facebook group.
Guy Serle is one of the hosts of the new The Gmen Show along with GazMaz and email GMenshow@icloud.com @MacParrot and @VertShark on X Vertshark on YouTube, Google Voice +1 Area code 703-828-4677. Also Warp Speed Weirdos with Jeff Gamit.
