Apple HomeView smart hub to use iPhone CarPlay apps for third-party media access

Source: Apple. Yesterday, Wired reported that third-party apps with CarPlay functionality would be available on Apple’s new HomeView device. That struck me as odd. I was expecting, and I think many others were at least hoping, that the HomeView would be a new platform for building apps. And while strictly speaking that doesn’t seem to […]

Apple's tech specs page for its all-new HomeView smart home hub contains a list of all of the built-in Apple apps available on the device. While it has no App Store, the HomeView can also display some CarPlay-enabled audio and video apps from a paired iPhone. This includes Audiobooks, Apple Music Classical, Apple News, and Apple TV, along with third-party apps such as Spotify, according to WIRED. The full list of built-in Apple apps on the HomeView: Alarms Calendar FaceTime Find My Home Intercom Messages Music Podcasts Reminders Safari Settings Timers Weather World Clock CarPlay-enabled apps from iPhone available on HomeView: Apple Music Classical Apple News Apple TV Audiobooks "Supported third-party audio and video apps" such as Spotify The latest version of the Apple Developer Program agreement confirms the availability of certain CarPlay apps and widgets on the HomeView. HomeView is available to pre-order now and launches Friday, November 13.Related Roundups: CarPlay, Apple HomeViewTag: WidgetsBuyer's Guide: HomeView (Buy Now)Related Forum: HomePod, HomeView, CarPlay – Home & Auto TechThis article, "Apple HomeView Has These 15 Apps, Some CarPlay Apps and Widgets Also Supported" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

It's a bafflingly analog process to be given permission to develop for CarPlay, and the HomeView relies on that entitlement. Apple needs to simplify HomeView app approval so developers aren't stuck working through a process designed for cars.HomeView needs a simpler CarPlay app approval processHomeView supports compatible CarPlay audio and video apps, but developers must first secure Apple's approval to support CarPlay. That ties its third-party media selection to a process built for in-car software, which Apple needs to streamline for home apps.As Apple explains, compatible CarPlay audio and video apps work on HomeView without developers modifying them. Reusing that support reduces development work, but getting permission requires an additional step. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple's use of CarPlay APIs for the HomeView is a strange compromise, is putting developers in a tough spot, and there's good reason to question how useful it will be.It won't look like this, but HomeView will run CarPlay apps - image credit: AppleYou're not likely to need any of the dozens of parking apps that litter the App Store on your HomeView. And presumably you'll never need to access your car's app, but there may be some interesting use cases there, depending.But beyond that, there is more. It's tempting to say there is a world of possible CarPlay apps that are suddenly able to run on HomeView. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

With Apple HomeView arriving November 13, you can get ready by checking which apps on your iPhone already support the CarPlay features that work on Apple's new smart display. Here's how to do it.Apple HomeViewApple's HomeView starts at $299 and brings music, video, smart home controls, and other features to a 7-inch screen. However, the device doesn't have its own App Store, so you can't simply download third-party apps directly onto it.Instead, Apple is using existing CarPlay support for third-party audio and video apps. Developers don't have to modify those apps for HomeView, which means you may already have compatible software installed on your iPhone.The easiest way to check is through your iPhone's CarPlay settings. There's a catch, though, because you'll need to have previously connected your iPhone to a vehicle that supports CarPlay. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums