There are some major weaknesses in the human interface to iPadOS. In a very readable essay, Daring Fireball’s John Gruber explains in awesome detail.
Update PSAs, Restaurant Payment Systems – TMO Daily Observations 2019-10-29
Andrew Orr and John Martellaro join host Kelly Guimont to discuss system updates to iPhones and HomePods, and the evolution of payment tech.
Should You Warn Your Guests About Smart Devices?
David Murphy asks if people are morally obligated to inform their guests that their home contains smart devices like HomePod, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home. Given the fact that these devices can listen to you, should you post a sign in your house that says, “Warning: This Area Under Surveillance?”
If you’re simply sporting a smart speaker, I think announcing its presence is less of a deal—overkill, really. But if a camera is recording me at any point, and that’s something you can view later, I think it’s the friendly thing to do to let me know before I start gossiping…or worse.
What do you mean by worse??
Should Apple Buy Sonos?
Writing for TechCrunch, Darrell Etherington argues that Apple should acquire Sonos, a company known for its speakers.
From an outsider perspective, it’s hard to find two companies who seem more philosophically aligned than Sonos and Apple when it comes to product design and business model. Both are clearly focused on delivering premium hardware (at a price point that’s generally at the higher end of the mass market) and both use services to augment and complement the appeal of their hardware…
I’m not much of an Apple pundit but I’m not seeing the need for Apple to buy Sonos. I think it would’ve made more sense for this acquisition in the past, but Apple already has the HomePod. Aside from the price and platform-specific complaints, I don’t think I’ve heard anything bad about the sound quality.
This Fall, HomePod Will Have Ambient Sounds, Multi-User Mode
Apple didn’t mention the HomePod on stage yesterday, but Benjamin Mayo reports that a product refresh will appear later this fall.
A new forthcoming feature is called Ambient Sounds. This will allow users to easily play white noise sounds on their HomePods, including ocean waves, birdsong, rainstorms, and more. Right now, users are forced to AirPlay from another iOS device to easily play relaxing background audio on HomePod. Ambient Sounds will make this a first-party feature, fully integrated with Siri.
If Apple ever comes out with a cheaper HomePod, I’d probably buy one just for the ambient sounds.
Apple September Event Speculation – TMO Daily Observations 2019-08-26
Bryan Chaffin and John Martellaro join host Kelly Guimont to talk about the September Apple Event and what they hope to see besides iPhones.
With Some iPhone Luster Gone, Apple is Pouring it on With Other Products
How will Apple make up for slightly declining iPhone sales and a 2019 iPhone that lacks 5G? Simple. Pour on the coals with other products. About time.
Japanese HomePod Launching This Summer
A Japanese HomePod will launch this summer for ¥32,800 (US$302.48). We don’t have a launch date but the order page is live.
100,000 Live Radio Stations Coming to iPhone, HomePod
Apple announced at WWDC19 that over 100,000 live radio stations would be coming as part of iOS 13. Some people report it working already.
HomePod 2, HomePod mini — Rumors, Prices
David Price at Macworld UK writes:
We round up all the clues and rumours related to the HomePod 2: its release date, price & tech specs. Find out if Apple could be launching a cheaper HomePod mini.
Author Price notes:
… Barclays analyst Blayne Curtis believes Apple will launch a “cheaper HomePod in 2019,” and that it will have “broader appeal.” He thinks that HomePod sales have been “underwhelming” with less than 5 million sold so far.
Give me a HomePod mini for $159 – $179 to play with, and I’m in. Along with many others.
Apple Cuts HomePod Price by $50, Now $299
Apple is cutting the price of the HomePod a bit. It used to be US$349 but now it costs US$299.
Apple today cut the price of HomePod on its online store by $50, with the smart speaker now listed for $299, down from $349. The price drop follows recent promotional discounts at several third-party retailers across the U.S.
A Great Explanation of Apple's HomePod Semi-failure
It’s not hard to figure out that Apple’s HomePod hasn’t been as successful as the Amazon Echo. But figuring out the exact cause is harder. It’s not the price.
Apple HomePod: $296.10
We have a deal on an Apple HomePod. This is Apple’s Siri-based speaker with a built-in subwoofer, 7 tweeters, and microphones to hear your commands for Siri. It retails for $349, and our deal is for $329. But, our friends at Stack Commerce gave us coupon code “HOMEPOD10” that will save 10%, for a checkout price of $296.10. Our link points to the Space Gray mode, but you can also choose the White version in the deal listing. Get it while you can.
HomePod Coming to China and Hong Kong January 18
Apple’s HomePod is finally going to make it to Hong Kong and mainland China, nearly a year after it was originally released.
New Priorities led to Amazon and Apple's new Partnerships, but the Peace won't Last Forever
Apple and Amazon have taken a more collaborative approach recently, does not amount to a full-blown, long-term partnership.
HomePod Getting Smarter but Still Trails Google Home
Apple’s HomePod is getting smarter, according to a new report by analysts at Loup Ventures, but it still trails Google Home.
Apple Offers HomePod Discount Code to UK Apple Music Subscribers
UK Apple Music subscribers received a code offering them £50 off a new HomePod device, worth £269, until 16 December.
Get a HomePod From Target For $100 Off
You can get a HomePod from Target for US$249.99, which is US$100 off the regular price. This is one of the biggest price drops we’ve seen.
Here's How Siri Works on the HomePod
Although the journal entry is highly technical in nature, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the technology underpinning the HomePod.
Get a HomePod for £279 in the UK this Cyber Monday
LONDON – Currys PC World is selling the white Apple HomePod for £279 ($358) for Cyber Monday. The HomePod is normally £319 ($410). It also has the HomePod available in black for £299. Furthermore, the company is offering 9 months of the Deezer Premium music streaming service for free as part of the deal. This deal is available online only, although the item can be picked up in a shop shortly after purchase. In a shop, the HomePod currently costs £299 ($384).
