In anticipation of the Apple HomePod's upcoming launch, some of the features of the smart speaker have been revealed — one of which helps users maintain some semblance of privacy.
This week, screenshots from early testers of the HomePod started making their way online. The images revealed the different settings for the HomePod which can be accessed via the Home app for iOS. One interesting discovery is that users will be able to disable Siri in certain conditions.
Initially, the HomePod's microphones would always be turned on. This will allow Apple's intelligent personal assistant, Siri, to respond any time a user delivers voice commands. Apple previously stated that the HomePod would only start listening after the user says "Hey, Siri." Even then there would be anonymous ID and encryption to protect users' privacy.
With the new option to disable Siri, users will have some sort of guarantee that even the HomePod will not be privy to the goings-on in their households.
This seems to be an important feature as in recent months, many have raised concerns about the possible implications of having a device that is always listening to its user. There is a chance for either companies and hackers to take advantage of the information that these smart speakers receive.
Apple is known for its staunch stance when it comes to privacy and this new feature seemingly reflects the tech giant's promise to keep users' data private.
Could the addition of more privacy measures be the reason for the HomePod's delay? Apple's $349 smart speakers were initially scheduled to launch last December. However, the tech giant decided to move the HomePod's release to early 2018.
According to Taipei Times, there was a delay in the launch of HomePod because Apple still needed to fine-tune the software and hardware integration of the smart speaker. The publication also revealed that the launch of the HomePod could be imminent. One of Apple's suppliers in Taiwan has begun shipping the smart speakers. The initial batch is said to be about one million units. It is rumored that the Apple HomePod could go on sale in late January or early February.
Upon launch, the Apple HomePod will be competing with Amazon Echo and Google Home, which also come with their own intelligent personal assistants — Alexa and Google Assistant, respectively.
To differentiate itself from the other smart speakers, Apple also promises to deliver excellent audio quality. The smart speaker comes with the A8 chip, six microphones and seven tweeters. The HomePod can detect its surroundings to provide the best sound quality. It can also cancel background noise to recognize voice commands even while there is music playing.
