Apple is at the top of the chain when it comes to future-forward devices. The company’s smart speaker, the HomePod, launched in 2018, and customers hoped it would live up to the Amazon Echo and Google Home. But this device doesn’t excite all of Apple’s loyal customers, as there are many HomePod problems the multibillion-dollar company has yet to address.
Users don’t just want a speaker to play music aloud but to play it with exceptional quality, too. Although the Apple HomePod isn’t notorious for delivering poor bass and surpasses most Bluetooth speakers, its sound quality doesn’t live up to the likes of Sonos.
HomePod’s default setting is bass-heavy, which might not be suitable for everyone, especially those who prefer slow-tempo songs. You have limited options for customizing the sound, and one major issue is that the device lacks user-adjustable EQ controls. You can’t center the frequency, adjust the bass levels, or widen or narrow the area. However, you can get around this by taking advantage of AirPlay and using the EQ controls on the other device, like an iPhone or Mac.
A smart speaker is great for hands-free access to your phone’s features, such as creating a calendar appointment, playing games, ordering a pizza, and more. One major HomePod problem is that its features are limited to sending and reading text messages, calling friends, adding reminders, creating notes, and a few other tasks.
The device isn’t great for answering random questions, either, such as trivia questions, playing games, or telling jokes like some other smart speakers. Its restrictions make the HomePod’s purpose slightly confusing, other than being a gloried speaker with a few bonuses.
You may wish to charge your smartphone while operating a smart speaker; however, the HomePod doesn’t have any external connections. This flaw also presents problems if you want to connect to an Android smartphone or computer since only Apple devices are compatible with this unit.
You can use the HomePod for music streaming services such as Spotify, Amazon Unlimited, Pandora, and others, directly from your Apple device, but these platforms are only limited to AirPlay and won’t play through Siri. You can only use Siri to request playing music through iTunes and Apple Music. But doing this requires having a history of songs you’ve purchased from iTunes or by signing up for Apple Music. However, Google Home supports more third-party streaming platforms.
The device’s design is minimalist, which is attractive for some and down to personal preference, plus the plastic exterior securely encases the electrical components. Its display is located at the top, meaning that when you say “Hey Siri,” you’re unable to see the notification indicator if you’re sitting down. This isn’t a problem if you’re standing, as you can easily see the display light up when you communicate to Siri. If you notice your request hasn’t been accepted by Siri, you’ll want to assess if this is because of a listening error or another malfunction.
Amazon Echo has a ring of light that’s easier to see. In the HomePod’s defense, the microphone is highly responsive, so more often than not, it won’t have issues picking up your voice, but a visual prompt would be desirable.
Thinking of storing your speaker on wooden furniture? Think again. Once you’ve found a place for your speaker, you won’t likely move it unless there’s an issue with the connection or if you’re cleaning the furniture underneath. However, many customers discovered a white ring on their wooden furniture from the outline of the speaker’s base. This is caused by oils released from the speaker vibrating against a wooden surface. Fortunately, you can remove the marks with a dry, soft cloth or avoid the issue altogether by playing on an alternative surface.
Smart speakers are a common tool for controlling smart appliances in homes. The HomePod is compatible with HomeKit devices, allowing you to control them through Siri. The issue lies with the limited smart gadgets HomeKit offers. But you can’t connect non-HomeKit devices, such as Nest’s Thermostat and more.
Apple’s solution is for customers to purchase HomeKit accessories directly from their store; however, these are more expensive than Alexa-compatible devices and lack a wide range. Plus, if you already have smart appliances installed in your home, you’ll need to renew all of them to connect to your HomePod.
Outdoor security cameras are not always practical if you live in an apartment or rental. Drilling into an exterior wall may be off-limits, while pointing a regular indoor camera through a window can create another problem once reflections start showing up after dark.
Baseus is trying to solve both issues with the new PrimeSentinel W1, a $69.99 security camera designed specifically to monitor the outdoors through glass. It mounts directly to a window without drilling and uses a 4K Starlight sensor with an F1.0 aperture for full-color monitoring during the day and at night.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
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With AI progressing so fast, it's only a matter of time before we start getting AI companions like the ones we used to see in movies like R2-D2, Wall-E, or Baymax. Now, Singapore-based OKA Technology has unveiled Mori, a cute little AI companion that looks less like a conventional home robot and more like someone turned the Pokémon Foongus into a table lamp.
Mori isn't meant to clean your house or control your smart home, but to serve as what OKA calls a "Nature Companion." It uses subtle movements, warm lighting, nature-inspired sounds, and small reactions to make its presence around the house feel calming rather than distracting. Mori can sit quietly while you read, sway along to music, welcome you when you enter a room, or encourage you to slow down for a moment without requiring a screen or a conversation.