Channel checks, sales data on HomePod likely as wrong as it was about Apple Watch in 2015

Without actually presenting any hard data on sales, a new report has claimed Apple's HomePod sales are "weak," based on supply channel checks and data from Slice Intelligence—the same two sources that were used to suggest Apple Watch sales were "collapsing" three years ago.

Daniel Eran Dilger 8 years ago 51

Apple cuts HomePod orders on weak demand, report says

Apple's first foray into the smart speaker business is not going as planned, with the company reportedly lowering HomePod sales forecasts and cutting orders for the device on the back of weak demand.

Mikey Campbell 8 years ago 67

Apple needs to stop pre-announcing products like the Mac Pro and AirPower that won't be available for months or years

Apple released a new iPhone 8 color on Monday, and the refrain was less about the device itself, hijacked on social media into being more about Apple not having shipped the AirPower wireless charging pad — and all this can be avoided.

Mike Wuerthele 8 years ago 102

Apple releases its first HomePod software update, but no AirPlay 2 or pairing

Apple has issued a software update to the HomePod alongside updates for iOS 11.3, tvOS 11.3, and watchOS 4.3, bringing the firmware for the smart speaker up to version 11.3, with today's release also marking the first update of the audio device's software since it shipped.

Malcolm Owen 8 years ago 24

Video: How to connect your HomePod to your Apple TV or Mac

If you own Apple's HomePod and are looking for ways to get more out of the smart speaker, besides using its built-in service integrations, consider using it with other Apple devices. AppleInsider shows how to use the HomePod to play audio from a Mac and from an Apple TV.

Vadim Yuryev 8 years ago 7

Apple pulls back curtain for rare, exhilarating look at Spike Jonze HomePod ad production

The production of "Welcome Home," Apple's recent HomePod commercial directed by Spike Jonze and starring musician and dancer FKA twigs, is available, showing reliance on practical effects, more than CGI.

Roger Fingas 8 years ago 9

Spotify testing in-app voice assistant feature, suggests work on smart speaker

Streaming music leader Spotify on Wednesday began testing out a new in-app voice assistant feature that allows users to quickly find songs, albums, playlists, artists and more with a single tap. More interesting are playback controls that suggest potential integration with smart speaker devices.

Mikey Campbell 8 years ago 2

Apple's Siri history was plagued by infighting, mistakes and developer alienation, report says

With dissatisfaction with Siri threatening to hurt various product lines now, several former employees on the Siri team have spoken out about blunders that took place during the rolling out of the technology back in 2011, as well as infighting and turf battles afterward.

Stephen Silver 8 years ago 65

Amazon Alexa's 'Follow-Up Mode' enables successive requests without trigger word

In an attempt to stay one step ahead of the virtual assistant competition, like Apple and Google, Amazon recently released a new feature that allows users to ask multiple questions in succession without repeating the "Alexa" wake word.

AppleInsider Staff 8 years ago 20

Apple HomePod sales 'underwhelming,' AirPods still growing, analyst says

Sales of Apple's first smartspeaker, the HomePod, have so far been "underwhelming," according to a Barclays analyst, citing a week-long trip his team spent meeting companies in Apple's Asian supply chain.

Roger Fingas 8 years ago 91

Watch: Cheaper HomePod rumored to debut this year

The HomePod is Apple's first step into a world of smart speakers that can do everything from stream music to control all of your smart home devices. The main downside is that it's priced at a hefty $349, more than many people are willing to pay for a smart speaker.

AppleInsider Staff 8 years ago 16

Rumor: Apple working on cheaper HomePod for launch this year

A somewhat questionable report out of Taiwan on Wednesday says Apple is working on more affordable editions of stalwart product lines including iPhone, iPad and Mac, as well as a lower priced HomePod.

Mikey Campbell 8 years ago 34

Why Apple's HomePod targets home entertainment, not a voice-first mobile-free world

Imagine turning your home into the bridge of the Star Trek Enterprise, where a disembodied voice deftly answers every question you can ask, and you don't carry an iPhone or iPad anymore. Unfortunately, you also can't unlock your doors, you can't go outside, the brands you like are replaced with generic alternatives, and popular games, creative apps and other content aren't available anymore. This is the fantasy future of Amazon Alexa—but fortunately not the vision of Apple's new HomePod.

Daniel Eran Dilger 8 years ago 48

Apple shares HomePod ad directed by Spike Jonze, starring FKA twigs

In its latest advertising push for HomePod, Apple on Monday shared a new ad directed by acclaimed music video and film director Spike Jonze, and starring English performer FKA twigs, who uses the speaker to unwind after a hard day's work.

AppleInsider Staff 8 years ago 17

Smart speaker assistants compared: Siri vs. Alexa vs. Google Assistant

Apple's HomePod brings Siri into the home for the first time, but how does the virtual assistant stack up against established technologies like Amazon's Alexa and Google Home's Google Assistant? We put the latest versions of each smart speaker to the test in this video comparison.

AppleInsider Staff 8 years ago 32

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