Apple delays HomePod launch until 'early 2018'

Originally scheduled to debut in December, Apple has pushed the launch of its Siri-equipped HomePod speaker into early 2018, saying the company needs more time to complete the home audio accessory.

Roger Fingas 8 years ago 133

Apple supplier hints at next-gen HomePod with Face ID

Before the first-generation HomePod can even make its way into the wild, rumors are already cropping up about a future update to the premium speaker, as the president of supplier Inventec made comments about future smart speakers with facial recognition capabilities.

Neil Hughes 8 years ago 20

HomePod will pass Siri queries beyond music playback to linked iPhone or iPad for processing

A delve into the new HomePod firmware, and developer documentation shows that Apple's forthcoming smart speaker will process full Siri queries on a synchronized iPhone or iPad rather than refusing them, or processing them on-device.

Mike Wuerthele 8 years ago 20

Apple exec Craig Federighi says no October event this year

With just 11 days left in the month, Apple will not be holding an October press event this year, the company's head of software engineering reportedly said in an email.

Roger Fingas 8 years ago 31

Google Home Mini preview hardware defect causes near-constant listening, uploads to servers

The first batch of Google Home Mini hardware distributed at assorted release events had a serious flaw that caused the device to listen in on every noise generated in a house — and has since been pinned down as a hardware problem with a key feature now temporarily disabled after a firmware update.

Mike Wuerthele 8 years ago 36

$399 Google Home Max with SmartSound takes aim at Apple's HomePod

In addition to its budget-priced $49 Google Home Mini, the search giant also introduced a push to the premium end of the speaker market, unveiling the $399 Google Home Max with speakers 20 times more powerful than the regular Home.

Neil Hughes 8 years ago 25

Google Home Mini offers affordable voice assistant, music streaming for $49

Google on Wednesday unveiled a smaller, more affordable version of its Home speaker and assistant, dubbed the Google Home Mini, set to launch in stores on Oct. 19 for $49.

Neil Hughes 8 years ago 8

What to expect from Apple's Sept. 12 event: iPhone X & 8, Apple Watch with LTE, 4K Apple TV with HDR

This Tuesday, the first-ever event at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park in Cupertino will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Apple's iconic iPhone. It's expected to be headlined by a new OLED model known as the iPhone X, but that's not all the company has in store. AppleInsider gives you a complete rundown of what to expect.

Neil Hughes 8 years ago 80

HomePod hardware purportedly pops up in China and California ahead of December launch

Though Apple is not due to open HomePod orders until December, versions of the hotly anticipated Siri-equipped speaker appear to be in testing by employees in the U.S., while one Instagram user seems to have snagged a unit in China.

AppleInsider Staff 8 years ago 6

Apple HomePod generates tones for device pairing, setup

When Apple's HomePod launches later this year, users will be able to take advantage of an automated pairing and setup process triggered by a special tone generated by the speaker and subsequently detected by a host iPhone.

AppleInsider Staff 8 years ago 12

Apple HomePod setup may require iPhone or iPad, allow multi-speaker sync

Even if it supports other Apple devices, people buying a HomePod will allegedly need an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to complete initial setup.

Roger Fingas 8 years ago 10

Apple HomePod manufacturer Inventec warns of limited quantities available at Dec. launch

During an earnings conference call, Inventec's CEO said that Apple's HomePod would have little material impact on the company's future results as quantities of the device will probably be constrained at launch — with other reports claiming that Foxconn will handle half of the manufacturing duties in 2018.

Mike Wuerthele 8 years ago 22

Amazon expected to counter Apple's AirPlay 2 with Echo-based whole-home audio

In a potential shot at Apple's AirPlay 2 as well as speaker maker Sonos, Amazon is rumored to be preparing its own multi-speaker, multi-room music technology, which could come to existing Echo devices via a software update.

Neil Hughes 8 years ago 24

Apple's 'iPhone 8' may do facial recognition while laying on tables & desks

Code found in Apple's HomePod firmware may suggest that the "iPhone 8's" facial recognition system — internally dubbed "Pearl" — will be able to scan someone and unlock a device while it's resting on a flat surface, instead of forcing users to pick it up and aim the camera.

Roger Fingas 8 years ago 46

Apple TV with 4K UHD, 10-bit HDR and Dolby Vision revealed by HomePod firmware

Apple's own firmware for the upcoming HomePod speaker has proven to be the gift that keeps on giving for enthusiasts, this time revealing that a next-generation Apple TV will boast support for 4K video, as well as high dynamic range in both 10-bit and Dolby Vision formats.

Neil Hughes 8 years ago 50

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