Apple's HomePod speaker will require an iOS 11 device to function

[Polycount]

Apple's long-awaited HomePod launches next Friday and quite a few fans are excited. Although the device is missing some basic features and costs a pretty penny at $349, its reportedly superior sound quality could make it worth the money.

However, it seems the HomePod's deep integration with Apple's device ecosystem could be a more significant drawback than previously thought, according to The Verge.

Apple has published additional specs for the device ahead of its release and there's some bad news. To begin with, the HomePod will only function with devices running iOS 11 or newer - Android owners won't be able to set up the device at all.

The speaker will also mostly be restricted to use with Apple's own audio sources including Apple Music, iTunes, iCloud music and AirPlay. Indeed, the only notable exception to this rule is "Beats 1 Live Radio" which Apple just happens to own. Furthermore, Siri won't be able to play Spotify songs using voice commands.

The HomePod will also lack Bluetooth compatibility upon launch, despite the technology being built into the device. It's possible Apple will bring Bluetooth to the smart speaker at a later date but its absence will undoubtedly disappoint many users in the interim.

Still, if you can look past these drawbacks, the HomePod is available for pre-order now via Apple's official website.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/73089-apple-homepod-speaker-require-ios-11-device-function.html

 

[gusticles41]

It's like this speaker was designed to entrap users even further into the Apple ecosystem. There's not a single device in my household that could put this thing to use...That's a bit ridiculous.

 

[oldikes]

It's like this speaker was designed to entrap users even further into the Apple ecosystem. There's not a single device in my household that could put this thing to use...That's a bit ridiculous.

yea I expect it to mostly be locked into apple things, but lacking stuff like bluetooth and spotify support....jeez.

That being said, most people who are locked into apple's ecosystem are quite happy to be there - while its expensive and proprietary, it does have some good qualities for the non-tech savvy. (and its DEFINITELY not for us power users)

 

[Kibaruk]

It's a crippled wireless speaker and they are calling it a smartspeaker... Apple has really fallen of the tree.

 

[OneSpeed]

It's like this speaker was designed to entrap users even further into the Apple ecosystem. There's not a single device in my household that could put this thing to use...That's a bit ridiculous.

yea I expect it to mostly be locked into apple things, but lacking stuff like bluetooth and spotify support....jeez.

That being said, most people who are locked into apple's ecosystem are quite happy to be there - while its expensive and proprietary, it does have some good qualities for the non-tech savvy. (and its DEFINITELY not for us power users)

Yep. Theat being said, most Apple users I know like their eco-system Albeit, damn the usability of them.

 

[Kenrick]

Looks like the echo is still the best value smart speaker for both ios and android users. While the exclusivity to iOS is not really significant given that most buyers of apple products are the iphone users themselves. The lack of spotify support is clearly a let down. We are apple users in the house and spotify is the paid music streaming service we use. I will stick with our echo for the mean time.