As with most things Apple, it’s tough to tell; at least right now. Few details were released at the 2017 Worldwide Developers Conference announcement beyond a flashy video that showcased tech specs and basic functionality. While more will certainly become known before the HomePod hits the Apple store in December, we did learn one thing: Apple is pitching HomePod hard as a luxury high-def speaker. Which makes sense, considering the company’s history as music pioneer, but is not horribly exciting. The $350 price tag does hammer that point home; it’s more expensive than any Bluetooth speaker or smart hub competitor on the market. HomePod is the company’s first new hardware release since the Apple Watch debuted in April 2015. It’s billed as a “powerful,” seven-inch-tall (5.5-pound) speaker with a four-inch woofer and seven tweeters for “consistent 360-degree audio.” Where it claims to stand apart is with its “spatial awareness” technology, which allows HomePod to read the room and adjust the sound (and presumably its jokes) accordingly. Not only that, but an advanced algorithm will also “continuously analyze the music and dynamically tune the low frequencies for smooth, distortion‑free sound.” Al Jarreau will never sound so smooth. The only catch, it (not surprisingly) only supports Apple Music. So while users will have access to 40 million songs, nobody’s queuing up their favorite Spotify playlist at your totally original ugly sweater holiday party. As a smart hub, you use HomePod much as you would Siri on your phone ⏤ just fire those questions at it. There are six integrated microphones to ensure she can hear you clearly from anywhere in the room. In addition to addressing all of your weather, news, life questions ⏤ you’ll know she’s listening because the LED waveform on the top lights up when you speak ⏤ HomePod can also control all your smart home/HomeKit lights, window shades, and oven knobs, etc. The name does make sense. Buy Now $350
