The HomeView’s speakers make it a solid option for music, podcasts and other audio entertainment. But, despite its crisp, vivid display, the device is not well-suited for watching videos. That’s OK though, because right now, the only video app that’s available on HomeView is Apple TV. And unless you like watching your shows within a thin band that sits in the middle of a square display, flanked by thick black bars on the top and bottom, you, too, will find the video experience on HomeView underwhelming. I would love to see Apple bring F1 multiview to this display though, putting two small alternate feeds below the main broadcast. Yes, they’d be tiny, but at least that’s a better use of the space and eliminates the awkward black bars.
The HomeView runs on the same platform as CarPlay, which is why the various video streaming apps you have on your iPhone don’t show up on this device. Apple says third-party developers are welcome to enable their apps for use on the HomeView, but doing so would also mean optimizing them for CarPlay. Only time will tell if developers are going to go through the extra steps of making that happen.
When it comes to audio-only content though, the HomeView is great. I’d classify the sound quality here as the midpoint between the HomePod mini and the larger HomePod. I’ve been reviewing the tabletop HomeView with a base, so I’ve enjoyed the added woofer and passive radiators, which balance out full-range drivers with extra bass. Across a variety of genres, bass is tight and punchy, and vocals cut through the mix clearly. The system never loses other instruments either, as you can easily pick up the guitars in Anberlin’s “Gravity.” Switch to something more chill, like Sam Barber’s “If I May,” and the acoustic instruments lay a base for the singer’s unique vocals. Drums are more subdued here, and the HomeView does well to keep them from overpowering the mix.
I should also note the HomeView can get pretty darn loud. I measured 87dB with my Apple Watch standing right in front of the device. But I should also warn you that it’s not a comfortable listening volume if you’re standing close to the display. It might be nice for a party, but you’ll likely stay around 50 percent or less for the most part.
Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos is available on the HomeView for compatible music, movies and shows. However, given the compact stature of the device and its limited sonic prowess, you’re more likely to notice the excellent overall clarity and even-handed tuning more than any dimensional effects. While watching an episode of Masters of the Air, for example, I found the sound perfectly fine, but wouldn’t classify it as very immersive.
Apple included a few more entertainment-related conveniences on the HomeView that add utility. For one, it works with the HomePod, HomePod mini and AirPlay-compatible speakers for multiroom audio, which allows you to play the same thing everywhere or pick specific songs for each room. When listening to songs from Apple Music, you’ll see animated album artwork if an artist has it, and lyrics are available with a single tap. And just like you can with your iPhone and HomePod speakers, you can handoff content from your phone to the HomeView just by placing your handset in front of the display.
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