Remember the HomePod? There was potential for Apple’s smart speaker to be something big, but it never became the must-have gadget. Now, the rumors are getting louder: Apple’s working on a “Home Hub,” a device that will change the dynamics in the smart home industry and finally offer Apple a seat at the table.
Existing HomePods
I had resisted the HomePod for several ages; the price stood as a monstrous gatekeeper, being just one of that universe in contrast to the welcome affordability of the Echo. But the Apple siren song finally took pique at me. At long last, I gave in, eager to let loose the magical smart-speaker fill of my home.
I grabbed an Amazon Dot and a Show during a lightning sale-a nice buy compared to that powerhouse called HomePod. And, to be honest, if you put them in terms of smarts, Siri on the HomePod gets schooled by the Alexa. Alexa justdoesmore. But that is the Siri versus Alexa cage fight. The major knockout punch? The audio quality of the HomePod. It is a different league.
The introduction of the HomePod Mini as a smaller, cheap alternative to the HomePod never created the revolution at my smart home that the Echo did. While the HomePod Mini exists, Alexa is still my favorite. The Echo has so many features and there is such a smooth integration with the smart home that left the Apple offering in the dust. Now the HomePod sits in the garage, blasting music into blissful oblivion for my husband-well-acceptable to me, though hardly laying the groundwork for smart home domination that Apple had in mind.
The smart speaker party has never witnessed Apple’s presence. Echos ruins the view. There is not a single HomePod to be seen anywhere. For that matter, it is an odd kind of space for a company so allergic to playing second fiddle.
Rumored Apple Home Hub
Forget the Echo Show complacencies. A supposed Home Hub of Apple wouldn’t be merely a smart speaker with a dumb screen. Imagine an iPad melded gracefully with a HomePod design reminiscent of the good old iMac days the ones that gave Wall-E robot comparison vibes. This is not just a piece of gadgetry; it’s a retro-futuristic art piece fighting for some countertop real estate.
Image source: Unsplash
Now, the recent rumors are not just about having a bigger screen. Picture the sonic brilliance of the HomePod, the versatility of the iPad, and the cinematic prowess of the Apple TV, all rolled into one. Whereas I always felt complete with my already existing Apple ecosystem, now everything seems… incomplete. Consider me very much intrigued.
Whispers are afloat about a bold move into Echo territory, where it could potentially be integrated into smart displays and cameras. If the rumor were true, the rumored “Home Hub” name would make so much sense; think of it as a central command for your smart home, similar to an Echo, but with a possible twist. If the sources are correct, Siri might also be getting an IQ upgrade to level the playing field.
What to Do With Your Old Apple HomePod?
WWDC 2021 may reveal a newly minted Apple Home Hub. HomePod owners, stay alert: an upgrading frenzy is about to hit. The question occurs: what of your faithful, old smart speaker?
Whether or not Siri has won your heart, the HomePod’s stereo system is no joke. It is a superb audio site in any area-one could call it the kitchen dance floor or as the sort of serenading soundtrack for a reading nook-wherever music extends its magic. It also frees us from dispatching the Home Hub as an impediment, so we can relocate that thing to where its smart features shine brightly and hence do their work well. Did someone say the King will be a great big presenter for your Mac? Movie nights and jam sessions just got a rush.
Image source: Unsplash
Doubling the audio zenith entails investing in a second-hand HomePod and laying the groundwork for some awesome stereo soundstage. Apple practically begs you to do it! Just place two HomePods near each other, ensure they’re on the same Wi-Fi network and within the same Home app, and prepare to be prompted to create a stereo pair. Instant audio upgrade, ridiculously simple.
Don’t throw away this battered speaker. Rejuvenate it into a M-1880-style analog sound amplifier. If you’re handy, consider this your next project. If you’re not the handy type, then get help from a tech-savvy friend, and have fun giving your music a classic taste!
This is a great opportunity to dust off that vintage HomePod and picture someone craving, now or in the coming years, that classic Apple sound made simple. You sure could be their hero! Just make sure you give it a wash-and-wax, using just a soft cloth. Don’t forget to wipe clean and reset it for digital footprints; you wouldn’t want your Apple ID tagging along with the new owner.
The HomePod acting up? Let’s take care of it! So pull out your iPhone/iPad and open the Home app. Locate your cranky HomePod and open its settings. Then tap on the button named “Reset HomePod.” Next, refuse it entry as an accessory: “Remove Accessory ->Remove.” It still there? Go to your iPhone/iPad Settings, tap your name, and scroll down. Then if the HomePod is still stubbornly clinging on, hit the big ol’ “Remove from Account.” Problem no more!
Thinking about giving away your HomePod? Hold on! Mark the date June 9 in your calendar. If Apple really makes the Home Hub announcement, the news could skyrocket the value of the device on that day. If the news turns the other way, it might also be the door closing on your decision. Regardless, it would be wiser to wait.
When it comes to the core issues, Alexa falters: really thinking. In a world that wants more than just voice commands, that is the glaring weakness. When you are going to banish your HomePod for an Echo, remember that perhaps you are trading cleverness for convenience.
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