Apple Explains Why HomePod Was Released Again, Wi-Fi 4 Limitation, and More

[CarAnalogy]

We all know it was cancelled because of the issues the OG had

Apple has never admitted that they have done wrong ever. They just do things like release bumpers for iPhone 4 or return to the original keyboard design on the Macs, all without ever acknowledging that it was ever any different.

They’re clearly big George Orwell fans.

 

[tgwaste]

"HomePod features Wi-Fi 4 connectivity that allows us to target exactly what works best in the entire system," Costello tells TechCrunch, "making sure Siri requests are responsive, and ensuring a consistent experience for all you are listening to, controlling your smart home accessories and more — all while being energy efficient."

Translation

We wanted to cut costs and stick it to our customers once again.

 

[sam_dean]

In other words a bunch of lame marketing speak that tries to obfuscate real reasons for wifi 4 and lack of stereo mating.

Or they hired a lawyer who is an audiophile to do marketing for them.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Technical reasons

Our chip only supports WiFi 4

More reasons

We did not make enough money on OG Homepod

We had to find ways to make more money and give less, hence wifi4, less tweeters, less microphones, same design, etc.

100% Agreed! I feel like Apple is doing whatever it can to save and make money. I might be wrong but it seems like the main objective is money, money, money. Without offering the latest innovative technology.

 

[compwiz1202]

Technical reasons

Our chip only supports WiFi 4

More reasons

We did not make enough money on OG Homepod

We had to find ways to make more money and give less, hence wifi4, less tweeters, less microphones, same design, etc.

Seems to be their trend now to give less in a newer gen item

 

[sorgo †]

So, let me get this straight…the new HomePod sounds “largely” (vaguely) just the same as the original despite having fewer tweeters BUT it’s sonically incongruent enough that Apple won’t even let you pair the damn things? What kind of hopelessly cognitively-dissonant sap would believe this tripe?

 

[PauloSera]

In other words a bunch of lame marketing speak that tries to obfuscate real reasons for wifi 4 and lack of stereo mating.

Stereo pairing I think you can understand. 2 completely different speakers paired together is far from ideal.

But WiFi 4....that's by far the weakest attempt I've ever seen. The fact is the chip they're using doesn't support WiFi 6, and they were unable or unwilling to put a newer chip in the HomePod.

 

[jasonph]

Most of it is marketing speak. All they had to say was that the S7 has dual channel Wi-Fi 4 hence, without providing a separate Wi-Fi component, that’s what the HomePod has. I’m pleased it’s dual channel at least because 2.4GHz is often congested. And wireless N is more than adequate for streaming lossless audio and most other things, including video (which this device can’t anyway).

The SoC has two A13 cpu cores so it’s quite quick and much faster than the A8 in the original Pod.

 

[MauiPa]

it really confuses me why anyone is upset over wifi 4 and not wifi 6, and why none of the writers have pointed this out. it is simply a bandwidth issue, wifi 4 has more than adequate bandwidth to support airplay and therefore wifi 6 would not provide any value added whatsoever. This is like a repeat of the really old appleTV using a slower ethernet. the ethernet selected at the time had more than adequate bandwidth to support the 1080p limitation of the older appleTV, yet there were those whiners who were upset. But really, would it have operated any better? NO. Once adequate bandwidth is achieved, case close, additional bandwidth provides 0 benefit

 

[PauloSera]

US:

APPLE:

Eh, it's more like:

Customers: "I want the truth."
Apple: "We're not allowed to tell you the truth, ever."

 

[acidjesus]

This actually explains...nothing

 

[currentinterest]

In real world WiFi performance would there be any noticeable difference in audio streaming? If the HomePod performs is advertised, then all is good.

 

[johnmarki]

Now is the perfect time to allow the mini to be rear/satellite speakers in the setup.

This. A million times, this. It seems so obvious.

 

[1557750]

Shorter version translated…

Apple: $$$$$

 

[sorgo †]

Stereo pairing I think you can understand. 2 completely different speakers paired together is far from ideal.

But WiFi 4....that's by far the weakest attempt I've ever seen. The fact is the chip they're using doesn't support WiFi 6, and they were unable or unwilling to put a newer chip in the HomePod.

But I thought they were nearly identical in performance? Which is it, Paulo? 🤨

 

[MauiPa]

Stereo pairing I think you can understand. 2 completely different speakers paired together is far from ideal.

But WiFi 4....that's by far the weakest attempt I've ever seen. The fact is the chip they're using doesn't support WiFi 6, and they were unable or unwilling to put a newer chip in the HomePod.

seriously? you seem to understand the stereo pairing issue, so please think about wifi 4 vs 6. What additional benefit would wifi 6 bring? Help you download files faster? Oh wait this is a speaker, the wifi only has to support the bandwidth required for airplay. QED

 

[PauloSera]

His wifi 4 explanation is 100% BS. The damn thing is plugged in and 6 would not be a major difference energy wise.

Quite simply they don't have a chip that supports WiFi 6 for a HomePod. Or an Apple Watch for that matter, since they use the same package.

One day maybe, but right now they don't.

 

[PauloSera]

But I thought they were nearly identical in performance? Which is it, Paulo? 🤨

Nearly identical isn't identical. Never mind the fact that nearly identical is an opinion.

You would only want to pair identical speakers.

 

[sorgo †]

Eh, it's more like:

Customers: "I want the truth."
Apple: "We're not allowed to tell you the truth, ever."

Customers: We want the truth.


Apple: We are the Ministry of Truth.


Oprah:

 

[PauloSera]

seriously? you seem to understand the stereo pairing issue, so please think about wifi 4 vs 6. What additional benefit would wifi 6 bring? Help you download files faster? Oh wait this is a speaker, the wifi only has to support the bandwidth required for airplay. QED

Considering the wireless performance of HomePod has been notoriously bad, a newer standard certainly couldn't hurt. Or do you imagine general wireless performance (beyond the simplistic notion of "bandwidth") didn't actually improve from 802.11n to 802.11ac? BTW, Apple Watch wireless performance sucks just as much, being limited to the same type of chip.

 

[mrochester]

What would Wi-Fi 6 facilitate that Wi-Fi 4 can’t do?

 

[everlast3434]

Have they not heard more interest than ever in releasing updated iMacs?? What a joke.

 

[sorgo †]

Apple has never admitted that they have done wrong ever. They just do things like release bumpers for iPhone 4 or return to the original keyboard design on the Macs, all without ever acknowledging that it was ever any different.

They’re clearly big George Orwell fans.

Look at us both referencing Orwell on the same page; I didn’t even see your comment. Should tell you something about Apple….

 

[PauloSera]

This. A million times, this. It seems so obvious.

I suppose, but its like buying a baseball bat to serve as a hat rack.

There are actual products on the market designed for this. Why is HomePod constantly being forced into home theater? And now surround sound? Come on.

 

[jaytv111]

US:

APPLE:

Son, we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with Apples. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lieutenant Weinberg? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Wifi5, and you curse the S7 chip. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know -- that S7, while slow, probably saves lives; and my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives.

You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall -- you need me on that wall.

We use words like "honor," "code," "loyalty." We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punch line.

I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very products that I provide and then questions the manner in which I provide it.

I would rather that you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you write a tweet and stand the post. Either way, I don't give a DAMN what you think you're entitled to!