HomePod As the 14 day window closes who’s returning their HomePod this week?

[andresandiego]

Uh-oh - Another comment plucked out of 2012!

Teasing of course, but in all seriousness, if anyone is counting on Siri to get better to make the HomePod a better purchase for them, you should return it now.

Tech products absolutely should only be evaluated based upon current features, not hopes about the future, especially if one of them is "Apple improving Siri".

If one likes it as is just for the sound, I'd say the user is good to go...waiting on Siri to get better?
We've been waiting for 1/2 a decade now..

Well maybe I should have said I am waiting on Siri on HomePod to be on par with Siri on the iPhone. I have no issues with Siri on the iPhone, yes I know it is not perfect but it does pretty much what I want it to.

I actually don't understand how Siri on the HomePod can be worst than on the iPhone. I would love for someone to explain this to me. I was under the impression that Siri would be the same on all devices, that is clearly not the case.

I have no problem basing my evaluation on hopes for the future for this product. I look at the HomePod and see what it can become. It would be harder for me to say this if I was hoping for a hardware update but it is a software update, which will be easier to get done.

 

[The Game 161]

Uh-oh - Another comment plucked out of 2012!

Teasing of course, but in all seriousness, if anyone is counting on Siri to get better to make the HomePod a better purchase for them, you should return it now.

Tech products absolutely should only be evaluated based upon current features, not hopes about the future, especially if one of them is "Apple improving Siri".

If one likes it as is just for the sound, I'd say the user is good to go...waiting on Siri to get better?
We've been waiting for 1/2 a decade now..

there is hope due to reports suggesting apple will look to improve search features with Siri for IOS 12

They are in the smart speaker game now so I think they know it needs to improve.

 

[turbineseaplane]

They are in the smart speaker game now so I think they know it needs to improve.

Why is that different than them being in the smart assistant game for the last 5 years also?

Honestly not trying to be a downer, but I think some people are sort of wanting to be optimistic rather than realistic.

If Apple were better at this stuff, Siri would already be better right now, especially on the HomePod which was delayed anyhow and who's primary interface is Siri. It's not like they actually want to launch a new product like HP and have all this negative talk about Siri going on all over.

 

[The Game 161]

Why is that different than them being in the smart assistant game for the last 5 years also?

Honestly not trying to be a downer, but I think some people are sort of wanting to be optimistic rather than realistic.

If Apple were better at this stuff, Siri would already be better right now, especially on the HomePod which was delayed anyhow.

Alexa and google assistant weren't as big with the general public as they are today.

If apple weren't in the smart speaker game maybe they wouldn't care as much but they clearly want to compare with the two other assistants otherwise they wouldn't have focused on this.

with reports of Siri improvements coming that says to me they know it needs to improve.

 

[Endorphine88]

I think Siri has improved a lot over the past several years. I don't know what the expectation is here, but I've noticed she's become more responsive, understands me faster and better and is able to do more.
Also, what is the benchmark we're following? Is it Alexa? I don't think she's as capable and almighty as everyone makes her out to be. In fact, in my experience comparing her to Siri on a daily basis, she's much more choppy and frustrating.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Alexa and google assistant weren't as big with the general public as they are today.

If apple weren't in the smart speaker game maybe they wouldn't care as much but they clearly want to compare with the two other assistants otherwise they wouldn't have focused on this.

with reports of Siri improvements coming that says to me they know it needs to improve.

Ok - Fair enough, but the assistant on device space is way bigger (like not even close) and we've seen the rate of "improvement" there so far.

I understand everyone is hopeful (I am too!), but really very little about Apple in the services or AI space so far should lead us to believe they have some Siri home run coming down the pipe.

If they do, great, but anyone saying they do for sure is totally guessing and optimistically so as there is little evidence to date to support such a view.

 

[The Game 161]

Ok - Fair enough, but the assistant on device space is way bigger (like not even close) and we've seen the rate of "improvement" there so far.

I understand everyone is hopeful (I am too!), but really very little about Apple in the services or AI space so far should lead to believe they have some Siri home run coming down the pipe.

If they do, great, but anyone saying they do for sure is totally guessing and optimistically so as there is little evidence to date that they are good at this space.

Nobody knows for sure I agree but you have to think they will try to improve it. Apple know how people view the 3 assistants currently.

Even if letting you make phone calls and get your calendar read out would be a good improvement.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Nobody knows for sure I agree but you have to think they will try to improve it. Apple know how people view the 3 assistants currently.

Even if letting you make phone calls and get your calendar read out would be a good improvement.

Multiple timers too - Some of this stuff is really low hanging fruit at this point..

 

[The Game 161]

Multiple timers too - Some of this stuff is really low hanging fruit at this point..

agreed, knowing different voices should be there and being able to say hey Siri change to nicks playlist by having multiple apple IDs on file for example.

 

[turbineseaplane]

And ultimately as it pertains to the HomePod and returning it or not (this thread)..

If on the fence at all, I would still recommend that buyer return and see if Siri really gets better (if that's important to the buyer).

If just using it as say, for example, an Airplay speaker (as I would be since I don't use Apple Music or iTunes Match), it's a pretty expensive single speaker option, sound quality preferences aside.

 

[andresandiego]

Why is that different than them being in the smart assistant game for the last 5 years also?

Honestly not trying to be a downer, but I think some people are sort of wanting to be optimistic rather than realistic.

If Apple were better at this stuff, Siri would already be better right now, especially on the HomePod which was delayed anyhow and who's primary interface is Siri. It's not like they actually want to launch a new product like HP and have all this negative talk about Siri going on all over.

I think Siri has improved a lot over the past several years. I don't know what the expectation is here, but I've noticed she's become more responsive, understands me faster and better and is able to do more.
Also, what is the benchmark we're following? Is it Alexa? I don't think she's as capable and almighty as everyone makes her out to be. In fact, in my experience comparing her to Siri on a daily basis, she's much more choppy and frustrating.

I will agree with on the wanting to be optimistic. I also agree with you about Siri on the HomePod should be better, it actually should be the "BEST Siri since that is the primary way to interface with the HomePod. That is baffling to me. But I remain hopeful it will improve.

 

[Shanesan]

I have yet to encounter any "issues". I think it's unfair to hold Apple up to a standard that it never set for this product. This is SPEAKER above all - focus is on music.

My video that you linked in your quote literally shows me having a bear of a time getting the thing to play music over iTunes Match, which is a definite focus on music.

It's great that you're not experiencing any of the issues (I don't know why you put this in quotes as if they don't exist - I proved it right there with a video you linked), but you are not everyone. People with legitimate issues may even be in the minority, but pretending these don't exist do not make a product better.

 

[dbe]

I'm keeping mine for multiple reasons. With HomeKit locks, garage door opener, thermostat, Caseta Wireless switches, hue lights, and a Hunter ceiling fan, the HomePod has made using all my home automation that much more easier and enjoyable. Being able to give a command upon entering my home without taking out my iPhone or waking my Apple Watch is perfect. Of course the sound quality goes without saying. I subscribed to Apple Music as Apple surely wanted but hey I have a 3 month free trial. I primarily listen to reggae and within a day Apple Music played three songs I absolutely love. One was from an artist I have never heard.

I'm very happy with my purchase but admit the Apple of yesterday would have launched the HomePod full of features. Rather than returning it I would be purchasing another if linking two in stereo was an option. The HomePod is a HomeKit accessory but currently cannot be included in Scenes and Automations. The HomePod should have greater functionality with the ATV. Multiple Apple IDs, recognize different voices, and multiple timers all should have come at launch.

 

[donster28]

I am torn...love the sound quality but also miss some of the commands I could give Alexa.

For example -- Alexa will turn on my TV via my logitech control, hoping the HomePod will have this feature soon.

Keep your Echo along with the HomePod and give the commands you’ve always ordered.

I’m doing the same with my Google Home and they both work great together!
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Return it (see my post directly above yours)

If it ever comes you could repurchase the HomePod then and revaluate the offering at that time.

Why return it when you can keep both?! Give the usual commands to Echo and problem solved!

 

[turbineseaplane]

Why return it when you can keep both?!

The person said they were "torn".

If one is torn on what to do with a tech product, I personally default to returning it while you can and re-evaluating later on with no time pressure, that's all I was saying.

 

[donster28]

The person said they were "torn".

If one is torn on what to do with a tech product, I personally default to returning it while you can and re-evaluating later on with no time pressure, that's all I was saying.

It’s pretty clear he’s “torn” about the assistants’ functionality and we both know the difference between the two. We are not told or required to have just one virtual assistants so why not make use of two or three to get the best out of them...instead of going through the hastle of re-packing and returning?

Now, I can understand if one cannot afford both, then your solution might be preferrable.

 

[turbineseaplane]

It’s pretty clear he’s “torn” about the assistants’ functionality and we both know the difference between the two. We are not told or required to have just one virtual assistants so why not make use of two or three to get the best out of them...instead of going through the hadtle of re-packing and returning?

Now, I can understand if one cannot afford both, then your solution might be preferrable.

I don't really know why we are arguing about this..
He did say he loves the sound quality, but is still "torn" as his assistant needs aren't met by it.

Maybe he doesn't want to have 2 devices? I have no idea.
I would never suggest keeping something you're torn on, whatever the reason is.

If I were him, I would return it and buy myself time to evaluate what I want to do.
You can always re-buy it later.

 

[donster28]

I don't really know why we are arguing about this..
He did say he loves the sound quality, but is still "torn" as his assistant needs aren't met by it.

Maybe he doesn't want to have 2 devices? I have no idea.
I would never suggest keeping something you're torn on, whatever the reason is.

If I were him, I would return it and buy myself time to evaluate what I want to do.
You can always re-buy it later.

Sorry but who’s arguing? Aren’t these forums meant for constructive discussions...at least that’s what I’m trying to do.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Sorry but who’s arguing? Aren’t these forums meant for constructive discussions...at least that’s what I’m trying to do.

You're right - Sorry - It just felt like you're being a bit argumentative about it. I probably read it wrong.
Anyhow..

The user himself said they are torn about keeping it.
He already has Alexa + HomePod, but clearly the insinuation is that he's a bit bummed he'd have to keep both things, thus being "torn".

So maybe he can weigh in on why he doesn't want to keep both.
I know I wouldn't just because it feels redundnant and clunky and just kind of wasteful or perhaps a space mess around the house, etc.

My only point was - he's torn.
If you're torn at all and the return date is coming, just return it and buy yourself more time, right?

You can buy another one if you are missing it.

 

[2010lexus]

No issues noted here........using iTunes Music match. 8000 song iCloud music library.
Playlists also work just fine...

I to have iTunes match and over 15000 songs I have no issues playing songs using SIRI or airplay. I think if you have some kind of Apple Music subscription the HomePod is a good way to go.

 

[Rtt3rd]

i just asked my HomePod “Hey Siri, can you give me a reason why I shouldn’t return you to Best Buy?” Nothing but silence, even the HomePod can’t think of a reason to keep it...

In all seriousness though, I will probably be keeping mine, I think it sounds great, am not one to use Siri for much and have a family Apple Music subscription that is getting tons more use.

 

[MiamiC70]

Boxed it up going back tomorrow. The ROI is not there, too much missing, SIRI sucks and now with Airplay 2 nowhere in sight see ya.

 

[oskguia]

Don't get me wrong, but I'm heavily invested in Apple... I got every device it produced from the iPhone 3G to iPhone X and HomePod. I even got heavily invested in the stock itself.

So now you know where I'm coming from. Don't attack me for posting this. HomePod is the worst product I ever experienced coming from Apple. Of course I got it on the first day (2/9/2018) it was available. I was pleased with its sound quality for so many days going through hundred of my playlists on Apple Music.

Then Brandi Carlisle's new album came out and I was pleased listening to it, so much so that I asked for more of her work. What do you know! Siri started serving all kinds of songs from all kinds of artists. I got mad and said so to Siri and truth be told, she was diplomatic about my swearing. Anything I ask, she serves me garbage!

This is not the Apple I know. So this product is going back to Apple.

 

[maflynn]

Boxed it up going back tomorrow. The ROI is not there, too much missing, SIRI sucks and now with Airplay 2 nowhere in sight see ya.

You're decision, but I didn't buy my HomePod for investment purposes, hence I don't don't care about ROI.

I'm happy with what it does do, but then its short comings were well documented by the time I took the plunge.

 

[The Game 161]

I think the important factor is what you're using it for and your main purposes.

The price is why it's something to think about. I wanted it for music originally but I feel now my main usage for it is for podcasts and switching my lights on and off.

I do find I'm air playing my podcasts though due to the apple podcast app being a mess as I use pocket cast. So really is that really making use of the main features.

The sound is great though so not asking Siri isn't everything.