New HomePod still leaves rings on finished wood surfaces

AppleInsider

HomePod has a silicone base for vibration dampening, but this material can react with some wood finishes that will leave a white ring behind.

HomePod's silicone base will leave rings on finished wood

Users were quick to discover damaged surfaces under the original HomePod in 2018, and the problem that caused it hasn't changed. The speaker uses a silicone base to absorb vibrations from its large 4-inch woofer, which can chemically interact with some surfaces.

Early reviews have already confirmed that the white ring phenomenon hasn't changed with the new HomePod. It isn't an issue with the HomePod mini, however, since the base is made from a plastic material.

Apple has support documentation on where to place the HomePod, and lays out the reasoning behind the white ring phenomenon. Basically, direct placement on finished wood surfaces isn't recommended.

It is not unusual for any speaker with a vibration-damping silicone base to leave mild marks when placed on some wooden surfaces. The marks can be caused by oils diffusing between the silicone base and the table surface, and will often go away after several days when the speaker is removed from the wooden surface. If not, wiping the surface gently with a soft damp or dry cloth may remove the marks. If marks persist, clean the surface with the furniture manufacturer's recommended cleaning process. If you're concerned about this, we recommend placing your HomePod on a different surface.

Apple's note on placement isn't exactly helpful when seeking alternatives. Users can rely on other means like stands, mounts, or even just basic cloths or coasters. As long as the speaker isn't making direct contact with the wood, it is fine.

Shockproof coasters are inexpensive and provide a minimalistic way to keep the HomePod off of a wooden surface. There is also the option of wall mounting the HomePod, or even using a floor stand.

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danox

Sounds like a business opportunity……

snookie

That was worth an entire "article" eh?  What the reviewers are actually saying, which doesn't fit this link bait, is that the white HomePod is leaving very slight marks in some cases, not like the original HomePod.  Also this is an "issue" with lots of other smart speakers.

appleish

So another "same as the first generation" feature.

edited January 2023

applezulu

Appleish said:

So another "same as the first generation" feature.

Yes, it seems like the issue is probably as overhyped here as it was when the first HomePods came out.

edited January 2023

maltz

Wait, Apple's response makes it sound like the marks aren't permanent?  What a nothingburger.

UPDATE: touching some surfaces can leave fingerprints!

welshdog

Not all silicone formulations do this. It's likely that originally Apple chose the material for it's specific vibration damping properties and all subsequent acoustic design and engineering was done using the chosen silicone material. After the fact, it is discovered it reacts with certain finishes. Yes, Apple could choose a new non-reactive material, which would most likely have different damping properties. They then would have to redo a lot of previous work to accommodate the new properties effects throughout the acoustic system. Of course, this is a new product and Apple already knew the previously used material had surface finish reaction issues. A new Homepod, with new configurations, microphones, drivers etc. should have presented an opportunity for Apple to make the change in damping material - and they didn't. 
Gotta wonder why.

danox

The original, Apple hi-fi, and the HomePod have one thing in common. They both leave marks on wood due to the silicone pad.

mikethemartian

If they would change the imprint from a ring to an Apple logo they could list it as a feature.

macxpress

I bought little black silicon things for mine made especially for HomePod. It's a simple solution to something that really isn't a huge deal. 

lkrupp

Bottom line? Apple warns against setting the HomePod on finished wood surfaces so... don’t do it. 

lkrupp

macxpress said:

I bought little black silicon things for mine made especially for HomePod. It's a simple solution to something that really isn't a huge deal. 

When it comes to griping about Apple, EVERYTHING is a huge deal.

chadbag

You’d think that Apple, which tries very hard to create the ultimate user experience, would have figured this out before shipping the OG and if not, fixed it in the 2E.  I find this in-Apple like in terms of attention to detail,  but very Apple like in terms of practice and history.  At the least include a silicone coaster or whatever or make the bases of a dual layer with a thin non marring layer
attached to the damping silicone layer.    

paraeeker

Put down a pretty lace doily as they used to in a bygone era before we stopped using common sense. 

Is AI paying by the word now?

filemakerfeller

AntennaGate! RingGate! "You're placing it wrong."

/s

ios_guy80

paraeeker said:

Put down a pretty lace doily as they used to in a bygone era before we stopped using common sense. 

Is AI paying by the word now?

Sounds like a good use case for a Apple microfiber cloth.