Apple’s upcoming HomeView smart home hub may also serve as a HomeKit Secure Video camera, according to settings strings discovered in its software by code sleuth pdfu. The strings were found in HomeView software 27.2, although they do not confirm that the feature will be available when the device launches.
The software references four camera modes: Off, Detect Activity, Stream, and “Stream & Allow Recording.” It also includes scheduling options for when users are home, away or asleep. The available strings suggest that streaming and recording can be enabled only from the HomeView itself while people are at home.
A HomeView-specific configuration reportedly supports 1080p video at 30 frames per second, along with microphone input. The software selects this configuration for HomeKit Secure Video sessions. Other strings indicate that only members of the home will be able to view camera streams and recordings.
The apparent camera controls also include privacy and status indicators. A green light would appear and a sound would play when a stream is viewed or recording begins, while users would receive a notification if camera settings change.
face recognition and activity zones are expected to be configured through the Home app on iPhone, based on related software strings. Another Home app reference suggests that HomeView could take photos to refresh its camera preview when the app is open on a member’s device; those captures would also trigger the green light.
Apple has not announced a camera function for HomeView, so the software references do not establish that it will be offered to users. The device is scheduled to launch on Friday, November 13, with a starting price of $299.
Sources: MacRumors.