Apple introduces a rival to the Amazon Echo and the Google Home; it is the HomePod

Apple has just unveiled its answer to the Amazon Echo and Google Home. It is called the HomePod. The Siri-powered device was revealed at the keynote address at the ongoing 2017 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference.

According to CEO Tim Cook, it will reinvent the way we listen to music in the home. He adds that “it is a breakthrough home speaker with amazing sound and incredible intelligence.” Users interact with the HomePod via voice commands.

HomePod has a unique array of seven beamforming tweeters that precisely focus the sound, from very narrow beams all the way to true, consistent 360º audio. 

Place the HomePod anywhere in the room and it automatically analyzes the acoustics, adjusts the sound based on the speaker’s location, and steers the music in the optimal direction. Whether HomePod is against the wall, on a shelf, or in the middle of the room, everyone gets an immersive listening experience.

Want to change the music? Just ask Siri on HomePod. It’s the most intuitive way to find and play a song. Innovative signal processing allows Siri to hear your requests from afar, even with the music playing at full blast. At the same time, multiple layers of security — including anonymous ID and encryption — protect your privacy.

With Siri intelligence and access to virtually all the world’s recordings, it’s like having a musicologist who helps you discover every song you’d ever want to hear.

HomePod isn’t just great at playing only music. It also helps with everyday household questions and tasks. And it’s a hub for controlling your smart home accessories — from a single light bulb to the whole house — with the power of your voice.

The HomePod measures 6.8 inches high (172 mm) and 5.6 inches wide (142 mm). It weighs 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg)

HomePod will be in the market later this year at a recommended retail price of $349. It is available in white or space gray. It will start shipping in December in the US and rest of the world next year.

During the Keynote speech, Apple also announced significant software upgrades for the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch and debuted new iPad and iMac computer models.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hw9skL-IXc