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Apple delays HomePod to 2018

Apple's smart speaker isn't making it this year after all.

Scott Stein Editor at Large
I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.
Expertise VR and AR, gaming, metaverse technologies, wearable tech, tablets Credentials
  • Nearly 20 years writing about tech, and over a decade reviewing wearable tech, VR, and AR products and apps
Scott Stein
Watch this: Apple HomePod is delayed until 2018
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HomePod is now a 2018 product.

James Martin/CNET

Expected to launch in December, Apple's HomePod is being pushed back to 2018, the company announced Friday.

"We can't wait for people to experience HomePod, Apple's breakthrough wireless speaker for the home, but we need a little more time before it's ready for our customers," an Apple spokesperson said. "We'll start shipping in the US, UK and Australia in early 2018."

The HomePod is Apple's entry into the smart speaker market: a $349 or £349 device that promises standout audio and some smart Siri-enabled tools. The HomePod was demoed to CNET earlier this year, but only as an audio device. Its smart functions have largely been under wraps. Meanwhile, many well-priced smart speakers with Amazon's Alexa, Google Assistant and even Microsoft's Cortana have taken over the market this year.

The HomePod hooks into Siri for its smart functions, and will work with Apple's smart home platform HomeKit and Apple Music. But it's unclear how many other apps will work with it. 

Say hello to Apple's HomePod smart speaker

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