Better Late Than Never? Apple to Launch Siri Speaker to Compete With Amazon Echo.
apple·@thecryptofiend·
0.000 HBDBetter Late Than Never? Apple to Launch Siri Speaker to Compete With Amazon Echo.
 <center><h5>_It looks like Apple is finally going to create a competitor to the Amazon Echo ([Image Source](http://www.patrickokeefe.com/2015/06/23/amazon-echo-review/))._</h5></center> ___ <center><h1>The Siri Speaker?</h1></center> ___ <h3>According to a [Bloomberg report](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-31/apple-said-to-ready-siri-speaker-in-bid-to-rival-google-amazon), Apple is set to release a Siri controlled smart speaker device which it could debut at its 2017 developer conference (June).</h3> <div class="pull-right"> [](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-31/apple-said-to-ready-siri-speaker-in-bid-to-rival-google-amazon) <center>_**The Bloomberg Report**_</center> </div> **According to the report:** > _"The device will differ from Amazon.com Inc.’s Echo and Alphabet Inc.’s Google Home speakers by offering virtual surround sound technology and deep integration with Apple’s product lineup."_ This isn't really a big surprise given how successful Amazon's Echo speaker in particular has been for them. _I think what is surprising is the length of time it has taken Apple to actually bring something like this to market._ ___ <center><h1>My Thoughts</h1></center> ___ <h3>A while back @andrarchy did an excellent review of the Apple Airpods ([find it here](https://steemit.com/technology/@andrarchy/apple-airpods-and-the-future-of-apple-product-review)).</h3> <div class="pull-right">  <center> **The Apple AirPods (source Apple UK)** </center> </div> **One of the points he made which really struck me was that these earphones were a new, more accessible way of interacting with Apple's virtual assistant.** _Most people are probably not going to wear something like Airpods all the time and it struck me at the time that it was strange that Apple had not created a smart speaker offering._ It may not be something that I would use (even if you put aside privacy issues some kind of wearable device like a Fitbit might be more appropriate for me) but I think these kinds of devices are ideal for people like my parents. They are people who are not complete technophobes but could really benefit with having a device that answers all those basic (tech and other) questions that I end up having to answer. **From what I have read the Amazon Echo has been one of their most successful devices to date and I wonder how much of these have been purchased by people in their thirties and older for their parents?** _In fact, were it not for the fact that I have switched my parents, grandmother and various other older family members to the Apple ecosystem (to make my life easier) - I would already have bought them all Amazon Echos._ _**A device that would hook up with all their existing Apple devices in that typically "Apple" way would be perfect and an obvious buy for someone like me.**_ ___ <center><h1>Better Late Than Never Or More Evidence That Apple Has Lost Its Edge?</h1></center> ___ <h3>I am really surprised that Apple have taken so long to come up with this - it is perhaps further evidence that they have lost their "edge" since Steve Jobs passed away.</h3> <div class="pull-right">  <center> **Image of Mac on UK Apple Store** </center> </div> The Air Pods were a bold move but it seems that since then they have gotten left behind a little bit (- especially so when it comes to their computer offerings). **I hope that the Siri speaker has some innovations beyond just surround sound - frankly I don't see why that would be of benefit on this kind of device.** That said, I am more of an audiophile and I would not consider listening to music on anything that did not have high quality speakers and amplification. -So perhaps I am not the right person to make that kind of judgement. _What do you think? Is surround sound a big innovation for something like this?_ ___ <center><h1>Conclusion</h1></center> ___ <h3>Assuming there are no major problems with this new speaker system I will most likely be buying a few to give to my older relatives.</h3> <div class="pull-right">  <center> **Useful for older relatives?** </center> </div> My hope is that it will help to empower them to solve some of their technology issues in a more easily accessible way, without me having to intercede as much. **Perhaps I'm being unrealistic but I think it is worth trying out - assuming it is not outrageously expensive!** Hopefully they won't take too long to release it and they will make it in sufficient quantity so that it doesn't instantly sell out. _What do you think - would you be interested in this sort of device? Would it be for you or for someone else? As always let me know in the comments._ ___ <center><h1>Thank you for reading</h1></center> ___ http://i.imgur.com/IyF3J2Z.jpg ___ ___ ___ <div class="pull-right"> [](https://www.steemithelp.net/) </div> ## <center>Are you new to Steemit and Looking for Answers?</center> #### <center>_Please visit:_</center> # <center>[Steemithelp.net](https://www.steemithelp.net)</center> #### <center>A collection of guides and tutorials that cover the basics of Steem and Steemit.</center> ___ ###### <center> _Follow me [Steemit](https://steemit.com/@thecryptofiend),[Twitter](https://twitter.com/Soul_Eater_43), [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/arifakhtar/), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ArifAkhtar4), [Medium](https://medium.com/@arifakhtar). Join the [Steemit Group](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13526212) on LinkedIn._ </center> ____ <h6><center>_All uncredited images are taken from my personal [Thinkstock Photography](http://www.thinkstockphotos.co.uk/) account. More information can be provided on request._</center></h6> ___
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