Apple delaying HomePod release until 2018

Apple is postponing the release of its HomePod smart speaker until 2018. The company, which showcased the HomePod along with the iMac Pro during this year's WWDC (World Wide Developer's Conference), is the company's answer to Amazon's Echo and Google Home, speakers that integrate smart assistant technology.

“We can't wait for people to experience HomePod, Apple's breakthrough wireless speaker for the home, but we need a little more time before it's ready for our customers,” an Apple spokesperson said. “We'll start shipping in the US, UK and Australia in early 2018.

The HomePod Speaker which integrates the company’s Siri smart assistant with hi-fi speakers and the ability to run searches. As with many Apple products, this will be a US-first device before it heads to Canada and the rest of the world. Apple is now competing with Amazon and Google, who have similar products in the market. It is also now encroaching on Sonos, whose class leading networked speakers have dominated the market.

Apple is a latecomer in this area which is occupied by Amazon’s Echo and, more pertinent to Canadians, Google Home, which is now available in Canada an many other countries. Amazon just made the Alex smart assistant available in Canada this week. 

Source: The Verge