A decision that has caught us all by surprise: Apple has announced that it is ending the development of a new version of the original HomePod, the smart speaker with which it has tried to strengthen the presence of the Siri assistant in our homes.
Just like the iMac Pro, whose information we disclose Barely a week ago and for which Apple said goodbye to the manufacture of new equipment, the HomePod speaker will be available only “while supplies last.”
Apple announced the HomePod at the June 2017 WWDC. Dubbed “an innovative speaker” with “custom Apple-designed audio technology,” HomePod billed itself as a high-end audiophile product.
However, with a starting price of €349, a delayed launch that missed the holiday shopping season, and left some marks by propping it up on some surfaces, the HomePod didn’t fare as well as Apple had hoped.
After three years, Apple has never updated the original HomePod, opting instead to launch a new HomePod mini last year at a much more aggressive price of just €99.
While the small speaker lacks the bass and deep sound of the HomePod, its design and overall sound make it a fantastic bargain even when compared to cheaper speakers like the HomePod. google nest mini Y Echo Dot.
Take a look at our comparison of The best smart speakers you can buy.
In our published review With a 4.5-star rating, we found the “mini” largely matches the full-size HomePod for mids and highs, and while its bass output is noticeably finer, it’s still very creditable for the size of the speaker. “.
And since you can buy two for less than the price of a regular HomePod, it’s much easier to recommend if you’re thinking of spreading multiple units around the same large room or living room.
In a statement to TechCrunch, Apple confirmed that the HomePod will continue to receive support and software of updates even after their stock trading comes to an end.
For its part, the HomePod mini has been a hit since its debut last fall, offering customers incredible sound, a smart assistant and home control, all for just one low price of just €99.
From Apple they affirm that they are focusing their efforts on the HomePod mini. They are discontinuing the original HomePod, which will continue to be available while supplies last through the Apple Online Store, Apple Retail Stores and authorized retailers.
Last December, Google also discontinued its own high-fidelity smart speaker, the Google Home Max, which has taken a backseat with the arrival of the Nest Audio. Amazon still sells its high-end Alexa speaker, the Echo Studio. Query best amazon echoes.
So, it is not surprising that you will soon begin to see offers on this great Apple speaker. You can check our special the best deals on HomePod.
