Any regular bluetooth speaker always needs a phone or computer. Its usually connected to just one device and switching isn't always as seamless. A wifi speaker, like the Homepod, can operate on its own (except on first installation) and switching to other devices/users works faster.I heard these speakers cannot behave like normal bluetooth speakers. I ended up going with the Nest Audio. Way more bang for the buck.
The only plus that a bluetooth speaker has... it doesn't necessarily need internet. Some even have SD card slots. But with +1000 songs playlists become kind of mandatory. I have both cheap and expensive bluetooth speakers, like JBL's... but the Homepod mini works better for us at home. On the move however... a bluetooth bluetooth is a bit easier.
I wouldn't say useless, rather a bit limited at this moment. Even competitors hardly do much better when it comes to voice response. No doubt that Apple is on it, but sure takes time. Until then I'm waiting for that "One more thing..." moment to show off a new Siri that is truly multi-lingual and is more context aware.I feel like the development of Siri has stagnated years ago. Therefore rendering this product basically useless. With all that power Siri is not smart and very slow.