Apple’s HomePod Makes A Terrible Impression On Reviewers, Not That Smart

Amazon has arguably cornered the market of smart speakers with its Echo devices and Google is trying to catch up with its own Home speaker. Not wanting to be left behind, Apple tried to do the same thing with its HomePod. Despite its excellent sound quality, however, the Cupertino firm’s own offering has failed to provide reviewers with any reason to be impressed with it.

As Ars Technica notes, the HomePod offers very little despite its exorbitant price of $350. It basically costs three times what the Echo and Home speakers ask for, and a lot of this has to do with the quality of its sound.

Practically every reviewer that has gotten their hands on the device agrees that the sound quality of the HomePod is leaps beyond what Amazon’s or Google’s devices have to offer. Its sleek design also gives it that Apple appeal that users have gotten used from the company, making it just as good to look at as it is to listen to.

It also offers a very simple setup protocol, which is pretty much what Apple products are known for. Fans of the iPhone maker won’t be surprised to find out just how easy it is to get this speaker and start listening to it.

Unfortunately, the speaker only has Siri as its core smart assistant and it certainly comes with limitations. When compared to Alexa and Google Assistant, the difference in smart capabilities is staggering, which is beginning to put a strain on Apple’s reputation as a cutting-edge company providing services that are at the forefront of innovation.

For such a pricey device being billed as a smart speaker, it really isn’t that smart. On the other hand, for tasks that Siri can do, it does them quite well.

There’s also the matter of the speaker leaving white stains on wooden furniture in the shape of a ring, as The Verge reports. This speaker should never be placed on top of antique oak tables.