Apple initially wanted to create an autonomous and roving video conferencing robot that could potentially also help with chores, according to Bloomberg. But the report described the housework functionality as a "pie-in-the-sky" idea rather than a feasible project, because of the engineering involved. Still, the idea sounds similar to Amazon's goals with its own Astro robot, which can serve as a mobile Alexa bot and security camera.
The second, tabletop idea is further along and less ambitious from an engineering standpoint, though Bloomberg says it has come and gone from Apple's product road map. Based on the report, it sounds like this would be a smart display that can move, similar to Amazon's Echo Show 10. Amazon's device can reposition its display and the built-in camera to keep users in frame during video calls and to view its surroundings when it is functioning as a home security camera.
Apple's idea reportedly involves having the smart display move in a way that mimics head movements, such as nodding, during FaceTime calls. It would also be able to focus on specific people during calls, Bloomberg reports, which sounds like Apple's Center Stage feature for iPads.
(Adapted from https://www.apple.com)
Question 29: What is the best title for the passage?
A. Apple's Ambitious Robot Project
B. Apple's Take on Autonomous House Robots
C. The Future of Mobile Video conferencing Devices
D. Amazon vs. Apple: The Smart Display War
Question 30: According to the passage, Apple initially wanted to create a robot that __________.
A. could handle all household chores
B. would act as a video conferencing tool and help with chores
C. was designed to compete directly with Amazon's Astro
D. could replace mobile smart displays
Question 31: The word "it" in the 2nd paragraph refers to _________.
A. Amazon's device B. the smart display C. video conferencing robot D. home security
Question 32: The phrase "autonomous" in the 1st paragraph is closest in meaning to ________.
A. human-like B. self-operating C. hands-on D. practical
Question 33: According to the passage, which of these statements is NOT true about Apple’s smart display idea?
A. It can mimic head movements like nodding.
B. It can focus on specific people during calls.
C. It has already been released in the market.
D. It is similar to Amazon's Echo Show 10.
