As expected, Apple releases HomePod to fight Amazon Echo

Written by Matti Robinson @ 06 Jun 2017 8:56 User comments (2)

In yesterday's keynote speech Apple had a lot to talk about. All the operating systems got a new versions, Macs were updated, and even the Apple TV had some good news to share.

Even after this Apple managed to release a completely new product. Well, new to them. It is, of course, the anticipated HomePod.

For a while now it has been rumored that Apple was making a competitor to Amazon Echo, and the larger family of Alexa devices, and of course all the other voice assisted smart speakers. Obviously Apple thinks theirs is superior in every way, many of which might be true.

HomePod is a combination of seven speakers surrounding a subwoofer, and is controlled using voice only. Siri is listening with six microphones around the device. Apple claims that HomePod is smart enough to know its surroundings and optimize the music output to your living room, or whatever area it might be.

As with other smart speakers, HomePod responds to other kinds of requests as well. You can get information about sports and weather, control your smart home accessories, or ask for translations.

HomePod start at $349 and will be available in December.

Tags: Apple Amazon Echo Apple HomePod

<Apple unveils iOS 11 with Metal 2, updated Siri, and more >Apple updated the iPad Pro with a bigger and better ProMotion display

2 user comments

17.6.2017 14:43

hearme0

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Senior Member

I don't understand the mentality of Apple.

Do they price most people out of their crap simply because the can???

I'm sorry but IN ANY LAND, 350 for an F'ing Alexa/Google Home equivalent is OUTRAGEOUS!

I see only the really dedicated and blinded patrons getting one of these.

I mean, in general, voice activated hardware is just absolutely lame and gimmicky and rarely ever lasts, pricing it like this will only hurt it more.

This is a waste of a product. I anticipate it won't sell much at all among the tiny MAC base of users.

210.6.2017 03:06

KillerBug

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AfterDawn Addict

Originally posted by hearme0:
I don't understand the mentality of Apple.

Do they price most people out of their crap simply because the can???

I'm sorry but IN ANY LAND, 350 for an F'ing Alexa/Google Home equivalent is OUTRAGEOUS!

I see only the really dedicated and blinded patrons getting one of these.

I mean, in general, voice activated hardware is just absolutely lame and gimmicky and rarely ever lasts, pricing it like this will only hurt it more.

This is a waste of a product. I anticipate it won't sell much at all among the tiny MAC base of users.

Their philosophy is two fold. First, they want to make a lot per unit even if that means few units sold. Second, they know that people think if something is expensive it must be good, and therefor worth the price. This generally works well for them. There was a time this annoyed me, but not so much anymore. They are only hurting those dumb enough to buy their products...Darwin would approve.

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As expected, Apple releases HomePod to fight Amazon Echo

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