I just did this. I get all my tv content through Apple TV. The stereo setup makes it sound great.
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Black Friday 2018: Get Apple's HomePod for $250 at Best Buy
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It’s $216 at cost because Apple put a iPhone-class logic board in a $40 speaker/microphone array. Sales are in the tank because it’s too damn expensive for the features it offers.
Looking for an excuse to get another for a stereo pair downstairs.
Costco still had white in-stock...subtract 2% with the Costco Visa - 2% for Executive = nice deal!!
Costco still had white in-stock...subtract 2% with the Costco Visa - 2% for Executive = nice deal!!
It is the audio equivalent of the Apple TV. Proprietary, locked into Apple’s ecosystem etc. Nothing new. And it won’t stop it from selling.
I love my HomePod in my living room and would be very tempted to buy another one at this price but I already have an Echo Show in my bedroom (it works with my Ring doorbell and security cameras to let me see all the doors in my house with getting out of bed).
I have to agree with you about Apple losing their edge when it comes to features & functions. I use both Siri and Alexa in my house and for how I use them, I prefer using Alexa. I remain loyal to Apple (aside from my Echos) mainly because of their privacy practices and how well all their products work with each other but you are right about Apple's competitors offering decent products at much better prices. In my opinion, the only product line where Apple absolutely dominates right now is the Apple Watch (but I am still waiting for Apple to turn on the ECG function for my AW4).
Regarding HomePod, as much as I like the sound quality, I have to admit I am a little disappointed that Apple hasn't done more with the incredible processing power they built into it. I really thought they had a grand plan to enable additional functionality when they put that much processing power into a smart speaker.
i was all set to get one, or maybe two of these to replace the speakers+airport express in my bedroom but i found out today you can't turn off the homepod's homekit hub functionality. this means it will eventually take over as my hub and it would be placed too far away from my BLE homekit accessories, rendering them useless. apple really needs to fix this.
i guess i could sign into the homepod with a different apple ID, but that's a lame hack.
i guess i could sign into the homepod with a different apple ID, but that's a lame hack.
Two pack of Sonos 1 is going for $250. Now that's a deal!
https://www.costco.com/CatalogSearch?dept=All&keyword=Sonos Play:1&EMID=B2C_2018_1122_BlackFriday
its very funny albeit disturbing how people pay huge cash to fully lock into appels universe ... very disturbing people around here ...
I don't subscribe to Apple Music. What would I use it for? To talk to Siri?
uhm, it actually doesnt sell that well ... and uhm its A speaker ... locking up a speaker in an eco-system - doesnt that sound very strange ... even for the hardest fanboy?
airpods are not locked in, watch is - is a speaker closer to a watch or to airpods?
This is probably the most laughably absurd thing I’ve ever read online. Thanks for that
[doublepost=1542955712][/doublepost]is this sale available in canada? It doesn't show up
Apple's HomePod is now nine months old, and one of the best all-around deals this Black Friday is a $100 discount on the Siri-based smart speaker at Best Buy. With this sale, you can get the HomePod for $249.99, down from $349.99. Space Gray and White are both available, but Space Gray appears to be sold only in stores and White is available both in stores and online.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Best Buy's Black Friday sale represents the lowest-ever straight discount offered on HomePod, beating out regular $50 discounts at retailers like Costco and sales that dipped to around $280 for the speaker during eBay's sitewide sales over the past few months. If you've been interested in HomePod but hesitant due to its price, definitely visit Best Buy and check out the sale before it expires on Saturday, November 24.
Best Buy is the only retailer offering a discount on a new HomePod this Black Friday. If you're on the hunt for other AirPlay 2 speakers, check out our Black Friday Roundup for sales on Sonos One and more.
Update: If you have a Costco membership, they have the HomePod for $80 off in White and Space Gray
Article Link: Black Friday 2018: Get Apple's HomePod for $250 at Best Buy
Yea, when I buy a product i want it to work in as many situations possible. Would you buy an Apple Car that only drove on Apple roads? That's what Homepod is.
Its utility greatly diminishes given is extreme limitation, and lack of hardware (audio Input) that has been a basic component in the audio world for 20 years.
[doublepost=1542957255][/doublepost]
You know what is laughable? A device that only plays Apple music or requires Airplay. No audio in? Laughable. No bluetooth? just plain silly.
Lack of integration with other online streaming? Stupid. Lack of integration with other operating systems (only using airplay)? Buyer beware
It's like Sony coming out and saying "only buy our special sony CDs that only work on our devices". The world would have laughed. Apple does it, Apple fan boys cheer. No cheering from here.
I take it back, Apple would have to pay me 30 dollars to keep it in my house.
It's great that you love them and I genuinely hope you continue to enjoy, but to put your last points into perspective: My £20 echo dot has been performing that very same service for me for over a year.
Don't you think it's strange that in 2018 someone is looking forward to spending twice the money of their purchase to listen to their music in "stereo mode!", something we've had since the 1930s?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereophonic_sound
If it cost that much to manufacture then it's just another weird decision to not include 3,5 mm in and bluetooth for a dollar or two. The sound is very good, but with such limitations the price isn't even the issue me not buying one.
Until Siri becomes useful, Spotify support, and is <$200. I am not interested. At the moment it's an expensive paper weight the minute Apple decide to stop supporting it. Speakers are a long lasting technology. But with zero I/O and only Apple music I fear planned obsolesce with a premium price tag.
Personally, I have decided to take my first real plunge into home automation........and buy a Google Home Hub and Mini...Best Buy is having awesome deals on these products and they look a lot more useful than an expensive HomePod. I believe you can even stream Apple Music to them too, if I ever move back to that service. 2019 goal - to give Apple as little money as possible.
Well they actually did, guess who invented the CD (and the Blu-ray)..
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compact_disc
Didn’t work out for them with the Betamax though..
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I don't subscribe to Apple Music. What would I use it for? To talk to Siri?
High quality sound for that size, especially when pairing, streaming music, home theater with Apple TV, iTunes Match also embedded, others to come surely. I searched for a wireless setup and it’s just perfect for our needs.
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