HomePod Early Hands-On Reviews: 'Seamless' Siri Commands and Audio Quality 'Feels Like You're at a Live Performance'

[twistedpixel8]

what exactly has told you HomePod is failing? Was it the 2M Apple Music subsribers they added in less than a month after release?

Probably all the people who bought HomePod and realized Apple Music was the only thing you can use properly with it!

I kinda wanted one but Siri sucks and Spotify is much, much better than Apple Music. The sound quality compared to its competition is not superior either.

Bottom line: Apple *was* late to the party and while that’s fine, you usually expect them to blow away the competition when they arrive. And that they certainly did not. They brought nothing new which used to be unusual for Apple but is becoming a recurring theme lately.
[doublepost=1524682770][/doublepost]

Wrong. The timing of it’s release was the only major thing that kept it back from selling like it’s hot.

The only major thing? You’re joking, right? Have you seen *any* hands-on reviews? Have you tried the thing in an Apple Store? I watched one employee demo the device just before close in a nearly empty Apple Store with the PA music off. It was embarrassing. Siri got most of her requests wrong, the audio quality was nothing special and the only thing it really has going for it is that it looks kind of neat!

 

[xdhd350]

Probably all the people who bought HomePod and realized Apple Music was the only thing you can use properly with it!

I kinda wanted one but Siri sucks and Spotify is much, much better than Apple Music. The sound quality compared to its competition is not superior either.

Bottom line: Apple *was* late to the party and while that’s fine, you usually expect them to blow away the competition when they arrive. And that they certainly did not. They brought nothing new which used to be unusual for Apple but is becoming a recurring theme lately.
[doublepost=1524682770][/doublepost]

The only major thing? You’re joking, right? Have you seen *any* hands-on reviews? Have you tried the thing in an Apple Store? I watched one employee demo the device just before close in a nearly empty Apple Store with the PA music off. It was embarrassing. Siri got most of her requests wrong, the audio quality was nothing special and the only thing it really has going for it is that it looks kind of neat!

Sounds great in my house and I can virtually whisper, “Hey Siri” from the adjacent room with music full volume and she hears it. The store is the worst place to demo the sound quality of Home Pod. And the Siri voice in the Home Pod is the most natural sounding that I’ve ever heard her sound from any Apple device. I do lament some of her limited functionality at this point, but I expect that to grow over time. I’m not an Apple Music subscriber either. I just direct whatever else I’m playing through the phone or tablet to the HomePod. Not a big deal to me but maybe to others.

 

[Baymowe335]

Probably all the people who bought HomePod and realized Apple Music was the only thing you can use properly with it!

I kinda wanted one but Siri sucks and Spotify is much, much better than Apple Music. The sound quality compared to its competition is not superior either.

Bottom line: Apple *was* late to the party and while that’s fine, you usually expect them to blow away the competition when they arrive. And that they certainly did not. They brought nothing new which used to be unusual for Apple but is becoming a recurring theme lately.

What do you mean, they certainly did not? We don't KNOW the sales or how many they planned to sell. It's been out like 11 weeks.

It doesn't sound better than an Echo or Google Home? OK, seems like you're reasonable.

Apple is always late and ends up crushing everyone, particularly in profit. They aren't trying to have the most market share, don't forget that.

 

[The Game 161]

say what you like about siri but sound on the homepod is fantastic and a big reason why I got mine. Siri certainly needs to get alot better but for basic tasks does just fine.

 

[dukebound85]

Other than speculative articles and prediction, what exactly has told you HomePod is failing? Was it the 2M Apple Music subsribers they added in less than a month after release? That is literally the only official number.

"Supply checks" and "estimates" are consistently wrong with Apple, proven time and time again.

You also have no idea how many they planned to make or planned to sell. No one knows except Apple, so let's cool it with the HomePod is doomed thesis. It's impossible to know and the same has been said about a lot of products that are now killing it like Watch, AirPods, and even the original iPhone.

Oh You know the numerous articles like the following

https://www.cultofmac.com/543925/homepod-apple-deutsche-bank-analysts-smart-speaker-market/

https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/04/11/apple-cuts-homepod-orders-on-weak-demand-report-says


The HomePod is clearly not meeting apples expectations and consumers are not keen to paying such a steep price that is fairly limited to other offerings
[doublepost=1524703318][/doublepost]

Wrong. The timing of it’s release was the only major thing that kept it back from selling like it’s hot.

the timing as in a few years late? I agree.
[doublepost=1524703404][/doublepost]

"500 dollars? Fully subsidized? With a plan? I said that is the most expensive phone in the world. And it doesn't appeal to business customers because it doesn't have a keyboard. Which makes it not a very good email machine."

Difference is the iPhone was a paradigm shift for phones with none like it before it.

The HomePod is late to the field and Apple is trying to carve a slice and proving to not be catching on

 

[Michael Scrip]

"500 dollars? Fully subsidized? With a plan? I said that is the most expensive phone in the world. And it doesn't appeal to business customers because it doesn't have a keyboard. Which makes it not a very good email machine."

The funniest thing about Ballmer making that quote at that time... is that it took Microsoft 3 years to come up with some sort of response to the iPhone. Perhaps he should have come up with a good plan first.. and then made fun of Apple.

While he raised good points about the iPhone at the time... a decade later the iPhone is still around... and Microsoft-based phones are not.

 

[Baymowe335]

Oh You know the numerous articles like the following

https://www.cultofmac.com/543925/homepod-apple-deutsche-bank-analysts-smart-speaker-market/

https://appleinsider.com/articles/18/04/11/apple-cuts-homepod-orders-on-weak-demand-report-says


The HomePod is clearly not meeting apples expectations and consumers are not keen to paying such a steep price that is fairly limited to other offerings
[doublepost=1524703318][/doublepost]
the timing as in a few years late? I agree.
[doublepost=1524703404][/doublepost]
Difference is the iPhone was a paradigm shift for phones with none like it before it.

The HomePod is late to the field and Apple is trying to carve a slice and proving to not be catching on

What are you talking about? I just told you every article on HomePod is speculation. That DB article said as much.

The Apple Insider article sites another speculative source that Apple cut orders without knowing their inventory, sales, or sales projections.

Again, all speculation and WAY too early to make any final conclusion. It’s been a long time since an Apple product completely failed, though many were predicted too fail, too early (Watch, AirPods, iPhone and now HomePod).

Analysts also tried to,predict iPhone X failure with “supply checks” and Apple proved it wrong with their most recent financials. $100 increase in ASP, 20% growth in iPhone revenue, 7% unit sales growth when normalized for a 14 week quarter, confirmation that iPhone X was the best selling phone since release, and the most profit ever in corporate history. Yeah, huge failure.

 

[ipponrg]

Regardless of whatever the analysts are predicting, you ought to be wondering if at some point consumers will be frustrated by the high prices and locked ecosystem such that they will be actively pursuing other alternatives. I only mention this because there are numerous former Apple fanatics (especially in the SF bay area) who are eager to leave the ecosystem.

The "most profit" doesn't necessarily bode well for long term success.

iPhone X was the best selling phone since release, and the most profit ever in corporate history

 

[Virinprew]

Analysts also tried to,predict iPhone X failure with “supply checks” and Apple proved it wrong with their most recent financials. $100 increase in ASP, 20% growth in iPhone revenue, 7% unit sales growth when normalized for a 14 week quarter, confirmation that iPhone X was the best selling phone since release, and the most profit ever in corporate history. Yeah, huge failure.

Are you cheering for them to take that extra $100? I don't know whether iPhone X is a failure or not. But people definitely fall for it.

 

[twistedpixel8]

What do you mean, they certainly did not? We don't KNOW the sales or how many they planned to sell. It's been out like 11 weeks.

It doesn't sound better than an Echo or Google Home? OK, seems like you're reasonable.

Apple is always late and ends up crushing everyone, particularly in profit. They aren't trying to have the most market share, don't forget that.

You’re missing my point. I’m not talking about sales. Sales will always be good for Apple because of the brand. A huge chunk of those why buy Apple products buy blindly because it’s a status symbol or because it’s deemed “cool” to own apple products.

My point was that it is an unimaginative device that simply does everything that was already done Apple played it completely safe. There are no “wow” features. It is simply Apple’s version of what is already out there, except it actually does less because of Siri’s crippling inadequacies. Ok, it has “good” audio quality but certainly not a clear winner when compared to similarly priced devices.

 

[Baymowe335]

You’re missing my point. I’m not talking about sales. Sales will always be good for Apple because of the brand. A huge chunk of those why buy Apple products buy blindly because it’s a status symbol or because it’s deemed “cool” to own apple products.

My point was that it is an unimaginative device that simply does everything that was already done Apple played it completely safe. There are no “wow” features. It is simply Apple’s version of what is already out there, except it actually does less because of Siri’s crippling inadequacies. Ok, it has “good” audio quality but certainly not a clear winner when compared to similarly priced devices.

Your opinion on the device is totally irrelevant and meaningless.
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Are you cheering for them to take that extra $100? I don't know whether iPhone X is a failure or not. But people definitely fall for it.

As an investor, I want them to charge as much as they can get.

As a consumer, I really don't care what it costs because it's my choice in the end. I see a lot of value in the Apple experience, so I'd be willing to pay more. I don't think the X was too expensive. It's a fantastic computer.

 

[Uofmtiger]

You’re missing my point. I’m not talking about sales. Sales will always be good for Apple because of the brand. A huge chunk of those why buy Apple products buy blindly because it’s a status symbol or because it’s deemed “cool” to own apple products.

My point was that it is an unimaginative device that simply does everything that was already done Apple played it completely safe. There are no “wow” features. It is simply Apple’s version of what is already out there, except it actually does less because of Siri’s crippling inadequacies. Ok, it has “good” audio quality but certainly not a clear winner when compared to similarly priced devices.

It does a few things the competition doesn't do:

1. It interacts with Apple Music. While you use Spotify, there are 40 million people that use AM and have no alternative.
2. It works with Airplay. For those of us that are already use Airplay with several devices, it is just easy to send audio from another device to the HomePod just by choosing it from iOS/MacOS
3. The thing has much, much better mics than the competition. That means that if you are playing music, you don't have to get nearby and scream at it like the competition's devices.
4. SQ for footprint size and 360 sound - the SQ isn't matched by anyone at that size in this market. There aren't competitors with smart speaker functionality with 360 sound, either. For my use, that allows me to feed multiple spaces in front of it, to the side of, it and to the back of it (if it had a back).

Right now, the main issue is the Airplay 2 features that were held back. When they come to market, the thing will have more benefits that separate it from the competition. For the record, I have Dots in the house. They do a few things that the HomePod doesn't do, but there is room in the market for a great sounding speaker with a small footprint and a different $50 device that mainly does other skills.

 

[Endorphine88]

Yes, we can all agree Siri poses a ton of opportunities for improvement for Apple. She does everything I need her to thought and she's snappy, responsive and way more pleasant than Alexa or Google.
I think if anyone bought a HomePod thinking they could expect Spotify integration, that's a sloppy choice on their end. Apple did not set out to just introduce 'another smart speaker'. They focused on things they deemed important - sound and integration with you existing devices. As such, the HomePod works beautifully in my house because I subscribe to the Apple world. My choice, my prerogative. I don't have any issues with that, but I'm also not trying to turn people off from buying into Amazon devices or any other alternatives. To each their own. Competition is healthy and having options is a good thing!
Stop trying to make it seem like Apple missed a goal with this device cause the goal that everyone is referring to was not as aggressive as you make it out to be. Apple can afford to not rely on something like the HomePod for sales and I think they were very much prepared for the response the speaker got. As soon as Airplay 2 comes out I'm getting two more - that's how happy I am with it.

 

[kdarling]

It does a few things the competition doesn't do:
...
3. The thing has much, much better mics than the competition. That means that if you are playing music, you don't have to get nearby and scream at it like the competition's devices.

My original Echo easily picks out the spoken voice when it's playing music, or even sitting next to a loud TV.

Even the Echo Dot has seven microphones.

Moreover, not only do they pick out voices, but the Homepod's competition actually deciphers what you said a lot better than Siri.

Of all features, voice command is the last one anyone should try to bring up in the HP's favor

 

[chatin]

My original Echo easily picks out the spoken voice when it's playing music, or even sitting next to a loud TV.

Bezos basically destroyed Siri with the Echo. Uses a cheap single-core CPU (A4 power) and years of determination to pull off major design coup. Bezos likes Battlestar Galactica. Apple needs to hire more Si-fi lovers.

 

[Uofmtiger]

My original Echo easily picks out the spoken voice when it's playing music, or even sitting next to a loud TV.

Even the Echo Dot has seven microphones.

Moreover, not only do they pick out voices, but the Homepod's competition actually deciphers what you said a lot better than Siri.

Of all features, voice command is the last one anyone should try to bring up in the HP's favor

I own both and you are flat out wrong. I have multiple Dots and they don't come close to the HomePod with deciphering what you are saying and they can't hear you as well over loud music. It isn't even close.

You obviously don't own a HomePod and I doubt you have ever used one. One other issue with the Echo is that it requires a pause after you say "Alexa" or it won't understand a command. The HomePod has no such issue.

 

[twistedpixel8]

I own both and you are flat out wrong. I have multiple Dots and they don't come close to the HomePod with deciphering what you are saying and they can't hear you as well over loud music. It isn't even close.

You obviously don't own a HomePod and I doubt you have ever used one. One other issue with the Echo is that it requires a pause after you say "Alexa" or it won't understand a command. The HomePod has no such issue.

What a load of crap. I own two Echo devices and they do not require a "pause". Additionally, they hear me from a different floor in the house even when there's music playing. Maybe try dusting the top of yours if it's problematic. Mine have no such issues.

 

[Uofmtiger]

What a load of crap. I own two Echo devices and they do not require a "pause". Additionally, they hear me from a different floor in the house even when there's music playing. Maybe try dusting the top of yours if it's problematic. Mine have no such issues.

I have 3 of them and a Spot. They do require a pause. I have two lights that have "corner" as the second part of the name. When I ask for either of them to be turned on without a pause it says "you have multiple devices with that name, can you specify the device you want" (or something to that effect). It happens every single time. HomePod does it on the first try without a pause every time. It has NOTHING to do with dust.

Get a HomePod and then you will know what I am talking about. Outside of that, you have ZERO first hand experience living with a HomePod, so any comment you make about the device is a "load of crap".

I am a fan of the Dot, which is why I have several. As Bluetooth receivers, they are the best. Their skill set is great, as well. But the mics completely suck in comparison to the HomePod.

 

[twistedpixel8]

I have 3 of them and a Spot. They do require a pause. I have two lights that have "corner" as the second part of the name. When I ask for them to be turned on without a pause it says "you have multiple devices with that name, can you specify the device you want" (or something to that effect). It happens every single time. HomePod does it on the first try without a pause every time. It has NOTHING to do with dust.

Get a HomePod and then you will know what I am talking about. Outside of that, you have ZERO first hand experience living with a HomePod, so any comment you make about the device is a "load of crap".

LMAO the reason for Alexa not doing what you ask is not because you "didn't pause", it's because she doesn't know which light you're asking about because they share a common name! I just said "Alexa (no pause) turn on my office light" and she did it without hesitation. I don't think you understand how these devices work.

Oh and I have tried HomePod and that is the reason I don't want one.

Get a HomePod and then you will know what I am talking about.

Nice try Tim Cook.

 

[Uofmtiger]

LMAO the reason for Alexa not doing what you ask is not because you "didn't pause", it's because she doesn't know which light you're asking about because they share a common name! I just said "Alexa (no pause) turn on my office light" and she did it without hesitation. I don't think you understand how these devices work.

Oh and I have tried HomePod and that is the reason I don't want one.



Nice try Tim Cook.

No, the name is not common. The first names sound nothing alike. HomePod has no issue with it. Dot does. End of story Mr Bezos.

I don't care if you own one. However, you have no authority to talk about the HomePod until you do. Otherwise you are just spitting out bull crap.

 

[kdarling]

I have 3 of them and a Spot. They do require a pause. I have two lights that have "corner" as the second part of the name. When I ask for either of them to be turned on without a pause it says "you have multiple devices with that name, can you specify the device you want" (or something to that effect).

Saying that your home control skill requires a pause, is NOT the same as your global claim that Alexa requires "a pause after you say Alexa or it won't understand a command". Because it normally doesn't.

Moreover, Echo recently added an option to have it continue to listen for more commands for a few seconds after it complies with the first one. This allows giving multiple commands in a row, without having to say the alert name first each time.

 

[Uofmtiger]

Saying that your home control skill requires a pause, is NOT the same as your global claim that Alexa requires "a pause after you say Alexa or it won't understand a command". Because it normally doesn't.

Moreover, Echo recently added an option to have it continue to listen for more commands for a few seconds after it complies with the first one. This allows giving multiple commands in a row, without having to say the alert name first each time.

Are you saying it doesn't require a pause with other skills? If it does, which I know it does, then you end up pausing all the time to make sure it grasps the command. In other words, if it requires a pause on half the stuff I use, it will always require me to pause so I don't have to sit around and wait for it to say it doesn't understand before knowing which skill it can handle without the pause. Also, I use Home control skills more than any other commands with it.

Not being able to handle turning on and off Hue Lights without a pause is a problem. Just this morning I had Alexa with an alarm going off. I said "Alexa stop". Nothing happened. I said "Alexa"...pause.."stop" and the alarm stopped. I had the HomePod set for 5 minutes earlier and I said "Hey Siri Stop" and alarm went off. The Dot was even closer to me, so it didn't hear me as well or it required a pause....hard to say which because it just didn't do anything.

I have this issue quite a bit with my Dots. My girlfriend is always telling me to pause whenever Alexa doesn't get the command (which is almost as annoying as Alexa rambling on).

The HomePod has no such issue with anything I have tried. Therefore, skills that can be handled by either device don't work as well on the Dot, which was my main point.

Also, the issue with the mics not picking up as well as the HomePod is a major difference, as well. I use these type of devices mainly for music, alarms, and controlling lights.

I use the Dots mainly for my shopping lists, Bluetooth (with Tivoli PAL radios), and the simple remote app controls, and unfortunately I am still stuck using the Home control stuff when I am in other rooms.

 

[ke-iron]

Probably all the people who bought HomePod and realized Apple Music was the only thing you can use properly with it!

I kinda wanted one but Siri sucks and Spotify is much, much better than Apple Music. The sound quality compared to its competition is not superior either.

Bottom line: Apple *was* late to the party and while that’s fine, you usually expect them to blow away the competition when they arrive. And that they certainly did not. They brought nothing new which used to be unusual for Apple but is becoming a recurring theme lately.
[doublepost=1524682770][/doublepost]

The only major thing? You’re joking, right? Have you seen *any* hands-on reviews? Have you tried the thing in an Apple Store? I watched one employee demo the device just before close in a nearly empty Apple Store with the PA music off. It was embarrassing. Siri got most of her requests wrong, the audio quality was nothing special and the only thing it really has going for it is that it looks kind of neat!

You're trying way too hard to bash the HomePod. No one is saying it's the best sounding speaker or Siri is the best virtual assistant. The HomePod sounds great for a speaker it's size and it sold well considering how late compared to other speakers and the time of year it was released. You can say what you want but that doesn't change the facts, the end.

 

[AppleScruff1]

I can virtually whisper, “Hey Siri” from the adjacent room with music full volume and she hears it.

I don’t believe it.