Companies like Amazon and Google have had a headstart when it comes to smart speakers, and if the number are accurate, both companies hold pretty much a duopoly on the smart speaker market. What this means is that Apple is technically “late” to the party, but Apple’s CEO Tim Cook believes that they have what it takes to stand out.In a recent interview with the Financial Post (via 9to5Mac), Cook was quoted as saying, “We think one thing that was missing from this market was a quality audio experience, a very immersive audio experience. Music deserves that kind of quality as opposed to some kind of squeaky sound.”
It is true in the sense that one of the ways Apple is trying to differentiate themselves from the competition is through audio quality, where they claim that the HomePod will sound a lot better. To be fair most of the smart speakers in the market today are focusing more functionality where users can control their smart home appliances and apps through their voice, with less emphasis placed on whether or not it’ll be able to meet the standards of audiophiles.
Google has attempted to craft something to match the HomePod with the Google Home Max, but at the moment it’s really anyone’s guess as to whether the HomePod’s sound quality is simply marketing hyperbole or if it will be able to deliver as promised. The speaker has been set for a release on the 9th of February where it will be priced at $349.