Leaker claims 'HomePod mini' is coming, 'HomePod 2' is not

I used to love my HP, but I have gradually fallen out of love with it over Siri. The sound quality is great, but thats about it. Siri is plain terrible, and seems to be getting worse, at least versus Alexa/Google Home. I thought when Apple introduced a new speaker with its main UI being Siri, they'd prioritise making Siri less crap. But apparently not. For anything other than the most basic of music playing commands, it either:

• Misunderstands what I say (though that is reasonably rare now, maybe 10% of the time, was 30%)
• Misinterprets what I mean (30% of the time)
• Misses the "Hey Siri" keywords (10% of the time)
• Siri activates on the wrong device (30% of the time)
• Doesn't work because of a "network issue" when everything else is fine (was never, now 20%)
• Fails to find my phone on the network despite it being on the network and working fine - this usually happens when adding reminders, despite it having access to the reminders via iCloud (was never, now 30% of the time)
• Answers "I can't do that/find the answer to that on HomePod" (most questions that are not related to iOS itself. I'm always surprised when it answers correctly)

Which adds up to mean it doesn't work often enough that if my phone is in the same or next room, it takes less time to go and get it and use Siri on my phone directly, or just use the UI. There are non-Siri related issues too, both of mine seem to have lost their auto gain settings, because when using Facetime Audio people complain they can't hear me. Also the audio stream regularly stops for a bit and we lose each other for 5-10 seconds. No such issue with my phone on the same network. Oh and the activation light being on the top is dumb, because you don't know if Siri has activated unless the HP is lower than you are. This is all really unfortunate, because it has really soured my view of the HP which is potentially a great device.

Cool. Looking forward to adding a couple of smaller HomePods around the house.

I wonder what the future holds for the original HomePod? I have seen them on offer for £199 a few times and been tempted but knowing a newer version was likely on its way this year I’ve held off. I am interested to see what is announced next week. I’m also interested in  tv but I don’t want to buy and then see an updated model released soon after.

They’re not leakers!

I know it’s obvious to say, but the make or break factor for a HomePod mini will be the price. I don’t see Apple dropping the price low enough to displace Echo Dot so it will have to go after the Echo Plus/4th Gen Echo which is around $100 USD. If I had to guess I’d bet a HomePod mini would probably be in the $179-$199 price range which will solidify its place as a sub niche in the niche HomePod product line. 

I love the HomePod for what it is, a great sounding way to consume Apple Music in a large space, and even more so when used in conjunction with an Apple TV. The problem that I have with HomePod is that it isn’t inexpensive enough to use as a primary HomeKit peripheral, i.e., a secondary role played by Echo Dots in an Amazon/Ring home automation and security installation. Price is also key. I have no problem putting a $30 Echo Dot in my garage or shed for background listening and Alexa Guard functionality. Hate to admit, but once Echo devices became Apple Music compatible any residual desire I had to purchase a second HomePod vanished. Poof! If I had a TV and Apple TV in a bedroom perhaps I’d seriously consider getting another HomePod and a mini would be a good option.

I have no problems with Siri on HomePod. I’m just not sold on HomeKit. Apple needs to flesh out the device options and needs to develop or partner with others on the services side, like professional safety and security monitoring. The Amazon-Ring mashup was a little shaky at the start, but it’s hitting its stride and pushing out compelling second generation (and beyond)  products and services while Apple (HomeKit) is still watching from the sidelines.