HomePod is the first speaker intelligence launched by Apple, being presented for the first time at Worldwide Developer Conference in 2017.
Apple wanted to create a speaker intelligence based on voice commands (via Siri), cu loud and loud in a design minimalist. And he succeeded.
About capabilitatile HomePod and the characteristics of the smart speaker I spoke in an older article that You can find here.
As a summary, HomePod It is an intelligent speaker, addicted to the Apple ecosystem, even if once installed will be able to run through voice commands, without the need for another Apple device. However, at least one iPhone and an Apple Music subscription is required for someone to use it. Homepod also works with applications that support airplay / airplay 2, but voice commands such as: “Hey Siri, play my favorite playlist"Or"Hey Siri, open lights"They are not possible unless it is integrated into the ecosystem.
In a house with several Apple users, Homepod will admit to the voice stamp every user who gives him orders or asks something. In this way it will not be a problem to add a reminder by voice command. There will be no risk that the note will be placed in the list of another user in the house.
In my opinion, HomePod It is an extraordinary device. I listen to music everyday on homepod (subscriber Apple Music) ai I easily control the lights in the house. Both the main ones and the ambient lights (synchronization with Philips Hue Bridge and Home).
Although Apple brought Homepod o Innovative sound technology And it has achieved performance difficult to match by another speaker of its size, the "peppery" price made this intelligent speaker sell in a number below Apple expectations. So that four years after launching the product on the market, Apple has announced it will no longer produce homepod. The product disappeared from the Apple's official store, being available at this time only in the existing stocks.
Homepod was a real experience for Apple. Few know that Homepod development lasted no less than five years. During which Apple raised near the headquarters in Cupertino a real development center dedicated to the new audio technologies on Homepod. Anecoic rooms (rooms capable of absorbing sound or electromagnetic waves) of impressive dimensions have been designed to test the new types of tweets and woofers in controlled environments. Homepod has no less than seven directional tweeters and a woofer.
The major problem at this speaker was the price. Initially launched on $ 349, he placed homepod detached at the price tip of the range. A reduction of up to $ 299 has damaged this difference between homepod and other similar speakers, but an expensive product remained.
Launch HomePod mini At the end of 2020, a smaller intelligent speaker, a more modest sound than the first homepod model but with amazing power and performance for its dimensions, caused Apple to give up the homepod production and focus more on promoting and developing the new model. Homepod Mini being able to perform all HomePod functions, being at a much more accessible price. $ 99 is the Apple price for this intelligent speaker.
Those who already have a homepod in their homes or those who want to buy one of the existing stocks, have no concern. Apple will continue the updates, Apple's support and assistance that for Homepod even if from here to focus on Homepod Mini.
Most likely, in the future Apple will allow Homepod devices a wider connectivity with other services and applications outside the ecosystem. Maybe these restrictions also led to sales under expectations. A very expensive device that holds users dependent on Siri and Apple Music, given that, in the opinion of many users, Siri is not the most performing vocal assistant, being outdated by Alexa (Amazon) or Google Home, and Apple Music is struggling to overcome performance and number of users Spotify platform.
