Apple Discontinues Full-Sized HomePod to Focus on HomePod Mini

[stevet]

So basically the HomePod will go (if the above comes to pass) from a smart speaker to a dumb speaker. And I can still play music via AirPlay 2. (Same as if it had Bluetooth)

Until Airplay 2 isn't available in the phones anymore. Thats the importance of the other interfaces. When they say discontinue that doesn't just mean manufacturing, that's going to be software as well. I'm sure the mini and big pods overlap in some areas but I don't expect them to carry on software updating the device for very long. I'm just saying, I wouldn't expect them to keep updating a discontinued device with anything other than security updates. And as their services and Airplay 3 move forward I don't think these HomePods are going to updated and once that happens it remains to be seen whether Apple devices will fall back to airplay 2.

 

[Y014951]

It’s not even available in Austria. - wouldn’t by an outdated product - oida!

Well, it‘s not possible to order it from Apple directly but there are plenty of sellers to buy it from.

I can perfectly understand why you wouldn‘t want to buy a discontinued product. However, as I mentioned I currently rock a Zeppelin Air from 2012 and AirPlay still works like a charm (although the Zeppelin sometimes loses wifi connection overnight and I have to restart it in order to get it working again). As far as I know Airplay still works on any product that ever supported this standard so I don‘t see Apple dropping support or changing the standard in a way that renders legacy devices useless anytime soon.

I may be wrong but I‘ll give the original HomePod a shot! 👍🏽 Greetz from Deutsch-Wagram, oida!

 

[I7guy]

Until Airplay 2 isn't available in the phones anymore. Thats the importance of the other interfaces. When they say discontinue that doesn't just mean manufacturing, that's going to be software as well. I'm sure the mini and big pods overlap in some areas but I don't expect them to carry on software updating the device for very long. I'm just saying, I wouldn't expect them to keep updating a discontinued device with anything other than security updates. And as their services and Airplay 3 move forward I don't think these HomePods are going to updated and once that happens it remains to be seen whether Apple devices will fall back to airplay 2.

Of course anything can happen I agree and in that vein older Bluetooth protocols could be rendered obsolete. But if my HomePod lasts 10 more years, for a $199 purchase I’m good.

 

[zhenya]

Until Airplay 2 isn't available in the phones anymore. Thats the importance of the other interfaces. When they say discontinue that doesn't just mean manufacturing, that's going to be software as well. I'm sure the mini and big pods overlap in some areas but I don't expect them to carry on software updating the device for very long. I'm just saying, I wouldn't expect them to keep updating a discontinued device with anything other than security updates. And as their services and Airplay 3 move forward I don't think these HomePods are going to updated and once that happens it remains to be seen whether Apple devices will fall back to airplay 2.

The first Airplay product ever produced - the original Airport Express, originally released in 2004, is still compatible with modern devices.

 

[ericwn]

Until Airplay 2 isn't available in the phones anymore. Thats the importance of the other interfaces. When they say discontinue that doesn't just mean manufacturing, that's going to be software as well. I'm sure the mini and big pods overlap in some areas but I don't expect them to carry on software updating the device for very long. I'm just saying, I wouldn't expect them to keep updating a discontinued device with anything other than security updates. And as their services and Airplay 3 move forward I don't think these HomePods are going to updated and once that happens it remains to be seen whether Apple devices will fall back to airplay 2.

At the same time, older Airplay 1 devices are still useable to this day too, right?

 

[vipergts2207]

Until Airplay 2 isn't available in the phones anymore. Thats the importance of the other interfaces. When they say discontinue that doesn't just mean manufacturing, that's going to be software as well. I'm sure the mini and big pods overlap in some areas but I don't expect them to carry on software updating the device for very long. I'm just saying, I wouldn't expect them to keep updating a discontinued device with anything other than security updates. And as their services and Airplay 3 move forward I don't think these HomePods are going to updated and once that happens it remains to be seen whether Apple devices will fall back to airplay 2.

Awful lot of fear mongering here. First, Apple updates their devices for quite awhile after they’re discontinued. Almost without exception. And Airplay 3 probably isn’t even on the horizon. Airplay 2 is relatively new still. Devices are still backward compatible with Airplay 1 so I’m not sure why the worry of dropping Airplay 2 support when Airplay 3 possibly comes out in the future.

 

[Romeo_Nightfall]

Well, it‘s not possible to order it from Apple directly but there are plenty of sellers to buy it from.

I can perfectly understand why you wouldn‘t want to buy a discontinued product. However, as I mentioned I currently rock a Zeppelin Air from 2012 and AirPlay still works like a charm (although the Zeppelin sometimes loses wifi connection overnight and I have to restart it in order to get it working again). As far as I know Airplay still works on any product that ever supported this standard so I don‘t see Apple dropping support or changing the standard in a way that renders legacy devices useless anytime soon.

I may be wrong but I‘ll give the original HomePod a shot! 👍🏽 Greetz from Deutsch-Wagram, oida!

bam oida - heisst das bei euch - oder?

i think its a failure to buy an outdated apple product - would wait at least a year to see where homepod goes. B&o has fantastic speakers!

 

[AustinIllini]

So Sonos must be having an amazing week.

 

[I7guy]

So Sonos must be having an amazing week.

If they aren’t, they are probably in trouble.

 

[AustinIllini]

If they aren’t, they are probably in trouble.

Apple should have just bought them all along. Maybe that's the plan

 

[stevet]

Awful lot of fear mongering here. First, Apple updates their devices for quite awhile after they’re discontinued. Almost without exception. And Airplay 3 probably isn’t even on the horizon. Airplay 2 is relatively new still. Devices are still backward compatible with Airplay 1 so I’m not sure why the worry of dropping Airplay 2 support when Airplay 3 possibly comes out in the future.

Because it's an unknown. And in the context of the conversation, lack of other input methods, you - like me - are supposing what will happen.

 

[I7guy]

Because it's an unknown. And in the context of the conversation, lack of other input methods, you - like me - are supposing what will happen.

I guess, some are more concerned than others. (not that it's not a valid concern, I personally am not worried my expensive heavy speaker, is going to turn into an expensive, heavy paperweight)

Maybe Apple will clarify this, but I think it will be a huge PR fiasco if the OG homepod ceased to work or starts to work in a diminished capacity within the next 10 years.

 

[stevet]

At the same time, older Airplay 1 devices are still useable to this day too, right?

Yes they are for now. That doesn't mean that they all will be able to be supported in the future. They will drop Airplay 1 when it becomes either a hardware/software issue to keep bringing it forward. This is a proprietary interface after all.

 

[ericwn]

Yes they are for now. That doesn't mean that they all will be able to be supported in the future. They will drop Airplay 1 when it becomes either a hardware/software issue to keep bringing it forward. This is a proprietary interface after all.

True there are no guarantees but the tech has been around for 17 years already and is sold licensed for 11 years, hence I’m not overly concerned for the next 5-10 years at least.

 

[vipergts2207]

Because it's an unknown. And in the context of the conversation, lack of other input methods, you - like me - are supposing what will happen.

But only one of our suppositions are grounded in historical precedent and a recognition of Apple's desire to keep their customers happy. Yours is grounded only in FUD. Apple could decide to close up shop tomorrow and liquidate their assets to distribute to shareholders. I don't think you or I expect that to happen either though.

 

[DrJR]

Apple has discontinued the standard HomePod to focus exclusively on the HomePod mini, reports TechCrunch. First introduced four years ago, Apple's larger HomePod has never sold well because of its high price tag.

Apple hoped that the HomePod's high-quality sound would give it an edge over competing products, but sales of the HomePod have always been lackluster with so many more affordable options on the market. Apple has been selling the HomePod for $299, but it was originally priced at $350. The HomePod mini is available for $99.

The HomePod mini offers all of the features of the HomePod in a smaller and less expensive package. Many reviews praised the HomePod mini for its sound quality relative to its size, and while it won't quite match the sound available from the HomePod, it features the same Siri integration, Apple Music support, and HomeKit controls.

In a statement, Apple said that the HomePod will continue to be available while supplies last through the Apple Online Store and Apple retail stores.On Thursday, many tech sites noticed that the full-sized space gray HomePod was out of stock in the United States, but it was believed to be just a stock shortage. As it turns out, it was because Apple no longer plans to sell the HomePod.

The space gray HomePod can likely be purchased from third-party retailers, but it is no longer available from Apple, while the HomePod in white continues to be available for purchase as of right now.


Article Link: Apple Discontinues Full-Sized HomePod to Focus on HomePod M

I can hear the meeting “We need to cut losses and discontinue the device before there is a class action lawsuit requiring us to either repair or replace these pieces of ****.”

 

[einmusiker]

Ticks me off. I just bought a pair as a stereo for my living room. They are amazing. Now they are old tech. I want some money back

 

[Uofmtiger]

I can hear the meeting “We need to cut losses and discontinue the device before there is a class action lawsuit requiring us to either repair or replace these pieces of ****.”

Interesting. Mine broke back in August or Sept last year. Just started ticking non-stop. I called them and they said it was out of warranty and offered me a minor discount on a new one. I have no idea how something that stayed at a normal volume and sat in the same spot for 3 years without being touched suddenly just starts ticking.

I did get a mini version to replace it since I use it for Airplay 2 control (my main receiver has Airplay 2 built in) so often. Unfortunately, it doesn't come close to the SQ of the original.

 

[insomniac86]

Mini has few additional features that make it smarter, for example HomePod mini has Thread functionality while HomePod doesn’t. It’s a next-gen smart home device P2P communication protocol that will be widely used in the future of HomeKit.

Ah yes, i forgot about Thread, funny since I'm using it.

On the flipside the HomePod has spatial aware audio and atmos theater for Apple TV while the mini doesn't.

 

[tubular]

My hope is that a new version is on the way. I've got three and like them a lot. The only thing I think is missing is Thread.

 

[ActionableMango]

Until Airplay 2 isn't available in the phones anymore. That's the importance of the other interfaces. When they say discontinue that doesn't just mean manufacturing, that's going to be software as well. I'm sure the mini and big pods overlap in some areas but I don't expect them to carry on software updating the device for very long. I'm just saying, I wouldn't expect them to keep updating a discontinued device with anything other than security updates. And as their services and Airplay 3 move forward I don't think these HomePods are going to updated and once that happens it remains to be seen whether Apple devices will fall back to airplay 2.

Yeah I agree with you completely. The best Homepod software update that Apple could possibly do, for their image, their customers, and the environment, would be to enable bluetooth as an audio input.

And to anyone who would respond "that would require retrofitting bluetooth hardware", no, it wouldn't. Homepod already has Bluetooth 5.0 hardware installed.

 

[FriendlyMackle]

Well, and I did it. I said 'd never do it.

I bought a HomePod. The sound is amazing. The bass is a little to heavy, but the mid and high range is just amazing. And it's HEAVY. I don't know how well it will integrate into my bizarre life, but I'll give it a try. I still think they missed the boat making it corded only, but it can be a 'boombox', or portable radio replacement. Well, not so portable radio, but I'm from the times where most portable radios weren't very portable if you wanted to use them for any length of time. *shrug*

And Siri will take some getting used to. It's jokes are a little weird. 'Someone asked me to contribute to a new community swimming pool. I gave them a glass of water.'

The HomePod sounds even better in stereo. I had one for around one year before I decided to buy a second one and enable stereo sound. You can still buy them (for now) online various places. I bought 'like new' so that I could reduce the price to what I considered more reasonable (around $225 per speaker).

 

[FriendlyMackle]

ATV is a win for me. I bought a new television that had all kinds of crap built into it, including the ATV app. First thing I did is block the TV's internet access through my router, because who know what data it's sending to whom. If Roku wants to use a 72" TV as a loss leader for their advertising services, that's up to them, but that doesn't mean I have to participate. All TV media goes through my ATV box.

Given Apple's stance on privacy I don't envision the ATV going away.

I've been looking to purchase a new tv which is not inundated with advertising sold by the manufacturer or worse, by Google. It seems like every tv on the market has security issues, privacy issues, and now advertising from which you can't opt out.
I know, I'll not connect the television to my network directly (I'll use a box like ATV) but it really bothers me that this is something we have to outwit! It's not like manufacturers have actually discounted their products in compensation for the advertising. They're just trying to introduce a new revenue stream to their hardware income. It should be unacceptable to consumers...I don't understand why people haven't pushed back and demanded opt-outs.

 

[stevet]

But only one of our suppositions are grounded in historical precedent and a recognition of Apple's desire to keep their customers happy. Yours is grounded only in FUD. Apple could decide to close up shop tomorrow and liquidate their assets to distribute to shareholders. I don't think you or I expect that to happen either though.

When a product is discontinued and there isn't any other information given by the company, there is uncertainty as to the direction that the company will take with respect to updates and continued support. You don't have any precedence for this because they haven't really discontinued a product like this before. All their other discontinued products have had operating systems that could be updated long into the future because of their hardware/software without much or any extra effort- like the iMac Pro will continue to receive macOS updates. People point to the iPod Hi-Fi but that doesn't count because it wasn't software based and was just a dumb speaker with multiple input paths and are still being used today, over 15 years after it's introduction. Thats why the other inputs are important.

 

[I7guy]

When a product is discontinued and there isn't any other information given by the company, there is uncertainty as to the direction […]

I’m not uncertain. I’m fairly confident the product will continue to function as is for more than a handful of years.

But that’s me others will feel and believe what they want.