Comment by smileybarry

If you dig into the tech specs it lists a Thread radio, and the footnote says "compatible with HomeKit- or Matter-enabled Thread accessories only", so that might be another intended purpose of it. Which makes some sense: most people see an Apple TV as outdated because "why do I need a cable/streaming box? I have apps on my TV"; and the HomePod mini is still seen as unnecessary because "I don't use Siri". This thing having a home dashboard/schedule is an opening to people buying a HomeKit/Matter hub.