New Apple TV rumored with built-in mic and speaker remote

The long-overdue Apple TV refresh is reportedly bringing major hardware updates, including a built-in microphone on the main device and an integrated speaker on the redesigned remote. The new microphone will allow users to issue commands to the set-top box via Siri directly, eliminating the need to speak into the remote control or a tethered HomePod device.

This hardware addition significantly streamlines voice interaction and paves the way for the Apple TV to function effortlessly as a smart home hub. Users will be able to manage connected smart thermostats and lock entry doors without having to hunt down the remote control first.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Should the remote ever get misplaced around the house, the newly added integrated speaker will make tracking it down much easier. The remote will be capable of playing an audible alert to guide users straight to its resting spot, whether it slipped deep beneath the living room couch or was tucked away inside a drawer.

These audio enhancements accompany a powerful upgrade to an A19 chip, which will provide the necessary processing muscle for advanced Siri AI tasks. Current expectations point toward a release date starting on October 30th, rolling out alongside a refreshed HomePod Mini.

Source: The Verge