Apple announces Siri-powered intelligent wireless speaker HomePod. It uses spatial awareness to sense its location in a room and automatically adjust the audio. It works with Apple Music subscription for access to over 40 million songs and also provides personal music preferences to help users discover new music. Setting up the device is just like setting up the AirPods. You need to hold an iPhone next to HomePod and it will start playing music in seconds. You can use the HomePod to send messages, get updates on news, sports, weather, traffic or control smart home devices.
Apple HomePod features a large, Apple-designed woofer and an array of seven beam-forming tweeters with custom amplifiers each. The Apple made custom A8 chip enables bass management through real-time software modeling that ensures the speaker delivers the cleanest bass possible. The Siri-powered HomePod is also equipped with an array of Six-microphones lets you interact with Siri even when the loud music is playing. Another important highlight of the HomePod is security. ‘Hey Siri’ is recognized locally on the device and all the information sent to Apple servers are encrypted and sent using an anonymous Siri identifier.
Apple HomePod Highlights
- Mesh fabric design for both aesthetic and acoustic performance
- Easy setup and integrated touch controls for easy navigation
- High-excursion woofer with custom amplifier
- Seven tweeters with own custom amplifier for each
- Six-microphone array for far-field Siri and room sensing
- Direct and Ambient audio beamforming
- Transparent studio-level dynamic processing
- Automatic room-sensing technology
- Siri waveform appears on the top to indicate when Siri is engaged
- Remote access and home automations through the Home app on iPhone or iPad
Starting December 2017, HomePod will be available for $349 (US) in White and Space Gray colors. Initially, it will be only available in Australia, the UK, and the US. HomePod is compatible with iPhone 5s and later, running iOS 11. Pricing in Australia and the U.K. will be announced later this year.
Apple HomePod Specifications
- Apple A8 Chip
- WiFi 802.11 ac with MIMO
- Apple AirPlay 2 Support
- Languages Supported – English (Australia, UK, U.S.)
- Dimensions (HxW) – 172 x 142 mm
- Weight – 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg)
- Colors – White, Space Grey
- Price – $399 (U.S.)