Apple has turned out the C-Suite to promote HomePod, including senior vice president of marketing Phil Schiller. In an interview with audio magazine Sound and Vision, Mr. Schiller talked up three aspects of Apple’s smart speaker: music, Siri, and HomeKit. There’s little I would call new in the interview, and when I went looking for a standout quote, it all felt like informative marketing speak. But, it’s interesting to see Mr. Schiller pushing HomeKit integration, which has largely been downplayed in Apple’s marketing message so far. One way or another, however, it’s a good read that gives a nice overview of what Apple wants us to think about HomePod.
HomePod
Apple's HomePod Tech Specs - TMO Daily Observations 2018-01-31
Kelly Guimont and John Martellaro join Jeff Gamet to run through the HomePod’s tech specs and see how they compare to Amazon Echo and Google Home.
Tech Spec Showdown: Apple HomePod vs Amazon Echo vs Google Home
Apple HomePod, Amazon Echo, and Google Home can all stream music, but how do they stack up against each other?
iPhone Home App Manages HomePod Software Updates
HomePod software updates will be managed in the Home app on your iPhone, much like the Watch app manages Apple Watch updates.
HomePod and Streaming Music Services, Mac App Store 64-bit App Deadline - TMO Daily Observations 2018-01-29
Dave Hamilton and John Martellaro join Jeff Gamet to look at HomePod’s streaming music service options, plus they explain what Apple’s looming 64-bit app deadline means.
Apple Rolls Out 4 New HomePod Ads
Now that you can pre-order a HomePod smart speaker Apple has four new ads hyping its music playback.
These are the Music Services Siri Supports on HomePod
Here’s the list of which streaming music services Siri voice control supports on Apple’s HomePod smart speaker.
A Cerebral Sunday Morning: HomePod, macOS Server, Novice NAS, and Your Questions Answered – Mac Geek Gab Podcast 694
John and Dave return to answer your questions and share your tips… and theirs! Addressing The Novice NAS Conundrum, the question often comes up: does it make sense for NAS manufacturers to target the novice market? But that’s not all, your geeks get heady talking about HomePod and macOS Server, too. Plus we’ve got questions (and answers) about java, USB drives, and much more. Download… and enjoy!
HomePod Delivery Date Holds Steady at February 9th
This adds credence to the idea that software was what held up the launch of the HomePod, which was originally supposed to ship in December.
Apple In Store Pickup Available for HomePod Pre-orders
You can pre-order an Apple HomePod smart speaker today for delivery on February 9th, and you can choose in-store pickup, too.
HomePod Pre-orders and Siri's Music Controls - TMO Daily Observations 2018-01-26
John Martellaro and Dave Hamilton join Jeff Gamet to discuss HomePod pre-orders, Apple’s product marketing, and Siri’s music voice control.
Apple HomePod also Available at Best Buy
Looking for a HomePod but don’t have an Apple Store nearby? Best Buy is selling Apple’s smart speaker, too.
Apple Begins Accepting Pre-orders for HomePod
Apple started pre-orders for its HomePod smart speaker Friday morning with deliveries set for February 9th.
Here are HomePod's Voice Control Limitations
Apple’s HomePod is a streaming music smart speaker first and a Siri voice assistant second, which means there are some limitations you should be ready for. Read on to see what Siri can, and can’t, do on HomePod.
Tim Cook: You'll Want HomePod for the Audio Quality
Amazon Echo and Google Home have squeaky sounding speakers, so that’s why you should buy a HomePod, according to Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Buying a HomePod? Here are the Compatible iPhone and iPad Models
Apple’s HomePod isn’t a completely stand alone smart speaker, so you need to have a compatible iPhone or iPad. Here are the compatible models, along with the required version of iOS.
Apple Updates iTunes for HomePod
Support for HomePod in iTunes 12.7.3 includes menu options designed specifically to control the device.
HomePod Language Settings to be English-Only at Launch
The HomePod will be available to order this Friday, January 26.
Apple Adds Support for HomePod to iOS 11.2.5, Fixes 13 Security Holes
The release, “includes support for HomePod and introduces the ability for Siri to read the news (US, UK and Australia only).”
Apple Ready to Ship HomePod - TMO Daily Observations 2018-01-23
Bryan Chaffin and John Martellaro join Jeff Gamet to talk about Apple announcing the HomePod ship date, its delayed features, and how they think consumers will respond.
Here are the HomePod Touch Gestures You Need to Know
Apple’s HomePod will be in stores on February 9th, and along with Siri voice control you can use gestures to control your brand new smart speaker. Read on to learn how.
HomePod Ships February 9th with Pre-Orders Friday, Stereo and Multi-Room Audio Later this Year
Apple is finally ready to deliver the HomePod with preorders for the smart speaker starting this Friday, January 26th, and deliveries starting on February 9th.
iOS Beta Shows HomePod Mics can be Disabled
iOS 11.2.5 Developer Beta includes settings for disabling Siri in the streaming home speaker so its built-in microphones won’t eavesdrop on what you say.
Deep Dive on Apple's Tax Announcement, Jeff and Bryan Hypocrisy, and Apple Security - ACM 445
Apple made some major announcements about taxes, investments, and the company’s five year plan for contributions to the U.S. economy, and Bryan and Jeff take a deep dive into what it all means. They also examine their own potential for hypocrisy in criticizing Apple’s smarthome strategy. The cap the show with a listener comment about the Mac App Store security bug.