I have accumulated experience with the Apple HomePod smart speaker for about a week. The implementation and functionality of the device have been guaranteed Apple quality.
Here the HomePod is still in the package and the writer’s fingers are itching to take the jar out of the package.
What is Apple HomePod?
HomePod is a speaker and the center of a smart home. The speaker has a high-quality deep and nuanced bass and five directional tweeters. The device’s internal microphone is used to calibrate low frequencies automatically. The device recognizes the acoustics of the room and adapts the sound reproduction to suit the space. For example, the speaker recognizes that it is close to a wall and adjusts the sound accordingly.
With several speakers, you can create a stereo pair, or you can combine the devices into a multi-room audio system. HomePod has four microphones, which it uses to control Siri. Siri supports voice recognition of six different users on HomePod. Siri can be used to control home functions that are connected to Apple’s Home functions.
You can use Siri on the device in the same way as on the phone. If it is not possible to perform the function via HomePod, the command can be completed on your phone, to which the function is transferred.
For example
The ”Hey Siri, lock the front door” command locks the front door with a smart door lock.
”Hey Siri, play the radio channel Radio Nova” starts the Nova radio channel.
The device is available in white and midnight black. The recommended price for the device in Finland is 349 euros.
Experiences of taking the HomePod into use
Setting up the HomePod is even too simple. Plug the HomePod into a power outlet and unlock your iPhone or iPad and then place it on top of the device. Start the setup and follow the instructions.
Of course, I should have realized that the installation is so easy. I can tell you that the device cannot be found via Bluetooth 😀 In practice, you have to own an iDevice to use the HomePod, otherwise, your smart speaker will sit in the corner like a less intelligent paperweight.
HomePod Sound
HomePod’s music playback works best through the Apple Music service, which allows you to perfectly control the selection of a song or playlist with your voice. However, I didn’t test this feature because I like the Tidal music streaming service too much.
I choose the playlist I want from Tidal and use the HomePod as the playback source. Alternatively, I walk up to the device and hold the phone above it for a moment, and then the phone asks if the music playback is transferred to the HomePod.
HomePod buyers get six months of free Apple Music subscription. During this time, of course, it’s a good idea to try out whether you like the service (and get stuck using it 😀 ).
There are three touch areas on top of the smart speaker, from which you can adjust the sound volume, pause music playback and move to the next or previous song. In addition to music playback, the device can be used as part of a home theater system with Apple TV 4K via eARC support.
I’m not a hi-fi enthusiast, and I don’t understand sound quality beyond what my own ears tell me. With this device, I can say that the listening experience is very pleasant. I dare to recommend this device to die-hard Apple users.