In the beginning of next month Apple will introduce this year’s first iOS device – the “smart” column with voice control. According to the analyst Zach Epstein, the new product may be the most useless device in the history of the company.
According to reliable sources, Apple will announce rival smart speaker Amazon Echo and Google Home at WWDC. Event for developers will be held from 5-9 June. In selling the gadget will probably come in the second half of the year.
“For Amazon, “smart” speakers with Alexa – needed product… Releasing a line of such devices, the company can be sure that customers can always order products in its online store on the first request. With Apple the situation is completely different. If you do not take into account the fact that even the most successful line of “smart” speaker is unlikely to bring any significant increase in profits for this giant Corporation, Apple users and so have access to Siri in any place and at any time”, – says the analyst.
Sources claim that the “smart” column will be integrated with Apple’s voice assistant Siri. She will receive the cylindrical body in the style of the Mac Pro, as well as seven speakers and one subwoofer, which will provide high quality sound.
The need for such a device for Apple be relatively weak, says Epstein. Moreover, the users of Apple devices access to Siri is, almost always, whether it’s a MacBook on the table, iPhone in the pocket or the Apple Watch on the hand.
“Siri is already present in the pockets of Apple users on their iPhone, on their hands with Apple Watch in their living rooms with the iPad and on their desktops every modern Mac. People can enable “Hey Siri” and activate the voice assistant with voice. So why create a separate speaker when Siri at any time is at arm’s length?”, – asks he.
Rumors attributed to “smart” column, Apple AirPlay support, the ability to control appliances, locks, garage doors, etc. through deep integration with HomeKit, as well as the opportunity at any time apply to assistant with various assignments. Even with this functionality, the need for such a device is highly questionable.
“Perhaps Apple is planning to release a column with Siri to jump into the last car of the departing train, which is not her style. Another explanation is that the “smart” column with Siri is a response to a competitor’s products. The device itself does not need, but Apple may release the “smart” column to expand their own ecosystem, offering users an analogue Alexa and Google Assistant for smart homes.
In any case, from the point of view of the functionality of the speaker with Siri is absolutely useless device. The user can at any place to obtain this functionality, people almost always have access to the voice assistant on the iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac”, – concluded the analyst.
