My Apple Wish List

With a lot of Apple innovation having taken place behind the scenes lately (LIAM, anyone?) I'm starting to get that "Next Big Thing" itch.  So here, for your consideration, is my wish list of products I hope Apple brings to life....

"HomeCloud"

The "Internet of things" is in desperate need of some structure.  Competing standards and services are compounded by the idea that you're hitching yourself to companies that may or may not survive the next round of capitol funding.  Apple's HomeKit is in a position to help by giving IOT makers an SDK they can develop to that runs interface through devices you already own.  Great start, but it needs more.

I'm envisioning a home-hub; call it "HomeCloud."  It's the way to easily bring together a lot of problems in one "Apple-fied, it just works" kinda way.  HomeClould would be a box (say the size of a Mac Mini) that does the following:

• Include both a cable modem (so I can quit paying my provider) and as a high-speed router.  Right there you've replaced 2 boxes in my house.   

• Using iCloud sign-in, all my Mac and iOS devices should instantly and securely connect to it.  Turn fire-walls on by default and encrypt the drive.  Boom.  Plug and play home networking.

• Have on-board storage (A LOT, I'm talking terabytes) to create my own personal "cloud."  This both A) takes some pressure off Apple's servers and B) gives me more control over my back-ups.  At a time when Apple is pushing to not have to turn over files to government agencies, the idea that my back-ups live, encrypted, on a disk in my own home make it that much easier. 

• It should also act as a Time Machine for my Macs and could even host media for my Apple TV.

• Be the "hub" for HomeKit devices in the IOT space.  I want a simple interface that let's me assign new devices, set up rooms and scenes- all of which can then be controlled from an iOS/Mac app or Siri.

• Also, instant and easy set-up of home printers that are AirPrint compatible!

This isn't a glamorous product for sure, but it's fundamentally Apple.  Taking several important- but confusing- technologies and making them all "just work" easily.  The PERFECT gift for your mom and dad who all have iPhones now but can't make anything around them work.  And right in-line with the security and privacy values Apple is driving so hard today.

"Apple Sound"

Time to put that Beats acquisition to work and give Sonos a run for their money.  I want a variety of home speakers that seamlessly connect to my new "HomeCloud" network.  Sound bars, small book shelfs, etc. for sure.  But also some wall-plug smaller units or other creative and unique types.  I can just see Jony and Marc having a grand old time coming up with "collections" of designs in a variety of materials and looks that fit any home decor.  Indoor, outdoor, and anyone with an iOS device on my network should be able to control the speakers near them.  Add in some Apple Music and my whole home is going to be rocking.

One more thing...

I want "Hey Siri" integration as well (Amazon-Alexa style).  That would be killer; especially with that HomeCloud/ HomeKit integration.  My whole home could be taking commands and answering questions.  Magical.

"AppleTV"

Okay, yes this one already technically exists.  But they blew it and I want a better one.  One with a camera and FaceTime for the living room.  One with my HomeKit app on it so I can control the home from the largest screen I have.  And one with a cable pass-through (a la Tivo) so I can have and Apple interface over my existing cable subscription.  Add DVR storage while you're it so I can tell Siri to record my favorite shows.  Oh, and Siri needs to be always listening so I don't even need that silly remote control.  

Bottom line, I want the Apple Home of my dreams; and it's not that far off.  None of this requires unproven, uncreated technology.  This is perfect Apple- skate to where the puck would be, and do it SO much better than anyone else in the space.  Clean up the disparate messes of the market by giving me software and hardware and services that all "just work."

Get to it, Apple.  See you at WWDC 2017 ;)