Why did Apple decide to put an end to their HomePod and Best Alternatives?
In the last month Apple suddenly decided to stop producing their HomePod devices. I think pretty much everybody was stunned with their decision. So let’s take a quick look at the reasons between this sudden discontinuation in Apple HomePods.
1. The competition was too good.
While Apple was developing their expensive HomePod devices, Amazon was able to dominated the market with their Amazon Echo sound devices. The Amazon Echo is a really cool gadget that is significantly cheaper than the Apple HomePods. In addition to the Amazon Echo there was Google Home / Nest audio device. When comparing every other thing than the Sound Quality, Amazon and Google devices managed to keep their distances miles ahead from their poor competitor, HomePods. Nonetheless, the chip Apple designed for the HomePods was very advanced. Despite the device’s failure Apple could’ve gone toe to toe with Echo and Google Home / Nest if they had got the other things right.
2. Siri failed
Not only the price but the Artificial Intelligence has a huge part in this HomePod business. When comparing to the Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, Apple’s Siri is very restrictive and less responsive. Even though Siri was able to provide some great functions to their users with some major software updates it was unable to surpass its challengers. Another disappointing fact is that Apple HomePod owners can’t access Spotify through voice commands. It is a must that they should pay extra dollars for an Apple Music subscription which is indeed an extra burden for the user.
3. Compatibility
Apple HomePods are only compatible with Apple devices while the Amazon Echo can be used with both iOS and Android devices. That is a very noticeable disadvantage comes with Apple products. You cannot use the HomePods to stream other services without the Air Play technology but you can access any other music streaming service without a worry with Amazon and Google devices.
4. Apple HomePod Mini
Yes, Apple HomePod Mini is a direct reason for HomePods discontinuation. HomePod Mini is really affordable when comparing to the original HomePod device. Despite being almost three times less expensive than the HomePods, HomePod Mini is able to provide at least about 80% facilities that the HomePod has. You can’t expect the original Apple HomePod sound quality from the Mini version because HomePod is very advance. It has 7 tweeters and supports spatial awareness while the Mini version doesn’t include either. But when it comes to the price, the quality of audio that comes out from the HomePod Mini is quite impressive, nowhere near the original device but still admirable.
So people began to show a really keen interest on HomePod Mini. Why spent more money when you can satisfy by spending less?
These are the four reasons that shows you why HomePod couldn’t survive the market. Don’t take this wrong and think about the HomePod as a bad device. It has its flaws (well every electric device has) but this time the impact of the remarkable cons surpassed the amazing pros. Still, Apple HomePod is a great audio device which emits truly great sounds and is a really carer of your privacy details unlike the Google or the Amazon.
If you are still interested in Apple HomePods you can try and get a one if the stocks last. I don’t think that is a very good idea to buy a discontinued device because the software updates and compatibility issues could be real headaches in the future. Also there are unofficial talks about Apple releasing a 2nd Generation HomePod, a successor to the flawed device. We can’t be 100% sure whether it is true or false but there is a little hope about Apple doing their best to avoid their previous mistakes by making a new device and to try to dominate the market once again.
If you were willing to buy a HomePod and now you don’t what should you do?
Actually that is a really simple question, go for an alternative is the best answer. I will lead you to some of the best alternatives in the market nowadays. Starting with the main competitor of the Apple HomePods, Amazon Echo.
Amazon Echo Dot
A much smaller version of the Amazon Echo called Amazon Echo Dot is quite similar to the Apple HomePod Mini. The 4th generation Echo Dot is the latest version in this Amazon audio device series. Actually this has many versions, for an example there is a version called the Kids Edition specially designed for kids to help them learn and grow while being a good music lover. And then there is another edition with a LED clock on the speaker.
Echo Dot is also available in the same three colors, Charcoal, Glacier White and Twilight Blue. You can use the Echo Dot to do anything that Echo is able to do. If you are willing to buy an Echo Dot, there will be several options for you in Amazon.
- Buy with a Smart Plug
- Buy with an Echo Auto (a hand-free car mount)
- Buy with a Wall Mount
Amazon Echo Dot is a really great option if you are looking for a smooth and small audio device that works fine with almost all the major operating systems.
Check the price of Amazon Echo Dot from here
Check the price of Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition from here
Check the price of Amazon Echo Dot Clock Edition from here
Amazon Echo Studio
Now this one right here is the big deal. Equipped with 5 powerful speakers, Amazon Echo Studio provides unique sound quality and Dolby Atmos technology takes it up even further. There are three midrange speakers, one tweeter and a woofer to provide high quality audio waves. The built in microphones is used to adjust the device to the location. It will analyse the current whereabouts of itself and will proceed to filter the soundwaves on its own. You can play UHD — 3D sounds using this but you will have to get an Amazon Music HD subscription to do so.
Though it emits magnificent sounds I have to say the name “Studio” is bit misleading. This clearly isn’t a studio grade audio device but it is a truly unique and powerful device when comparing to the Apple HomePods.
Libratone Zipp 2 Portable Smart Speaker
Libratone Zipp 2 is a third party device that comes with built-in Amazon Alexa support. It has a small wrist wrap so obviously it is portable. One full charge can power up this Smart Speaker for 12hrs. This device is currently available in Black, Red, Grey and Green. You can use Alexa as always and you can connect to any Air Play, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi compatible device and can even play Audible and Kindle books. If there is some item that doesn’t come with a wireless tech you can simply use a 3.5mm cable to connect this speaker with it. You can pair up to 10 Zipp 2 devices, and that can be considered as a great advantage for some users.
Bose Home Speaker 500
Another high quality audio device with built-in Amazon Alexa support. This only comes in Black and White colours. Bluetooth, Air Play 2, Wi-Fi and 3.55mm jack can be used to connect this device to an audio source. You can use the Bose Music app for further control of this device. Unfortunately, this doesn’t work with Audible books. There is a small display in front of the speaker which shows the Album Art of the currently playing audio track. Bose Home Speaker 500 has a really impressive audio quality that is just enough to compete with a HomePod.
Sony XB402M Smart Speaker
Finally, the ultimate brand name among the best audio devices in the market. This Sony Smart Speaker is also equipped with Amazon Alexa support. The sound quality is just superior, and with the Live Sound Mode you can enjoy very high quality 3D music anytime you want. There is a three way RGB LED stripe that flashes according to the beat. In addition to all these, this Sony Smart Speaker is water resistant (IP67), dustproof and shockproof. It means that this is one tough guy among all the others. Once fully charged, the battery can be used up for about 12hrs approx. Overall this is a really good device to use.
These are some of the best and most praised items on Amazon. The final three items are (which isn’t Amazon products) are really great but keep in mind that they are nowhere near the original Apple HomePods, Amazon Echo or Google Nest. I highly recommend you to always choose an Amazon product over the third party devices because they are better optimized and compatible with your operating systems and streaming services.
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