Apple is discontinuing its HomePod digital assistant and sound system but continuing production of the much-less-expensive HomePod Mini, TechCrunch reported.
HomePod, which is selling while supplies last for $299, debuted four years ago as a combination high-end speaker and digital assistant relying on Apple’s Siri voice-control system.
TechCrunch, reflecting on the end of HomePod, wrote: “The original HomePod was a feat of audio engineering that Apple spent over five years developing. In order to accomplish its development, the team at Apple built out a full development center near its headquarters in Cupertino, with a world-class development environment with a dozen anechoic chambers, including one of the bigger anechoic chambers outside of academic use in the U.S.”
An “anechoic chamber” is one that is free from any echoes.
TechCrunch quoted an Apple spokesperson as having said in a prepared statement: “HomePod Mini has been a hit since its debut last fall, offering customers amazing sound, an intelligent assistant, and smart home control all for just $99. We are focusing our efforts on HomePod Mini. We are discontinuing the original HomePod, it will continue to be available while supplies last through the Apple Online Store, Apple Retail Stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple will provide HomePod customers with software updates and service and support through Apple Care.”
The HomePod Mini, according to Apple’s website, offers many of the features of its larger sibling. Both models can stream music from various sources and, with Siri, control various smarthome devices. But the smaller model doesn’t have what Apple calls “spacial awareness” or certain pairing abilities with Apple TV 4K. Apple’s website indicates the gray model is sold out, but the white version still is available.
In February 2020, PYMNTS reported that Amazon holds about 70 percent of the smart speaker market.
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