As a response to the growing market for a smarter and more tech-inclined speaker, Apple has released the Apple Homepod — a speaker ingrained with the tech-innovator's own take on what is in or not in matters of smart speakers.
The Homepod is Apple's first venture into the world of smart speakers. Integrated with its trademark voice-activated assistant Siri, the tech monster's new speaker only caters to its own, loyal followers — iPhone and iPad users.
Better luck next time, Android stans.
TechRadar described the Homepod as having a "pretty decent" sound with clear and powerful vocals coming from such a small device, which at times seems to be "trying to do too much."
They also highlighted how it does well in adjusting to any surface or background, evenly spreading and maintaining its sound quality.
However, Todd Haselton of the CNBC argues that while the Homepod trumps its other rivals in terms of sound, it seems more economical for a person who values sound quality to buy a Sonos rather than the former, saving tons of bucks in the process.
Consistent and evident with its other product releases, Apple's Homepod does not pale in appearances when compared to its competitors.
Apple Insider certainly agrees. They outlined Apple's new tech piece as a "dense and solid" hardware that's "simple and beautiful" in construction.
The controls were also responsive and were placed strategically in a non-intrusive manner which retained design harmony with its mesh outer layer, Albawaba noted.
Although Apple's new piece of user-centralized tech does a great job of being a good all-rounder, in terms of performance, it gives a less than stellar performance when it comes to intelligence capabilities, explained CNBC's Haselton.
The speaker also does not work all that well with its intended device — the iPhone. Haselton emphasized that Siri, for example, cannot make a call on the user's behalf, unlike Amazon Echo or Google Home.
The Apple Homepod retails at $349 and comes in two colors — space gray and white. Those interested may place their orders here: Apple's official page.
