Tell all that to Brian Tong at CNET. Man that dude is an Apple hater disguised as a self proclaimed fan. His shtick is saying he loved the Apple of the past and everything today is dog shit, while praising and loving all things google and Alexa and amazon. Hahah he’s entertaining but not very well versed in tech. Not like the guys on the Apple Insider podcast, for example.
I’ve long ago abandoned sites like CNet and ZDNet (even worse IMO). Brian Tong offers entertainment. Nothing more.
I would like to see waste reduced. The speakers in this seems very good and it will probably last many years as speakers usually do. The electronics in this will get dated and will likely not be supported by Apple in 3 - 4 years or even sooner. I would like see the electronics in a module that can be user replaced. Apple has talented engineers and funds that could design such methods. These techniques can also be done for the iMac.
As a single device the HomePod comes across as overpriced.
The question is: How does 4 of them (after the software is updated) compare to a $2000 sound system?
How about 2 vs. $1000 system? It’s hard to imagine the HomePod is superior...
Apple has to be counting on more than audio quality to sell these.
I have Siri disabled on my IPhone & IPad... I don’t see a HomePad in my future.
A $2000 sound system only does one thing...put out sound. Two totally different things from what HomePod is. HomePod is so much more than about putting out great sound.
Sonos speakers are able to stream over 60 different music services worldwide. speaker is limited to one, correct?
I don't see why you can use it as an AirPlay speaker too...therefore, you can use it with any service. Apple Music is only required for Siri to work properly with music type requests.
What a load of rubbish! Sure, Apple does a great job of engineering audio devices that work well in difficult circumstances, and the HomePod devotes impressive technology to the task of providing a voice-controlled interface to internet-connected devices. Good quality music reproduction is a welcome by-product, but it's not automatically "an audiophile's ideal speaker".
Matt Hines is correct to say that speaker location can affect performance. But "causing some resonant frequencies to become inconsistently louder", "sudden, violent variations in frequency levels" and "bass might disappear"? Really, Mr. Hines? I challenge you to prove in a blind listening test that "adjusting the listening position even an inch will have a very material impact on the arrival time of the audio to your ear"?
If your ear can hear that difference, I will gladly eat it.
I’ve perosnally sat in a small sound recording studio with calibrated monitors. There is a small sweet spot in the room, and if you move out of its space you can definitely hear it.
From ears-on reviews posted today the HomePod also has an audio sweet spot according to one: But like all speakers, it has its limitations and the HomePod left me wanting for true stereo sound. Which is probably why the only time I got truly jazzed during the demo was when they paired the two HomePods together and delivered some real separation.
And all that fancy spatial awareness and room optimization? I still found the sweet spot was sitting in the middle of the couch 8 to 10 feet away, the speakers at close to ear level -- just like regular stereo speakers.
or also described as a sweet zone by another reviewer invited by Apple "With most speakers, there's a sweet spot where everything sounds just right. The HomePod, however, endeavors to build a sweet zone. There are some exceptions, like when you're standing near a wall the HomePod has its back to, but the sound in those cases is still well worth listening to.."
Another high profile review brings up something I've not seen mentioned until now, tho perhaps with the size limitations it might not be surprising: "It's not all good news, however. There is a distinct lack of mid-range, leaving you feeling that something is missing in the mix... The result is that the sound reproduction is not as powerful as it should be - Let It Goin particular is a big song. A speaker such as this should really punch it out, but not in this admittedly brief demonstration." One other note: "Three times in our short demo Siri failed to understand what was being asked of it."
while another equally high-profile invittee commented on the soon-to-come stereo update syncing two HomePods: "We also got an early look at stereo mode, which involves pairing together two Apple HomePod speakers to create a bigger sound in a room. They sounded just as good, except just a bit louder – using two speakers didn't seem to add any extra smarts, they just created a wider sound that filled the room more comprehensively. They obviously sync together, meaning pausing or changing the volume on one unit has the same effect on the other"
Still one thing (almost) everyone agrees on is the sound is wonderful, more nuanced and rich than the competing Google Home Max (whose sound reviews range from "great" to "needs work" to even "awful, muddy and bass-y") or the Sonos 1 which can't quite get the same level of bass as Apple achieved. So the HomePod has great sound but not quite "following you around the room" as marketing might imply but more "filling the room no matter where you're standing" according to the invited guests and that's in Apple's controlled listening room where it's assets should have been heard at their best.
Sonos speakers are able to stream over 60 different music services worldwide. speaker is limited to one, correct?
I don't see why you can use it as an AirPlay speaker too...therefore, you can use it with any service. Apple Music is only required for Siri to work properly with music type requests.
If being able to be used like any run of the mill BT speaker is the bar then that's a damn low bar.
As a single device the HomePod comes across as overpriced.
The question is: How does 4 of them (after the software is updated) compare to a $2000 sound system?
How about 2 vs. $1000 system? It’s hard to imagine the HomePod is superior...
Apple has to be counting on more than audio quality to sell these.
I have Siri disabled on my IPhone & IPad... I don’t see a HomePad in my future.
I agree... I can see a HomePod in my kitchen where I can listen to music while chopping veges. But not in my living room replacing my 9 speaker, double amped audio/home theater system....
My feeling is that anybody who compares a single speaker (or even a paired) HomePod to a high end audio system simply doesn't understand high end audio. That's not to trash the HomePod. Not at all. But, as good as it may be, as a man once said: "A speaker's got to know its limitations" (My apologies to Dirty Harry).
I would like to see waste reduced. The speakers in this seems very good and it will probably last many years as speakers usually do. The electronics in this will get dated and will likely not be supported by Apple in 3 - 4 years or even sooner. I would like see the electronics in a module that can be user replaced. Apple has talented engineers and funds that could design such methods. These techniques can also be done for the iMac.
The first few times I saw the term HP on this website I thought it meant the computer company. I recommend not using the term HP and use HomePod. Or if you must, use HPod.
I would like to see waste reduced. The speakers in this seems very good and it will probably last many years as speakers usually do. The electronics in this will get dated and will likely not be supported by Apple in 3 - 4 years or even sooner. I would like see the electronics in a module that can be user replaced. Apple has talented engineers and funds that could design such methods. These techniques can also be done for the iMac.
Supported in what way exactly ? The A8 has a specific job now which is to handle then audio, microphones and Siri. it will get a firmware update for airplay2 and multi room functionality. Outside of that what will else are you looking for that will need a faster better chip? As others have said this isn’t a phone that needs to support a Retina display and an ever evolving os that continuously adds functionality?
If the device not getting updates after 3-4 years has you on the fence about buying, you really don’t want this speaker.
What a load of rubbish! Sure, Apple does a great job of engineering audio devices that work well in difficult circumstances, and the HomePod devotes impressive technology to the task of providing a voice-controlled interface to internet-connected devices. Good quality music reproduction is a welcome by-product, but it's not automatically "an audiophile's ideal speaker".
Matt Hines is correct to say that speaker location can affect performance. But "causing some resonant frequencies to become inconsistently louder", "sudden, violent variations in frequency levels" and "bass might disappear"? Really, Mr. Hines? I challenge you to prove in a blind listening test that "adjusting the listening position even an inch will have a very material impact on the arrival time of the audio to your ear"?
If your ear can hear that difference, I will gladly eat it.
Errm as an ex (and retired) sound engineer who's worked in some of the modest to the best recording studios, who's worked on live shows from clubs to stadiums, alongside some of the best sound engineers, I can 100% tell you that you're talking bollocks. Moving small distances changes the phase as well as the frequency alignment, both of which have become the most critical factors in modern systems. Hence the modern day preference for electronically controlled line-array systems.
What a load of rubbish! Sure, Apple does a great job of engineering audio devices that work well in difficult circumstances, and the HomePod devotes impressive technology to the task of providing a voice-controlled interface to internet-connected devices. Good quality music reproduction is a welcome by-product, but it's not automatically "an audiophile's ideal speaker".
Matt Hines is correct to say that speaker location can affect performance. But "causing some resonant frequencies to become inconsistently louder", "sudden, violent variations in frequency levels" and "bass might disappear"? Really, Mr. Hines? I challenge you to prove in a blind listening test that "adjusting the listening position even an inch will have a very material impact on the arrival time of the audio to your ear"?
If your ear can hear that difference, I will gladly eat it.
I’ve perosnally sat in a small sound recording studio with calibrated monitors. There is a small sweet spot in the room, and if you move out of its space you can definitely hear it.
From ears-on reviews posted today the HomePod also has an audio sweet spot according to one: But like all speakers, it has its limitations and the HomePod left me wanting for true stereo sound. Which is probably why the only time I got truly jazzed during the demo was when they paired the two HomePods together and delivered some real separation.
And all that fancy spatial awareness and room optimization? I still found the sweet spot was sitting in the middle of the couch 8 to 10 feet away, the speakers at close to ear level -- just like regular stereo speakers.
or also described as a sweet zone by another reviewer invited by Apple "With most speakers, there's a sweet spot where everything sounds just right. The HomePod, however, endeavors to build a sweet zone. There are some exceptions, like when you're standing near a wall the HomePod has its back to, but the sound in those cases is still well worth listening to.."
One thing everyone agrees on is the sound is wonderful, more nuanced and rich than the competing Google Home Max (whose reviews are either "great" or "needs work" or even "awful, muddy bass-y") or the Sonos 1 who can't quite get the same level of bass as Apple achieved. So the HomePod has great sound but not quite "following you around the room" as marketing might imply according to the invited guests and that's in Apple's controlled listening room where it's assets should be heard at their best.
Nice summary.
Success for HomePod, if it happens, is good news for all the current players in smart speakers, who will reply with similar, and perhaps, even better, examples in this price tier; diffusion in action.
What a load of rubbish! Sure, Apple does a great job of engineering audio devices that work well in difficult circumstances, and the HomePod devotes impressive technology to the task of providing a voice-controlled interface to internet-connected devices. Good quality music reproduction is a welcome by-product, but it's not automatically "an audiophile's ideal speaker".
Matt Hines is correct to say that speaker location can affect performance. But "causing some resonant frequencies to become inconsistently louder", "sudden, violent variations in frequency levels" and "bass might disappear"? Really, Mr. Hines? I challenge you to prove in a blind listening test that "adjusting the listening position even an inch will have a very material impact on the arrival time of the audio to your ear"?
If your ear can hear that difference, I will gladly eat it.
What a load of rubbish! Sure, Apple does a great job of engineering audio devices that work well in difficult circumstances, and the HomePod devotes impressive technology to the task of providing a voice-controlled interface to internet-connected devices. Good quality music reproduction is a welcome by-product, but it's not automatically "an audiophile's ideal speaker".
Matt Hines is correct to say that speaker location can affect performance. But "causing some resonant frequencies to become inconsistently louder", "sudden, violent variations in frequency levels" and "bass might disappear"? Really, Mr. Hines? I challenge you to prove in a blind listening test that "adjusting the listening position even an inch will have a very material impact on the arrival time of the audio to your ear"?
If your ear can hear that difference, I will gladly eat it.
Are you actually saying that moving you listening position, or moving a speaker’s position in a room won’t have change the sound as it is perceived by your ears? Seriously ?
Ok am I missing the joke here? I have to ask.... Why are people taking such issue with the word audiophile being used with this speaker!? They aren’t saying it’s “studio” quality or referring to is as “reference” quality, the word audiophile quality is being used.
a person who is especially interested in high-fidelity sound reproduction.
Origin of audiophile
The homepod is going to produce hi fidelity sound, people interested in this will appreciate that. Period ...
I have seen people on multiple occasions now write this speaker’s quality completely off...and either take offense to the word audiphile being used, or go into a rant about how HP can’t possibly achieve that quality and then name drop some expensive reference speakers that they have hooked up to an expensive amp/receiver and system.
Unless you are an audio engineer, you would think it’s so simple to make a speaker and not understand why HomePod costs $349 or why you should be so thrilled.
As an audio engineer that understands the physics of sound and technology, when I saw the keynote at WWDC, I was floored. Basically Apple is shrinking what amounts to concert-level (room tuning, steerable audio, sub node cancellation, phase cancellation detection, audio engineer experience) into a sub $400 device. Are you kidding me???
What a load of rubbish! Sure, Apple does a great job of engineering audio devices that work well in difficult circumstances, and the HomePod devotes impressive technology to the task of providing a voice-controlled interface to internet-connected devices. Good quality music reproduction is a welcome by-product, but it's not automatically "an audiophile's ideal speaker".
Matt Hines is correct to say that speaker location can affect performance. But "causing some resonant frequencies to become inconsistently louder", "sudden, violent variations in frequency levels" and "bass might disappear"? Really, Mr. Hines? I challenge you to prove in a blind listening test that "adjusting the listening position even an inch will have a very material impact on the arrival time of the audio to your ear"?
If your ear can hear that difference, I will gladly eat it.
I have all Apple products - MacBook, iPad, iPhone, iMac, Airport. I also have several speakers connected to Airports and a Wren Portable that has integrated AirPlay. For years I have used iTunes with AirPlay to connect multiple speakers. It is good. Now, I want to add a HomePod into the mix, but I don't believe HomePod supports Airplay, according to Apple's wireless specs on the website. So, it appears that the first launch of HomePod will not integrate into an existing Airplay network. The only wireless protocol shown on Apple's page is Bluetooth. That is a single speaker solution. So, is Apple seriously going to roll this out and not enable a HomePod to connect to existing Apple AirPlay networks?
Comments
The question is: How does 4 of them (after the software is updated) compare to a $2000 sound system?
How about 2 vs. $1000 system? It’s hard to imagine the HomePod is superior...
Apple has to be counting on more than audio quality to sell these.
I have Siri disabled on my IPhone & IPad... I don’t see a HomePad in my future.
But like all speakers, it has its limitations and the HomePod left me wanting for true stereo sound. Which is probably why the only time I got truly jazzed during the demo was when they paired the two HomePods together and delivered some real separation.
And all that fancy spatial awareness and room optimization? I still found the sweet spot was sitting in the middle of the couch 8 to 10 feet away, the speakers at close to ear level -- just like regular stereo speakers.
or also described as a sweet zone by another reviewer invited by Apple"With most speakers, there's a sweet spot where everything sounds just right. The HomePod, however, endeavors to build a sweet zone. There are some exceptions, like when you're standing near a wall the HomePod has its back to, but the sound in those cases is still well worth listening to.."
Another high profile review brings up something I've not seen mentioned until now, tho perhaps with the size limitations it might not be surprising:
"It's not all good news, however. There is a distinct lack of mid-range, leaving you feeling that something is missing in the mix... The result is that the sound reproduction is not as powerful as it should be - Let It Go in particular is a big song. A speaker such as this should really punch it out, but not in this admittedly brief demonstration."
One other note:
"Three times in our short demo Siri failed to understand what was being asked of it."
while another equally high-profile invittee commented on the soon-to-come stereo update syncing two HomePods:
"We also got an early look at stereo mode, which involves pairing together two Apple HomePod speakers to create a bigger sound in a room. They sounded just as good, except just a bit louder – using two speakers didn't seem to add any extra smarts, they just created a wider sound that filled the room more comprehensively. They obviously sync together, meaning pausing or changing the volume on one unit has the same effect on the other"
Still one thing (almost) everyone agrees on is the sound is wonderful, more nuanced and rich than the competing Google Home Max (whose sound reviews range from "great" to "needs work" to even "awful, muddy and bass-y") or the Sonos 1 which can't quite get the same level of bass as Apple achieved. So the HomePod has great sound but not quite "following you around the room" as marketing might imply but more "filling the room no matter where you're standing" according to the invited guests and that's in Apple's controlled listening room where it's assets should have been heard at their best.
I can see a HomePod in my kitchen where I can listen to music while chopping veges. But not in my living room replacing my 9 speaker, double amped audio/home theater system....
My feeling is that anybody who compares a single speaker (or even a paired) HomePod to a high end audio system simply doesn't understand high end audio. That's not to trash the HomePod. Not at all. But, as good as it may be, as a man once said: "A speaker's got to know its limitations" (My apologies to Dirty Harry).
If the device not getting updates after 3-4 years has you on the fence about buying, you really don’t want this speaker.
Success for HomePod, if it happens, is good news for all the current players in smart speakers, who will reply with similar, and perhaps, even better, examples in this price tier; diffusion in action.
Are you actually saying that moving you listening position, or moving a speaker’s position in a room won’t have change the sound as it is perceived by your ears? Seriously ?
Ok am I missing the joke here? I have to ask.... Why are people taking such issue with the word audiophile being used with this speaker!? They aren’t saying it’s “studio” quality or referring to is as “reference” quality, the word audiophile quality is being used.
audiophile
The homepod is going to produce hi fidelity sound, people interested in this will appreciate that. Period ...
I have seen people on multiple occasions now write this speaker’s quality completely off...and either take offense to the word audiphile being used, or go into a rant about how HP can’t possibly achieve that quality and then name drop some expensive reference speakers that they have hooked up to an expensive amp/receiver and system.
As an audio engineer that understands the physics of sound and technology, when I saw the keynote at WWDC, I was floored. Basically Apple is shrinking what amounts to concert-level (room tuning, steerable audio, sub node cancellation, phase cancellation detection, audio engineer experience) into a sub $400 device. Are you kidding me???