It’s the moment all Apple-lovers have been waiting for – the Apple HomePod has become available for pre-order! The HomePod is Apple’s answer to the Amazon Echo and Alexa-enabled line, and to Google’s smart home assistant, aptly named, Hey Google. The Amazon Echo and Google Home have been battling it out for a while now, with Apple announcing its home solution only six months ago. Since then, Apple fans have been hungry for news about when the device will finally come available, and that, friends, is today.
Previously, Apple users had only Apple HomeKit to control their smart home products, of which there is a limited range. This is due to Apple having higher security protocol for smart home companies to become a part of their network, making HomeKit users safer from cyber attacks via their home automation products. With HomeKit, you had to use Siri from your iPhone, iPad, or Apple computer to control these products, but no more – the Apple HomePod has Siri built in, making one of the best-loved personal assistants accessible in an attractive, capsule-shaped speaker.
The HomePod
The HomePod will be available for pre-order in three countries today, but can be used in other countries as well. Currently, the smart speaker supports those varieties of English (America, British, Australian), but will be adding French and German in the spring (the HomePod will be made available in those countries then as well), along with other languages as time goes on. So, if you’re not in the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia, and still want to order one of these, best contact a friend in one of those countries to order for you and ship it out. If you’ve got the patience, chances are Apple will be shipping to your country sooner than you think. This Siri-enabled device can do more than just stream Apple Music (though we are stoked about that aspect), allowing users to ask Siri to carry out a whole host of tasks. You can also play your favorite podcasts, listen to news stories, set timers, and – here’s the pinnacle of the product’s abilities – control your HomeKit enabled smart home gear. That means hands-free, phone-free control of your lights, wall switches, and other compatible home automation products. And, of course, what would a smart assistant be without allowing you to check the weather? [caption id="attachment_4545" align="aligncenter" width="760"]