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Apple’s HomeView could add security camera features

By · Via The Verge · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Uncovered code discovered by Reddit user pdfu in HomeView version 27.2 reveals a dedicated setup page for using the smart hub with HomeKit Secure Video. Video access will be strictly restricted to household members, supported by audible alerts, visual indicator lights, and setting-change notifications to address privacy concerns. Furthermore, users will be able to customize specific detection, streaming, and recording parameters depending on whether they are at home, away, or asleep. Although Apple omitted these surveillance capabilities at the product's initial launch, the embedded code suggests an official rollout could occur in a future update.

Key points

  • Discovered software assets explicitly reference future integration between the HomeView d…: Discovered software assets explicitly reference future integration between the HomeView device and HomeKit Secure Video.
  • Apple built several privacy features into the camera code, including household-only acces…: Apple built several privacy features into the camera code, including household-only access restrictions and setting-change alerts.
  • The company did not launch HomeView with camera capabilities and has not yet made an offi…: The company did not launch HomeView with camera capabilities and has not yet made an official announcement regarding the feature.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

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. The strings describe a security camera mode with motion detection, live streaming, and recording options, as well as privacy functions. According to pdfu, there is a setup page that even explicitly reads: “Your HomeView can be used as a security camera with HomeKit Secure Video.”

Apple’s HomeView could add security camera features

Code strings in HomeView’s software suggest Apple could launch a Secure Video feature soon.

Code strings in HomeView’s software suggest Apple could launch a Secure Video feature soon.

Supposedly, the video feeds will only be visible to members of the home, and will both show an indicator light and play a sound when either someone is watching the camera feed or when it starts to record. Home members will also get a notification anytime settings are changed for the Secure Video mode. It will also include customizable options for what to detect, stream, or record, based on whether you’re home, away, or asleep.

Some…

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