The feature Apple needs to make HomePod stand out isn’t audio-related
Maria Diaz/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Gen AI Siri upgrades are expected at WWDC. A smarter Siri could make HomePod more useful. Siri remains HomePod’s biggest advantage. It’s been three years since Apple released a smart speaker, and competitors from Sonos, Bose, Denon, and Amazon are taking advantage of Apple’s absence. Apple’s contemporaries have made meaningful strides in fidelity, whole-home audio support, and expanded smart home integration. Also: Forget the soundbar: How I upgraded my TV audio with spare Bluetooth speakers Still, HomePod’s integration with Apple’s device ecosystem, consisting of smartphones, laptops, tablets, and more, gives the company’s smart speaker a significant edge over its contemporaries. Additionally, one other major advantage sets Apple apart from others: Siri. Siri has its limitations, but Apple is expected to announce meaningful gen AI upgrades to its voice assistant during this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). If a reborn Siri seems promising, here’s how I’d like it to behave in HomePod. 1. Smarter music discovery HomePod’s primary functions are serving …
