Pre-orders for the Apple HomePod are now live in the UK.
This sleek new speaker, which is available in Space Grey or White finishes, was first announced at Apple’s WWDC developers conference back in June 2017.
Speaking on-stage at the time, Phil Schiller, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, said: “Just like iPod reinvented music on our pocket, HomePod is going to reinvent music in the home.”
Apple’s hone audio solution was originally scheduled to launch in December ready for Christmas.
However, this launch date was pushed back late last year.
Apple said they needed a little more time to make sure the quality of the HomePod matched their usual standards, pushing the release date to February.
The internet-connected speaker is a direct rival to Amazon Echo, with Siri set to take on Alexa in the voice-controlled smart assistant stakes.
Standing at seven-inches tall, the HomePod packs a 7 beam-forming tweeter array and a four-inch upward-facing woofer – all powered by the Cupertino company’s own A8 chipset.
Express.co.uk was lucky enough to hear the HomePod last year and there’s no doubting that its sound credentials are impressive.
HomePod combines Apple-engineered audio technology and advanced software to deliver the highest-fidelity sound throughout the room.
Tucked inside its round mesh fabric design are seven beam-forming tweeters that precisely focus the sound.
Apple says its HomePod is equipped with spatial awareness which means it will fill a room with sound no matter where it’s placed.
It’s also the only smart speaker that features compatibility with Apple Music which is sure to make it hugely popular with the millions of subscribers to this service.
Along with music, the HomePod can also perform a huge range of other tasks such as sending messages, setting timers and reminders plus checking the local weather reports.
The latest headlines and sports updates stream directly to HomePod from BBC, Sky News and LBC and it can also be used as a speakerphone with iPhone.
Plus with support for HomeKit, HomePod can control hundreds of home accessories or set scenes like, “Hey Siri, I’m home,” to control a number of different accessories at the same time.
Apple says HomePod will be able to turn on the lights, raise the shades, set the desired temperature or make other adjustments and serves as the perfect home hub, enabling remote access and automations.
“HomePod is a magical new music experience from Apple. It brings advanced audio technologies like beam-forming tweeters, a high-excursion woofer and automatic spatial awareness, together with the entire Apple Music catalogue and the latest Siri intelligence, in a simple, beautiful design that is so much fun to use,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing.
“We’re so excited for people to get HomePod into their homes, apartments and businesses to hear it for themselves. We think they will be blown away by the audio quality.
“The team has worked to give Siri a deeper knowledge of music so that you can ask to play virtually anything from your personal favourites to the latest chart-topping releases, simply by saying ‘Hey Siri’”
HomePod will be available in Apple Stores and at select Apple Authorised Resellers, including Argos, Dixons Carphone (Currys PC World), John Lewis, Shop Direct (Very and Littlewoods), EE and Apple Premium Resellers in the UK beginning Friday, February 9.
HomePod will be available in France and Germany this spring.