HomePod is probably the best move Apple could make
There’s a Steve Jobs quote that I find fitting. It went down something like
Every weakness is a strength if managed right
Today’s Apple announcement is probably the best demonstration of this idea. With HomePod, Apple is actually competing with Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home, and is doing so by leveraging on its weaknesses.
Let’s be honest: Siri is not that smart anymore. It was groundbreaking back then, but it feels dated now. It cannot answer as precisely and as quickly as the Google Assistant or Alexa. Moreover, its answers are not as compelling.
On the other hand, Alexa and Google Home promise to be able to answer almost anything. It’s true for a lot of stuff, but of course anything is an high bar. Yes, a tech-enthusiast like me has no problems with that. But the average consumer may feel tricked. In other words: If the expectations are too high, consumers may end up frustrated by Alexa or Google Home.
Apple’s response is different. This like-Alexa-but-with-Siri device is an alternative to your home stereo. It’s not an A.I. with super-powers. It’s an another iPod. A stereo, activated by your voice. People will ask it to play that cool song. It’s difficult for Siri to get that wrong. It’s easy for Apple to design, produce and market a very nice sounding speaker.
So this is why I think this is the best move Apple could make as of now.
And you, how do you feel about the HomePod? Please leave a comment below!
