Like a good apple fan boy, I purchased a HomePod when they were available last month. I had a gift certificate to burn, so on January 26, I pulled the trigger. Two weeks later, the HomePod arrived.
The package is classic Apple: you pull a small tab, and the box opens. The HomePod is not heavy, it just feels ‘significant’. My guess is the large magnet used for the woofer adds significant mass. Mine is white, and I love how it looks, but even more .. I love how it sounds.
Since many articles have talked about the setup process, I am not going to write about that. Let’s just say the setup away easy!
Music Heaven
Not long after setting up the HomePod, two of my granddaughters came over. What I didn’t expect was the game that they played. They quickly learned that they could ask Siri to play any and all of their favorite music, and the would switch it as fast as they could say it.
My favorites are all form the 70s. I listed to Pink Floyd, some old Rolling Stones, Elton John, and on and on. The music has been amazing. Unlike some in the tech press, I find the bass to be perfect. I am not noticing any issues in the midrange either. It’s just heaven!
Siri is better
The tech press spends way to much time complaining about Siri. No, it’s not perfect. I don’t think any of the voice assistants have become perfect yet. With that said, I think Siri on the HomePod is the best version in many ways. The microphones are amazing. I can have the music at near 100%, and then softly utter, “Hey Siri”, and it will respond. Since it’s a music device, I tend to ask questions or make request that related to music and the results have been excellent.
It is true that it only tracks one timer. That seems to be the biggest criticism. I am sure more timers will follow, but it works, and Siri has been near perfect for my use.
Who is it for? 
So, who should buy an iPad? I recommend it for anyone that is deep in the Apple ecosystem. It’s for the person that subscribes to, and loves Apple Music. You need to have an iPhone or iPad to set it up. It is best for someone that loves music, and listens to it in their home.
I want a second one ..
Not for Stero, but for use in a different room. I want one in the dinning room. Heck, I would like to have one in the bedroom. I guess I could use two more. The one downside is this: it’s expensive, at least compared to other smart speakers. I think it’s worth it, but you may see it differently.
So that’s my thoughts on HomePod. Email or Tweet at me of you have questions. I am @RickCartwright on Twitter
