I took the recent news that Apple pulled the plug on its primary HomePod line with an air of frustration and disappointment. So, too, did it seem the rest of the Apple tech community.
The gist I'm getting is that Apple seems to be entirely focusing on personal tech items, like Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and the primacy hardware that powers productivity, the Mac. Everything else needs to justify its existence. Like it has in the past with iPod HiFi and a few other failures, Apple is de-prioritizing low-margin devices that it hasn't been able to get a leg-up on competition with, even though we could argue it's imperative that they do solidify hardware products in this space.
Apple TV has long been described as a hobby, but it was admittedly ahead of its time, has a robust interface (arguably the best UI and integration with a smartphone app), and is consistently, confidently updated regularly. Why, then hasn't Apple dropped support of this in light of their hardcore integration of Airplay 2 on nearly every popular TV manufacturer's hardware? Why are they dabbling in car tech? Mixed reality (and the continued evolution of the AirPods line) is the only logical progression of personal tech that they should be pursuing, following this logic.
Jason Snell summarizes as such:
The gist I'm getting is that Apple seems to be entirely focusing on personal tech items, like Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and the primacy hardware that powers productivity, the Mac. Everything else needs to justify its existence. Like it has in the past with iPod HiFi and a few other failures, Apple is de-prioritizing low-margin devices that it hasn't been able to get a leg-up on competition with, even though we could argue it's imperative that they do solidify hardware products in this space.
Apple TV has long been described as a hobby, but it was admittedly ahead of its time, has a robust interface (arguably the best UI and integration with a smartphone app), and is consistently, confidently updated regularly. Why, then hasn't Apple dropped support of this in light of their hardcore integration of Airplay 2 on nearly every popular TV manufacturer's hardware? Why are they dabbling in car tech? Mixed reality (and the continued evolution of the AirPods line) is the only logical progression of personal tech that they should be pursuing, following this logic.
Jason Snell summarizes as such:
I sure hope this is all setting us up for a roll-out of Apple’s new home strategy, but I’m concerned that the company is still utterly at sea when it comes to this stuff. Like the Apple TV 4K, the HomePod was an overpriced, over-engineered product left to sit on price lists unchanged for years. The competition has been better or cheaper or both.
Apple also abandoned the home router market… and its competitors have rushed in. HomeKit seems stalled, though perhaps it’s just waiting for the CHOP to drop.
The home strategy indeed seems strained. I love my HomePod, and have recently picked up a couple HomePod Minis that work absolutely great. But what kind of confidence should I and others have in that ecosystem if Apple quietly ceases production of the core audio product? And are they continuing to evolve Siri?
Hoping for some answers in their inevitable spring event.