The Apple HomePod went up for pre-order last Friday, and the device is set to launch in a couple of weeks on the 9th of February. Apple advertises the device as supporting Apple Music, but there was initially no mention on Apple’s website about whether or not the HomePod supports iTunes Match.
iTunes Match and iCloud Music Library Support
Now it looks like the HomePod will indeed support iTunes Match, and it also appears that it will support iCloud Music libraries with Siri. This news was confirmed by Apple to Serenity Caldwell from iMore. This means that users who have their music stored in iCloud through iTunes Match or Apple Music will be able to access their entire music library using Siri on the HomePod.
Okay, got some HomePod clarification: iTunes Match *and* Apple Music users can access their iCloud Music Library via Siri. 🎊
— Serenity Caldwell (@settern) January 28, 2018
So basically, if you use iTunes Match and iCloud Music, you will be able to use Siri on the Apple HomePod to play your full music library on the device. This is a significant feature for users who have invested in building extensive music libraries over the years and want seamless access to their collections.
Pricing and Availability
The HomePod is launching early next month and it will cost $349 in the US and £319 in the UK. This pricing places the HomePod in the premium segment of the smart speaker market, competing with other high-end devices like the Google Home Max and the Sonos One. However, Apple is banking on the HomePod’s superior sound quality and deep integration with the Apple ecosystem to attract customers.
The HomePod features a high-excursion woofer with a custom amplifier, an array of seven tweeters, and six microphones. This setup is designed to deliver rich, nuanced sound and to pick up voice commands even when music is playing loudly. Additionally, the HomePod uses spatial awareness to adjust its sound based on its location in the room, ensuring optimal audio performance.
Another notable feature is the HomePod’s ability to act as a hub for Apple’s HomeKit smart home platform. This means that users can control their HomeKit-enabled devices, such as lights, thermostats, and locks, using Siri voice commands through the HomePod. This integration makes the HomePod not just a smart speaker, but a central component of a connected home.
In summary, the Apple HomePod is shaping up to be a versatile and powerful addition to the smart speaker market. With support for iTunes Match and iCloud Music libraries, users can enjoy their entire music collection with ease. The HomePod’s advanced audio technology and integration with the Apple ecosystem make it a compelling choice for Apple users looking to enhance their home audio experience.
Source MacRumors
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