The Homepod has Arrived sort of

Forums › Apple iOS and devices › The Homepod has Arrived sort of

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Dial111

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#1959545 17-Feb-2018 11:44

Pretty underwhelming to be honest, only good thing tech reviewers have mentioned is the sound quality which if I wanted a audio Bluetooth speaker I wouldn't buy a smart speaker for music, I want a smart speaker for the smart features but this is more of a Bluetooth speaker that can answer a few random questions.

Anyway a fresh review is up from MKBHD

https://m.youtube.com/watch?t=54s&v=mpjREfvZiDs

Benjip

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#1960818 20-Feb-2018 11:02

lxsw20:

We have a homepod at work, i'd have to say I was really underwhelmed with the sound quality. Not to say it sounds bad, but the way it has been hyped, it did not live up to what I was expecting. No better than equivalents.

Does Siri play nicely on the HomePod in NZ?

As in, can you ask her to play music etc., or is it like the Apple TV where Siri is disabled in NZ?

jarledb

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#1966213 1-Mar-2018 05:02

Benjip:

Does Siri play nicely on the HomePod in NZ?

As in, can you ask her to play music etc., or is it like the Apple TV where Siri is disabled in NZ?

No problem with Siri on the HomePod in NZ. She knows where she is and responds to "whats the weather like" etc. with local weather.

Have had mine for a little over a day now. For the size the sound is really good.

I like being able to ask for different moods/types of music and having most anything available via Apple Music. Its also possible to get almost any Podcasts by talking to Siri.

Been a Spotify user up until now, but since HomePod doesn't have native integration with Spotify I am trying Apple Music again.

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Benjip

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#1966235 1-Mar-2018 07:31

jarledb:
No problem with Siri on the HomePod in NZ. She knows where she is and responds to "whats the weather like" etc. with local weather.

Have had mine for a little over a day now. For the size the sound is really good.

I like being able to ask for different moods/types of music and having most anything available via Apple Music. Its also possible to get almost any Podcasts by talking to Siri.

Been a Spotify user up until now, but since HomePod doesn't have native integration with Spotify I am trying Apple Music again.

Awesome, great to know!

I use 100% Apple Music so it’s a perfect speaker for my needs. Just need to work out how to import one since I’m not headed to Aus anytime soon and would prefer the Aussie version!

alasta

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#1966286 1-Mar-2018 08:40

Given that the software currently only supports mono playback I don't know why anyone would buy one to listen to music.

When they allow two Homepods to be set up with stereo pairing then it might be a better value proposition.

Benjip

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#1966320 1-Mar-2018 09:28

alasta:

Given that the software currently only supports mono playback I don't know why anyone would buy one to listen to music.

When they allow two Homepods to be set up with stereo pairing then it might be a better value proposition.

You're essentially writing off all current smart speakers. I'm personally yet to see anyone "in real life" having two Sonos/Echo/Google Home speakers set up in stereo in their homes.

These devices are never going to replace a home theatre system, it's not their purpose.

We have a Sonos in the office and it fills the room easily. From what I've read, the HomePod takes that one step further.

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Pumpedd

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#1966385 1-Mar-2018 10:21

According to all reviews it has the best sound of all the smart speakers. Siri is still a bit clumsy.

alasta

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#1966591 1-Mar-2018 16:19

Benjip:

alasta:

Given that the software currently only supports mono playback I don't know why anyone would buy one to listen to music.

When they allow two Homepods to be set up with stereo pairing then it might be a better value proposition.

You're essentially writing off all current smart speakers. I'm personally yet to see anyone "in real life" having two Sonos/Echo/Google Home speakers set up in stereo in their homes.

These devices are never going to replace a home theatre system, it's not their purpose.

I think this confirms that this is not a product that would be useful to me.

RogerMellie

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#1967101 2-Mar-2018 14:46

Clearly you've not been reading closely enough as the HomePod is not a Bluetooth speaker!

It uses AirPlay which is uncompressed.

Dial111: Pretty underwhelming to be honest, only good thing tech reviewers have mentioned is the sound quality which if I wanted a audio Bluetooth speaker I wouldn't buy a smart speaker for music, I want a smart speaker for the smart features but this is more of a Bluetooth speaker that can answer a few random questions.

Anyway a fresh review is up from MKBHD

https://m.youtube.com/watch?t=54s&v=mpjREfvZiDs

Insanekiwi

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#1982045 23-Mar-2018 12:53

So... after doing hours of research.... I settled on HomePod - purchased via Dicksmith.co.nz

Option 1 was to bring in Sonos One via Amazon.com (YouShop) - but can't order $349 (two pack) due to GST limit. Best bang for buck was to order one each at $199 each. So that would be $398US + shipping from YouShop. Let's say $30 each at $60NZ.

Option 2 was HomePod (DSE sells for around 619)

I actually had an existing Apple Music subscription for more than a year; so I thought I will give it ago. I was waiting official NZ release, but it seems France and Germany being next; NZ might be later half of the year.

I haven't tested it to full volume yet, and mainly sitting at 50-60%; it sounds very balanced and pleasing. Even at low volumes there is enough range (Sonos One; on review said will need reasonable volume to make it sound 'full'). My 2 year old son keeps on repeating 'Hey Siri' and it picks up perfectly fine. Still can't say 'play on wheels on the bus' though... :)

Overall verdict is that I am happy with it / ease of use / it works with my Wemo HomeKit. My main reason for purchase is music. I am really hoping that Apple / Bose will support Airplay 2 on their older products (Sound Touch) - as that will let me have multiroom play... without buying another HomePod.

My wife is also quite happy with it as it looks nice and plays nice, and easy to use.

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