It seems that Apple is interrupting its service Original HomePod smart speaker as the company focuses HomePod mini, his younger and more accessible brother.
TechCrunch reported on Friday confirmation from Apple that it added HomePod just a few years after its initial launch. Reviews they were not children when Apple’s voice-controlled smart speaker first hit shelves in 2018. Critics have argued that its good-quality sound isn’t worth worrying about facing the Apple-walled garden and its steep $ 349 price tag, which is much more expensive than the Amazon Echo or Google Nest line of smart speakers. As if that wasn’t enough, HomePod also had a bizarre trend to stain people’s furniture. Apple has reduced the price to $ 299 a year later, but it seems that this was not enough to save it, given that Apple is now grazing the HomePod.
HomePod Mini, on the other hand, received a much warmer reception. This smaller version of Apple’s first-generation smart speakers was launched in November for $ 99 – even more expensive than its smaller competitors, the Echo Dot or Nest Mini, but on par with Amazon and Google’s mid-range options. At the time, I called the HomePod Mini “a solid little speaker” and “the perfect complementary device” for people embracing the Apple smart home ecosystem.
In a statement to multiple sockets, Apple said the HomePod Mini has been “a success” since its debut, so much so that the company has chosen to focus exclusively on the smallest speaker.
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If you currently own a HomePod OG, don’t worry: Apple-confirmed software updates and technical support will continue for those already on the market. Existing units will also remain available “while stocks last”, although the Space Gray option seems already sold out. Apple website.
You can read Apple’s full statement below:
HomePod mini has been a success since its debut last fall, offering customers amazing sound, a smart assistant and smart home control, for just $ 99. We focus our efforts on the HomePod mini. We stop the original HomePod, it will continue to be available until the supply is exhausted through the Apple online store, Apple retail stores and Apple authorized distributors. Apple will provide HomePod customers with software updates, services and support through Apple Care.
The original HomePod is not the only product on its way to Apple Cemetery this month. Last week, Apple announced it would stop iMac Pro, his $ 5,000 workstation after only four years on the market.