We’re not expecting to see Apple’s long-awaited combo speaker and smart home control panel until sometime next year. We’ve been using HomePad as a placeholder name, but a leak back in the summer suggests it may be known as the HomePod Touch. The form factor is expected to be broadly similar to Amazon’s Echo Show, and the company has just announced smarter versions … HomePod Touch/HomePad Suggestions that Apple is working on a HomePod with a built-in display to act as a HomeKit hub have been circulating for literally years now. Back in 2019, I repurposed an old iPad as a dedicated smart home control screen, so could immediately see the potential for the rumored upcoming device. I felt that StandBy mode in iOS 17 might be pointing in the same direction. It was initially reported that the device was set to launch in early 2024. Subsequent reports pushed it back to late 2025, and the latest suggestions are for a launch at some point next year. The reason for the delay is most likely because the company wants to launch it with the all-new Siri on board. Amazon’s smarter Echo Show devices The Echo Show is available in 8-inch and 11-inch versions. The company says that there are three main areas of improvement in the latest models. Design and display quality The first thing you’ll notice about these new, custom displays is their modern look and beautiful design. The displays on the Echo Show 8 and Echo Show 11 combine in-cell touch and negative liquid crystal design to deliver an amazing viewing experience, and ambient visuals that adapt to the environment. This approach allowed us to reduce layers of lamination and maximize the viewing angle. The picture quality is exceptional with improved clarity in both bright and dimly lit rooms. Audio quality Both devices include new front-facing stereo speakers and a custom woofer for room-filling spatial audio that make them our best-sounding smart displays available when they launch. The full-range drivers are strategically placed under the floating displays and are meticulously designed to fire audio frontwards to deliver incredibly clear sound directly toward the customer. Additionally, you can now network multiple Echo speakers to act as a surround sound system for your TV. Alexa+ Finally, the new speakers support the latest version of Alexa+ powered by generative AI. Alexa+ is more conversational, smarter, personalized—and she helps you get things done. She keeps you entertained, helps you learn, keeps you organized, summarizes complex topics, and can converse about virtually anything. Alexa+ can manage and protect your home, make reservations, and help you track, discover, and enjoy new artists […] Conversations with Alexa+ feel expansive and natural. Whether you’re speaking in half-formed thoughts, using colloquial expressions, or exploring complex ideas, Alexa+ understands what you mean, and responds like a trusted assistant. It feels less like interacting with technology, and more like engaging with an insightful friend. Pricing and availability The Echo Show 8 costs $179.99 and the Echo Show 11 $212.99. Both models are available for pre-order from today and will ship on November 12. Highlighted accessories