Apple's HomeView launch video slammed as a spectacular disaster

Apple's promotional film for the $299 HomeView smart display has drawn sharp criticism: viewers cite the small square screen as awkward for video and recipes, and an off-putting family scenario centered on a passive father. The video is being compared to Apple's widely mocked 'Mother Nature' sketch.

• HomeView is a 7-inch square Liquid Retina display with A18 chip and new Siri AI for $299
• Critics say the square format is poorly suited to video, FaceTime and recipes
• The family scenario with a passive father was called off-putting and tone-deaf
• The device can't natively run Apple TV and needs a nearby iPhone for some features