HomePod Features 272 x 340 Display and 1GB RAM

[MacRumors]

Though Apple's HomePod speaker won't launch until December, Apple on Friday released firmware for the device, allowing developers to glean information both about the speaker itself and the upcoming iPhone 8 by digging into the code.

According to the latest revelation, shared on Twitter by Avery Magnotti, the screen of the HomePod that's used to display a visible multicolor LED waveform when interacting with Siri measures in at 272 x 340.

The display blends in seamlessly with the top of the device and is primarily dedicated to making it clear when Siri is listening to a command, but it also includes virtual buttons for activating Siri and controlling speaker volume. Based on previous leaks, the screen could also display other shapes or symbols, but its full functionality isn't yet known.

Along with the dimensions of the display, the information leaked today suggests the HomePod is equipped with 1GB RAM, equivalent to the amount of RAM in older iOS devices. HomePod also includes an A8 chip, and combined with the RAM, it's more powerful than competing smart speakers, enabling features like spatial awareness, Siri interactivity, and impressive sound.

As we learned over the weekend, HomePod will run a full version of iOS and can be equated to an iPhone without a screen. It will use a shell app called "SoundBoard" to integrate with the hardware built into the device, and it will include Accessibility features like VoiceOver.

HomePod is priced at $349 and will be available for purchase in December.

Article Link: HomePod Features 272 x 340 Display and 1GB RAM

 

[44267547]

I honestly can't wait to purchase the HomePod and I think it's going to set the bar. I think this is going to be one the biggest releases for 2017 next to the iPhone.

 

[826317]

Considering that they have already shown us the product where the hell does this display come into play?

 

[fokmik]

1gb Ram for a speaker??? im in...this is a sure future proof...i think the homePOD 2 will come like 12.9" ipad pro, after 2 years since the first hardware is strong enough

 

[Non-Polar]

Interesting specs. I think these are good enough specs. But since we have no idea what it can truly do, I guess it's more of a wait and see. For context, Alexa has 256MB of RAM, and Google Home has 512MB.

 

[zahuh]

I’ll wait for the thinner HomePod 2 with 4gb of ram and a retina display lol

 

[PsykX]

It's starting to look more and more interesting... if the sound quality lives up to the expectation, the added screen and internal specs can make it a game changer.
Now, if only Siri set the bar higher...

 

[Andres Cantu]

A8 is the new A5, I guess

 

[willcapellaro]

Considering that they have already shown us the product where the hell does this display come into play?

I'd imagine something like a developer kit console.

 

[Mascots]

Wasn't so excited for a "Smart Speaker".

But am very excited for a high quality one for audio.

 

[r03dz]

Siri support only for Apple Music is still suicidal for a speaker.

 

[LordQ]

Looking forward to a HomePod if it does not require Apple Music.

 

[fokmik]

Siri is becoming an universal assistant for your ecosystem starting with ios11+macOS high sierra, and siri becomes must faster in response , these things alone could create a beautiful experience for the user

 

[OldSchoolMacGuy]

Considering that they have already shown us the product where the hell does this display come into play?

The "display" is the LED on top. It's made up of a number of LEDs, rather than being one or two big ones.

 

[FightTheFuture]

Listened to my iPod Hi-Fi + AirPort Express a lot over the weekend and it's still an acoustic marvel to me. HomePod better be enticing for me to give up my current setup.

 

[zosobao5150]

Will the homepod play FLAC and other hi rez audio? Otherwise...no purchase from me.

 

[BlueCreek]

Considering that they have already shown us the product where the hell does this display come into play?

the screen of the HomePod that's used to display a visible multicolor LED waveform when interacting with Siri measures in at 272 x 340.

Read the article?

 

[mariusignorello]

SoundBoard instead of SpringBoard? Makes sense.

 

[TroyBoy30]

you lost me at siri

 

[RadioGaGa1984]

You had me at Siri

 

[576316]

Looking forward to a HomePod if it does not require Apple Music.

I’m almost certain they’ll announce compatibility with other services at the iPhone event. We didn’t get the full story I’m sure.
[doublepost=1501524226][/doublepost]Wow. We’ve gotten a lot from this firmeware leak. Bit of a slip up for Apple? Can’t wait to replace my Echo with one of these bad boys.

 

[Westside guy]

I’m almost certain they’ll announce compatibility with other services at the iPhone event. We didn’t get the full story I’m sure.

It'll be annoying, though, if they choose to do that for this speaker but then artificially restrict that same access on iPhones and iPads.

 

[TreyCox]

My money is ready, Apple. My money is ready.

 

[576316]

It'll be annoying, though, if they choose to do that for this speaker but then artificially restrict that same access on iPhones and iPads.

What are you referring to? You’re not limited to Apple Music on iOS. You can use any music service you like, or radio service for that matter. I expect Apple to announce HomePod compatiblity for 3rd party music services (though I think Spotify might be asking too much) but also support for radio services too. Cause lots of people will want to use these are radio players, a service like TuneIn would need to be supported.

 

[dannys1]

1GB or ram? Pah. It's not professional unless it's got 32gb of ram.