
Apple's HomePod speaker pumps up the volume on tech rivals
"The HomePod is a powerful home speaker with superior audio capabilities than other high-end speakers now in the market, and has Siri voice control that connects to other devices [based on Apple's HomeKit framework for home automation]", he said.
It is created to work with the Apple Music subscription service and can produce rich sound while tapping into the artificial intelligence power of Siri.
Apple entered the growing field of voice-controlled speakers for the home on Monday (June 5), taking on early leaders Amazon.com and Google.
Apple rolled out a smart-speaker device, HomePod, during its annual developers event Monday, along with new versions and upgrades for iMacs, iPads and iPhones. AAPL says the HomePod does real-time acoustic modelling, scanning the room it's in and using beam-forming technology to shape audio based on variables like room size and its position.
The HomePod speaker stands just under seven inches (18 cm) tall and is covered in fabric mesh that will come in white or gray.
Amazon introduced the Echo speaker, featuring its Alexa assistant, in 2015.
He pointed out, however, that the new Apple product will compete squarely against wireless home speaker systems from the likes of Bose and Sonos, and indirectly against the Amazon Echo and Google Home digital assistants.
"The fact that Apple is claiming to marry really great and smart audio with a smart assistant and cloud music service makes this device unique in the market so far". HomePod starts shipping in December. About 71 percent of them will be using Amazon's Echo speaker, while Google's Home captures about 24 percent of the market.
IOS 11: Eleven New Features For iPhone & iPad
With Apple Pay on iPad, paying for physical goods and services within apps or on websites in Safari has never been easier. Apple has reduced the bezel around the display to fit more screen in a device that feels just like a regular iPad.
Apple emphasized the privacy aspects of the HomePod.
The HomePod is a music-first device and a voice-enabled speaker next. Apple employees have been secretly testing the device in their homes for several months, they said.
WatchOS now features the ability to integrate with Apple Music and has a Siri-integrated watch face.
Apple's speaker, called HomePod, emphasises the enjoyment of music and looks like a wide can with curved edges.
Apple fans were also treated to the introduction of a new 10.5 inch iPad Pro which has edge-to-edge bezels with next-generation processors (A10X chip). It starts shipping in the U.S, United Kingdom and Australia in December and will roll out to other countries later.
The next iOS may also have new features designed for artificial intelligence, the application of computers that learn and understand things like humans. Called ARKit, the company believes this will let developers "tap into the latest computer vision technologies to build detailed and compelling virtual content on top of real-world scenes for interactive gaming, immersive shopping experiences, industrial design and more."On iPhones, iOS 11 will also bring friend payment functionality through Apple Pay".
High Sierra will be released later this year as a free update, according to Federighi.
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