Great job. You see it the way I do. And I can't believe of all the homepod reviews I have watched. You are the ONLY one that even mentioned privacy and security. Thanks for an excellent job. Subbing!
I agree completely with trobmj, so well said. A terrific review (including the music). I was thinking about the privacy and security issue as well, your (non) review sold me on it. I’m going to pick up my HomePod on Friday - the HomePod will replace my echo.
Actually all smart speakers will challenge the user when requesting access to security items. Homepod is actually less secure. Anyone on your wifi can walk up to your homepod and send texts as you. Homepod, unlike google and alexa does not have the ability to distingish between voices. My wife for example asks for calendar informtion, google knows her voice and only access her calendar. If my wife asked your homepod for your calendar info, Siri would gladly tell her. Of course you can turn off "personal requests" on the homepod, but then it becomes almost useless. I would not call it secure at all.
If I can't trust my partner with my personal info, I have bigger fish to fry. I trust her with my data more than I trust Amazon or Google. Just the way I see it. I won't be using it as a smart home hub. It sounds great by the way. Enjoy whatever you have.
As a HomePod owner, it's becoming clearer, Apple developed the HomePod not to compete with other 'smart speakers, but as an audio accessory tailored to increase the value of Apple Music. This makes sense if Apple is trying to increase revenue for their services. Reviews do not compare other 'smart speakers' to HomePod's 7 unique features that have never been in a speaker before: 1.) Omnidirectional Listening 2.) Automatic re-tuning to custom location. 3.) Distortion free at any sound level 4.) Woofer enhanced travel model 5.) Computer chip sound processing 6.) Lush big sound for size 7.) Accessory to increase the value of a music service. If you compare competitor contributions to speaker technology, none of the competitors are doing this. The HomePod is not for you if you already have a speaker system. Rather the HomePod is targeted to a music (subscriber) lover purchasing their first speaker. One audience is larger than the other. In short, the technology works for you, rather than you working for the technology. Again, Apple demonstrates their ability to 'Think Differently.'.
I'm just coming across this review now, and I wish it was one I had seen shared more across social media. Almost no reviewers have touched on the privacy aspect the way you do here, and it is something that is quite important to many people. I've always been concerned with privacy, but my wife has loved having Google Home's and Mini's around the house for the last few years to control our smart devices, play music, etc. I recently purchased the HomePod on BF for $250 at Best Buy, and I've been blown away by the sound quality. I already used Homekit via Siri on my iPhone, so it's nice to have that control from my office now without needing my phone around. I would replace my Google devices with Apple HomePod devices, but they do need a smaller version. Not every room calls for a speaker of this size, and that makes it quite difficult to make the full conversion as we love having an Assistant in the bathroom to play music or podcasts while showering, as an example. Hoping we see a smaller version in 2019. But great review and love the content you've been putting out.
Got this a year later and I stay up late sometimes just listening to music on it! I’m also watching all the HomePod reviews I can find and this is the only one that properly highlights the effort Apple puts into privacy.
Good quality video and warm setting. Good audio and nice cuts. I subscribed. Good job! I look forward to more content. Very thorough review but you keep it moving and it doesnt drag.
Just subscribed based on this one video. Love the analytical and deep thought & research put into the video. Great work; can't wait to watch more videos on other products.
Nice work Rene, I'm still confused with AirPlay, Apple TV and the Home Pod. I currently play my locally stored music on my iMac (all stored on an external 4TB Thunderbolt drive attached to the iMac) through iTunes on that machine but instead of selecting "Computer" I select "Apple TV2" (via Airplay). The Apple TV2 then plays that music down it's optical output to my Yamaha receiver and connected speakers. Can I add the home pod to this setup and remove the Yamaha receiver and speakers ? If I am understanding correctly the Home Pod connects to the Apple T2V replacing the Yamaha receiver and speakers? The reason I ask is because on the Apple TV2 I do not see any "speaker selection". Just to be clear I'm using the Apple TV2 Black.
It’d be useful to have an updated HomePod review. I have stereo pairs in most rooms and they’re great. My largest gritch is the lag for Siri to respond and the apparent Airplay 2 problems after 4 to 6 hours of continuous play (granted, I’m almost always on β track, so that could be a lot of the problem). also added the ability to do FaceTime and Voice calls from the HomePod, which is great.
Very thorough review, really glad you touched on privacy! I wonder what your thoughts are now that AirPlay 2 is out along with stereo pairing...might have to see if you dropped another video!
Amazing review! I loved the background music and everything you said was obviously very well thought out and I lvoed how you mentioed the Secuirty and Privacy that HomePod will provide. Amazing work. I subscribed.
Your videos are downright amazing! The effort you put into the videos is definitely apparent. Thank you for such a thorough review and providing the level of detail that you have. I have subscribed and I'm definitely passing this onto friends :) PS: Your production quality and background music is spot on! Well-flipping-done!
I remember you from years ago when you were a guest on Cali Lewis’s show - before she changed her name later on. You have matured and gotten rid of any self-conscious nervousness I saw before. Congratulations on coming into your own! You have come a long way. Your hair was not white then by the way.
very professional "not-a-review" in a very professional new space -- job well done all around! (feedback: video vs audio-only is so much better for me-tks)
Rene thanks, i agree with your comment regarding giving Google or Amazon access to my IPhone. While i do have and Echo i never connected it to my IPhone for appointments, making calls or gave it access to my contacts. I was waiting for Apple’s speaker so i could keep my personal stuff strictly within the Apple ecosystem.
Brilliant analysis and I truly appreciate your perspectives. Keep it coming. Fantastic. You helped to reduce my frustration with this launch. I have a Google Home and some chromecast but am a very Apple person. I appreciate having both but have only purchased smart home stuff compatible with both. I way prefer HomeKit. I look forward to more home product integration, Ring, Wyze, and etc. Thanks a lot.
Those flyovers are from the 4th-Gen and later Apple TV. They play after so much inactivity. They’re beautiful, though. Especially on the Apple TV 4K :)
Sometime this year, but it's not clear when. The initial launch was delayed from December, so I'd expect a few months from now. It's definitely on the roadmap.
The new channel is looking great!!! Color grading and presentation is top notch (turn the music down a touch or change it possibly). What country are you from, says the United States in your "About"
Id like to see a homepod that allows wireless charging and a smart sound sync wirellessly on the same charging pad. So a larger pod might be good for larger surface area on top for wireless charging or a charging pad that could also pair with the device thats charging.
I am an Apple Music subscriber. Does anyone know if you could use the HomePod independently from your iOS device? I understand you need an iOS device to set it up initially but can you, after setting it up, play music by using Hey Siri on the HomePod without using an iOS device? I was under the impression it could? Thanks.
Rene, thanks for a nice feedback and insights however, a quick question. Can I use HomePod without Siri? I mean, I want to stream music from my iPhone and listen on Homepod without Siri, is that possible ?
Love mine. It can hear me perfect;y too. It’ll defaintely get a lot of updates because the hardware is sound and everything people want is just software...
Good review, but you LOVE Apple. You could be biased or not...I can't figure out. I still loved how you did a feature focus for every little thing this speaker can do.
Aaron Rajala it's worth it if you are using Apple devices. And if you can afford it. But it's really worth it and it's the best speaker you can buy at that price point
On the first day I received it I carried it out to the patio and it sounded great. I took it back in with me to keep it safe and dry. Waterproofing it would be fabulous.
I noticed you had your phone facing down… One question… I use my phone to place calls by using the hey Siri command. I am paralyzed so this is important to me. What would happen if your phone was face up and you asked Siri to make a phone call. Which device or respond and will the call be made?
Great job. You see it the way I do. And I can't believe of all the homepod reviews I have watched. You are the ONLY one that even mentioned privacy and security.
Thanks for an excellent job. Subbing!
Wow, thank you!
I agree completely with trobmj, so well said. A terrific review (including the music). I was thinking about the privacy and security issue as well, your (non) review sold me on it. I’m going to pick up my HomePod on Friday - the HomePod will replace my echo.
trobmj1 That is what show how professional he is and care for details and give the big picture to normal users in the right way
Actually all smart speakers will challenge the user when requesting access to security items. Homepod is actually less secure. Anyone on your wifi can walk up to your homepod and send texts as you. Homepod, unlike google and alexa does not have the ability to distingish between voices. My wife for example asks for calendar informtion, google knows her voice and only access her calendar. If my wife asked your homepod for your calendar info, Siri would gladly tell her. Of course you can turn off "personal requests" on the homepod, but then it becomes almost useless. I would not call it secure at all.
If I can't trust my partner with my personal info, I have bigger fish to fry. I trust her with my data more than I trust Amazon or Google. Just the way I see it. I won't be using it as a smart home hub. It sounds great by the way. Enjoy whatever you have.
As a HomePod owner, it's becoming clearer, Apple developed the HomePod not to compete with other 'smart speakers, but as an audio accessory tailored to increase the value of Apple Music. This makes sense if Apple is trying to increase revenue for their services. Reviews do not compare other 'smart speakers' to HomePod's 7 unique features that have never been in a speaker before: 1.) Omnidirectional Listening 2.) Automatic re-tuning to custom location. 3.) Distortion free at any sound level 4.) Woofer enhanced travel model 5.) Computer chip sound processing 6.) Lush big sound for size 7.) Accessory to increase the value of a music service. If you compare competitor contributions to speaker technology, none of the competitors are doing this. The HomePod is not for you if you already have a speaker system. Rather the HomePod is targeted to a music (subscriber) lover purchasing their first speaker. One audience is larger than the other. In short, the technology works for you, rather than you working for the technology. Again, Apple demonstrates their ability to 'Think Differently.'.
Good analysis.
This is fantastic, great video!
Thank you!
I'm just coming across this review now, and I wish it was one I had seen shared more across social media. Almost no reviewers have touched on the privacy aspect the way you do here, and it is something that is quite important to many people. I've always been concerned with privacy, but my wife has loved having Google Home's and Mini's around the house for the last few years to control our smart devices, play music, etc. I recently purchased the HomePod on BF for $250 at Best Buy, and I've been blown away by the sound quality. I already used Homekit via Siri on my iPhone, so it's nice to have that control from my office now without needing my phone around. I would replace my Google devices with Apple HomePod devices, but they do need a smaller version. Not every room calls for a speaker of this size, and that makes it quite difficult to make the full conversion as we love having an Assistant in the bathroom to play music or podcasts while showering, as an example. Hoping we see a smaller version in 2019. But great review and love the content you've been putting out.
Very thorough and candid "not-a-review", Rene (as always).
Thanks, appreciated!
Got this a year later and I stay up late sometimes just listening to music on it! I’m also watching all the HomePod reviews I can find and this is the only one that properly highlights the effort Apple puts into privacy.
Amazed by your new channel
Congratulations!!!
Much appreciated!
Enjoyed the review. Thanks for covering the privacy aspects. I think the background music was a bit too loud.
Thanks for the feedback, will work on it!
Can you use it exclusively as bluetooth speaker?
Good quality video and warm setting. Good audio and nice cuts. I subscribed. Good job! I look forward to more content. Very thorough review but you keep it moving and it doesnt drag.
Just subscribed based on this one video. Love the analytical and deep thought & research put into the video. Great work; can't wait to watch more videos on other products.
Nice work Rene,
I'm still confused with AirPlay, Apple TV and the Home Pod.
I currently play my locally stored music on my iMac (all stored on an external 4TB Thunderbolt drive attached to the iMac) through iTunes on that machine but instead of selecting "Computer" I select "Apple TV2" (via Airplay). The Apple TV2 then plays that music down it's optical output to my Yamaha receiver and connected speakers.
Can I add the home pod to this setup and remove the Yamaha receiver and speakers ?
If I am understanding correctly the Home Pod connects to the Apple T2V replacing the Yamaha receiver and speakers? The reason I ask is because on the Apple TV2 I do not see any "speaker selection". Just to be clear I'm using the Apple TV2 Black.
Best HomePod review on TH-cam
Petter Vos except its apparently "not a review"
Petter Vos no
YTRED 45621 think is a review for me
YTRED 45621 a review is bashing small things that doesn't matter
All the best Rene for your new channel...I’m sure this channel is going to be amazing for Apple reviews and updates..! Thanks..!!
man, you totally have a new subscriber. This is THE best interview I've watched in a long time.
It’d be useful to have an updated HomePod review. I have stereo pairs in most rooms and they’re great. My largest gritch is the lag for Siri to respond and the apparent Airplay 2 problems after 4 to 6 hours of continuous play (granted, I’m almost always on β track, so that could be a lot of the problem). also added the ability to do FaceTime and Voice calls from the HomePod, which is great.
Well done Mr. Ritchie! Please keep these long-form hi-production presentations coming!
Rene, you have come a long way, just by looking at where you are with Vector now Vs. them. Thank you for your expertise.
Great review. Did you experience any noticeable lag/sync issues when using it as a speaker for Apple TV?
Awesome review. Top notch presentation and very informative. If I wasn’t already ready to jump in with HomePod I definitely am now. Thanks Rene!
Ha! Grand!
Very thorough review, really glad you touched on privacy! I wonder what your thoughts are now that AirPlay 2 is out along with stereo pairing...might have to see if you dropped another video!
I've ordered the White HomePod, but I wonder how clean it will look after a couple of months when dust gets into the fabric mesh?
Glad to see you here on TH-cam, Rene! Looking forward to more uploads.
Great video. Where did you get the tv stand? Thanks
Amazing review! I loved the background music and everything you said was obviously very well thought out and I lvoed how you mentioed the Secuirty and Privacy that HomePod will provide. Amazing work. I subscribed.
Very soothing background music. What song/album/artist is this? I like the stone wall in the background as well. Very nice office!
Your videos are downright amazing! The effort you put into the videos is definitely apparent. Thank you for such a thorough review and providing the level of detail that you have. I have subscribed and I'm definitely passing this onto friends :)
PS: Your production quality and background music is spot on! Well-flipping-done!
I remember you from years ago when you were a guest on Cali Lewis’s show - before she changed her name later on. You have matured and gotten rid of any self-conscious nervousness I saw before. Congratulations on coming into your own! You have come a long way. Your hair was not white then by the way.
good review- your background music is too loud and distracting, just lower it about 50%.
Thanks, working oin it!
very professional "not-a-review" in a very professional new space -- job well done all around! (feedback: video vs audio-only is so much better for me-tks)
Thank you!
Thanks a lot for pointing out the security aspect, very helpful!
Great job man... This is the first video that i watch and im sold... you have one New Subscriber. thanks
Yay for video! I love it. I want that lamp in the background. And I want a HomePod! I’m in New Zealand so I’ll be waiting a while I guess...
Rene thanks, i agree with your comment regarding giving Google or Amazon access to my IPhone. While i do have and Echo i never connected it to my IPhone for appointments, making calls or gave it access to my contacts. I was waiting for Apple’s speaker so i could keep my personal stuff strictly within the Apple ecosystem.
The space looks great! Great lighting on the video Rene. Looking forward to more videos!
Much appreciated!
Touchpod accessories with just the round button would be cool for convenience.
Brilliant analysis and I truly appreciate your perspectives. Keep it coming. Fantastic. You helped to reduce my frustration with this launch. I have a Google Home and some chromecast but am a very Apple person. I appreciate having both but have only purchased smart home stuff compatible with both. I way prefer HomeKit. I look forward to more home product integration, Ring, Wyze, and etc. Thanks a lot.
This Video Help me Decide on Why i want a Home Pod Thanks
My HomePod going crazy next to me with all the hey Siri action in this video
Hey Rene, is the video playing on your TV (aerial drone shot), available on TH-cam. If yes can you please share the link.
Thanks.
Those flyovers are from the 4th-Gen and later Apple TV. They play after so much inactivity. They’re beautiful, though. Especially on the Apple TV 4K :)
This is one of the smartest reviews I’ve ever watched.
Excellent video Rene! Keep up the good work! 👍🏻
Great video review, When will these be available for Canada??
Sometime this year, but it's not clear when. The initial launch was delayed from December, so I'd expect a few months from now. It's definitely on the roadmap.
Any idea when it’s coming to Canada? Great video! I’ve been following you for years!!
Amazing video Rene, can’t wait for more!
Good luck!
Great insight. Can’t wait to get mine tomorrow!
Thanks for the thorough review. Outstanding!
Dose it support different languages ? or it depends on the pairing iPhone's siri default ?
The new channel is looking great!!! Color grading and presentation is top notch (turn the music down a touch or change it possibly). What country are you from, says the United States in your "About"
Id like to see a homepod that allows wireless charging and a smart sound sync wirellessly on the same charging pad. So a larger pod might be good for larger surface area on top for wireless charging or a charging pad that could also pair with the device thats charging.
I am an Apple Music subscriber. Does anyone know if you could use the HomePod independently from your iOS device? I understand you need an iOS device to set it up initially but can you, after setting it up, play music by using Hey Siri on the HomePod without using an iOS device? I was under the impression it could? Thanks.
Id like the homepod hold a whole library of music like the original homepod. And also have apps that work natively and offline.
Rene, thanks for a nice feedback and insights however, a quick question. Can I use HomePod without Siri? I mean, I want to stream music from my iPhone and listen on Homepod without Siri, is that possible ?
Apar Agarwal yea you can just airplay the music over to the HomePod and disable Siri.
Great Review! I can’t wait to get mine on Friday.
Thanks!
Jose Rivera except it's apparently "not a review"
I like your way of explaining things
Very very good review! Thanks a lot!
Great video, though a minus for the background music being too loud
Love mine. It can hear me perfect;y too. It’ll defaintely get a lot of updates because the hardware is sound and everything people want is just software...
Love your reviews, so spot on!
Good review, but you LOVE Apple. You could be biased or not...I can't figure out. I still loved how you did a feature focus for every little thing this speaker can do.
Great review! Keep up the good work!! 👍
Are you going to do a comparison with The Google Home Max with Google Assistant?
Great Great video big fan👍👍
is the homepod worth it to buy? I would like to buy it
Aaron Rajala it's worth it if you are using Apple devices. And if you can afford it. But it's really worth it and it's the best speaker you can buy at that price point
excellent review very informative thanks
Awesome review, subscribed 👍👍
What a great review, thank you ! !
Best review so far
Portable homepod for outdoors would be good.
On the first day I received it I carried it out to the patio and it sounded great. I took it back in with me to keep it safe and dry. Waterproofing it would be fabulous.
It’s one of the reasons why I’m holding off on it, tied down to Spotify. Hopefully soon.
If I buy a home Pod in the US and bring it to Canada are there any issues?
Albert Fudge thereshouldnt be
Cool report, particularly about HomePod’s privacy.
Thank you for the in depth review especially the comparison with Sonos. I am quite sure I will be selling my Sonos of 5 years for Apple HomePod.
Were you given the product from Apple or did you purchase it?
Incredible review.... thank you....
WOW!!!! What a WONDERFUL Review!!!!
I love it.
Amazing AirPlay!!
Great review Rene. Keep it up!
Thank you sir!
so two homepods are going to replace a playbase? l
Liked the video very much! Good job. Thanks for the review. The background music can be a littler lower though.
Will do, thanks!
Very enjoyable review.
Great information! Thx.
I noticed you had your phone facing down… One question… I use my phone to place calls by using the hey Siri command. I am paralyzed so this is important to me. What would happen if your phone was face up and you asked Siri to make a phone call. Which device or respond and will the call be made?
They need to make a more affordable like the Eco Dot.
Actually it’s shape is very much like a squashed Libratone’s Zipp and Zipp Mini even down to the mesh cloth.
Fantastic video 👌🏼 Subscribed.
Appreciated!
excellent review
2I don't want an Amazon/Google microphone in my house" YES!!! Exactly!!
Great deep-dive Rene! Now upload those interviews with Phil and the gang you secretly taped in the -2db room. 😂
No such luck, but thanks!
I think Apple may need a listening room in their stores to test out their products.
funny every time u said hay seri my iphone 8 went off and answered u
I think apple should have a sound bar that could pair with i mac or other screens.
nice wwdc hoodie :) didn't know you were also an ios dev
Gah, we have similar voices, you keep activating my iPhone lmao
I actually like this HomePod, is it strange that i want one?
How do you only have 3k subs!?
Great video! 😁
What is your smart door lock?
Alexa and google assistant are everywhere in Canada. Siri has vanished. Why did apple allow this to happen ?
Is that one of those rare Cingleton coasters? 😉 Great non-review! The background music was a bit too loud, otherwise 👌
It is a Cingleton coaster! And yes, will fix the music next time!