“Apple plans to finally start selling its HomePod voice-controlled speaker by the end of the year, but one analyst thinks that consumers already own the device that’s actually going to enable Apple to dominate the home: the iPhone,” Emily Bary writes for Barron’s.
“Barclays analyst Mark Moskowitz notes that the company isn’t very focused on marketing the HomePod’s ability to help with actual ‘home’ automation tasks like setting the thermostat,” Bary writes. “‘We believe [the HomePod] is more of an ancillary offering, versus being the centerpiece of a connected home ecosystem,’ he writes.”
“Moskowitz thinks Apple has a better shot at controlling the home through its existing iOS ecosystem. Apple makes it easy for people to use HomeKit on their iPhone’s home screen to control automation tools made by outside brands,” Bary writes. “‘For Apple, we believe the iPhone will provide a natural control panel for the connected home due to its user-friendly interface and consistent presence with the user,’ Moskowitz writes.”
&nbps;
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: “Even if HomePod fail, which it won’t:
Selling it as a high quality speaker is much easier than selling it as a home automation device. Once HomePod is in the home, Apple can educate the user over time about its home automation capabilities.
SEE ALSO:
Why Apple’s HomePod will crush the Amazon Echo and Google Home – August 28, 2017
Apple’s HomePod is uniquely positioned to win the smart speaker market – August 25, 2017
Consumers appear eager to buy Apple’s upcoming HomePod smart speaker – July 14, 2017
After seeing Apple’s HomePod, Amazon is working on an Apple HomePod echo – July 14, 2017
Apple Watch and AirPods in high demand; HomePod buying intent outpaces Amazon Echo – July 10, 2017
Apple’s HomePod could have an even more successful start than Apple Watch – July 7, 2017
Amazon Echo has a problem: Apple’s HomePod has major advantage over rivals – June 18, 2017
Apple’s HomePod first impressions: Lots of mystery, impressive sound quality – June 8, 2017
With HomePod, Apple just wants to shake things up (for now) – June 7, 2017
Apple HomePod vs. Amazon Echo – June 7, 2017
CNET: Apple’s HomePod offers superior sound quality vs. Amazon Echo and Sonos Play:3 – June 6, 2017
Apple’s new HomePod sounds incredible! – June 6, 2017
Apple HomePod takes on Amazon Echo – June 6, 2017
Apple reveals HomePod smart home music speaker – June 5, 2017
That sounds ominous.
“Apple is late to the game”….. hmm, have I heard that before?
Apple is wandering around in the dark trying to find a way to turn on my lights. Would have been easier if they’d not given up on the central hub in my house and abdicated the router market. They are so good at pissing away brands. But pretty soon I’ll be able to wink at my iPhone to magically post a neato sticker to some fleeting social post. Thanks.