In Other News: The Original HomePod is Discontinued From Apple
Well, this has quietly flown under my tech radar. Apple has made a sudden device cancellation in their hardware lineup. The HomePod smart speaker is no more due to lackluster sales. Launched in early 2018, the smart speakers were supposed to pose a strong rival to Google Home and Amazon's Alexa.
Last night Apple delivered the following statement to Tech Crunch concerning the HomePod right after the Space Gray model was made unavailable on their website.
“ 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 the 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 initially launched at a very high price point, $349, causing mixed emotions from consumers. Apple would eventually slash its retail price to $299 in mid-2019. Which still didn't ensure consumer confidence.
The one thing the HomePod was praised for its high-quality audio. But we all know the main feature with any smart speaker is the AI digital assistant. The likes of "Hey Google" and Amazon Alexa are far more advanced and practical than Siri.
You can still purchase the HomePod directly from Apple, but it only has one color option, White, for $299. BestBuy, on the other hand, has both color options still in stock for $299. If you plan on making a purchase, do so quickly while supplies last.
