I don't think another device is the best way to authenticate on a voice-controlled speaker.
Maybe something like that could be done from an iPhone or Apple Watch, but have a separate device like you describe is pointless IMO.
Have you used the Siri button on the Apple TV?
It’s significantly lighter and therefore more comfortable to operate for longer periods of time than an iPhone and importantly doesn’t have its own screen—i.e. you’re not meant to look at it while using it. While Apple Watch would require using two hands.
(Side note: controlling the Apple TV via the remote’s Siri button also more or less eliminates the problem of picking it up upside down or accidentally resting your thumb on the touch pad.)
But the HomePod remote would also have the advantage of not needing to even take it out of your pocket to operate (because you’re talking to HomePod not the remote).
I’m also not sure how secure the profiles on Alexa or Google Assistant actually are—or can be, but perhaps “Voice ID” will be (or they will introduce some new biometric).
But even assuming it is sufficiently secure vis-à-vis Touch ID, then all that means is it wouldn’t need to include Touch ID, you would still benefit from not having to say “Hey Siri,”
and it would be less expensive (presumably).
But perhaps they will also be able to tell when you are talking to Siri or not in the foreseeable future, therefore allowing you to omit the phrase.
But this would just be an
optional accessory
in the meantime, therefore could be a nice addition to the product.
(There is also something I like about the idea of a single button design that isn’t also a mouse or attached to a phone.
Could be a nice homage to the departed Home button and Macintosh 128k.)