Apple’s upcoming HomeView smart home hub could also function as a HomeKit Secure Video camera, according to settings strings found in the device’s software. As reported by MacRumors‘ Tim Hardwick, the discovery comes from code sleuth pdfu, who examined HomeView Software 27.2.
The strings reveal four camera modes: Off, Detect Activity, Stream, and Stream & Allow Recording. Scheduling options appear for when users are home, away, or asleep. The software also includes a HomeView-specific configuration for 1080p/30fps video with microphone input, which it selects for HomeKit Secure Video sessions.
Other indications suggest that only home members will be able to view streams and recordings. A green light and a sound play when a stream is viewed or recording starts, and users receive a notification when camera settings change. While an away mode is present, the strings imply that streaming and recording can only be enabled directly from the HomeView while people are at home. Face recognition and activity zones are expected to be configured through the Home app on iPhone.
A related Home app string indicates that when the app is open on a member’s device, the HomeView may capture photos to refresh its camera preview, also accompanied by a green light.
Apple has not announced any camera capability for HomeView. The presence of these code strings does not confirm the feature will ship at launch. HomeView is set to arrive on Friday, November 13th, starting at $299.
MacDailyNews Take: If HomeView can also function as a HomeKit Secure Video camera, it makes the device’s value proposition much stronger. For buyers who already want a central Apple hub and only needed light indoor monitoring in the same location, the added capability makes the $299 price easier to justify. For users who need flexible camera coverage or outdoor/entry monitoring, it is a nice bonus rather than a replacement for dedicated cameras, but, overall security cam capability strengthens the product.
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