Why Apple Needs a HomePod Mini

I of the almost important markets for the tech industry is the continued home, from smart thermostats and lights to security cameras and app-connected door locks.

Opinions I first wrote virtually the connected habitation in 2004; I saw its potential but was concerned about whether these devices had enough processing power and whether our networks could handle all that data.

Back and then, we did non have smartphones, smart speakers, or standardized wireless protocols that could make the smart home a reality. Only I knew the technology would evolve to permit for internet-connected devices, which would about likely connect to a central hub.

Initially, I thought the TV would serve every bit that hub. At the time, Creative Strategies was working with a semiconductor visitor that specialized in television processors and envisioned a smarter TV. Fast forward to 2022, and TVs are indeed smarter but don't really serve equally the home's smart hub. It's articulate now that smart speakers fill that function. With a voice interface, connectivity, and placement in kitchens and dens, they are the all-time way to interact with and command in-home smart devices.

The chart above simply shows the smart speaker market earlier Apple entered it, so there'due south a lot of room to grow this marketplace in the US.

The nautical chart beneath highlights pricing; Apple has some real headwinds when it comes to the HomePod's ability to gain market place share. All the same, if Apple tree tin can sell a projected 5-6 meg in agenda 2022, it could end the year making the most money and profit in this market segment.

In my home, I've been using Amazon's Echo and Echo Dot, the Google Home Mini, and Apple'south new HomePod for getting information, playing music on demand, ordering stuff online, and controlling lights and other continued devices around the house.

Past far, the best device I take is Apple tree'south HomePod for its superior sound quality and ease of utilize with compatible devices; I have also institute Siri surprisingly accurate. But the Echo Dot and Home Mini are no slouches either.

Going forward, Apple needs to follow what its rivals have washed and create a mini HomePod, so digital assistants can follow customers around the abode. In my firm, I have smart speakers in my bedroom, study, and even the main bath.

Apple could stand up out with high-quality speakers in a HomePod Mini. I'd be willing to pay $99 for a HomePod Mini if the speaker quality was at to the lowest degree four times better than what'due south on Echo Dot and Home Mini.

The boxing to control the smart home will become through the smart speaker. But it starts with the quality and functionality of the smart speaker and the accurateness of its intelligence and controlling functions. The smart speaker is much more that an intelligent speaker. It'southward on track to become the abode'south fundamental controller.

Most Tim Bajarin

Tim Bajarin

Tim Bajarin is recognized as i of the leading manufacture consultants, analysts, and futurists covering the field of personal computers and consumer technology. Mr. Bajarin has been with Creative Strategies since 1981 and has provided research to most of the leading hardware and software vendors in the industry including IBM, Apple, Xerox, Compaq, Dell, AT&T, Microsoft, Polaroid, Lotus, Epson, Toshiba, and numerous others. Mr. Bajarin is known equally a concise, futuristic analyst, credited with predicting the desktop publishing revolution three years before it striking the market place, and identifying multimedia every bit a major trend in written reports equally early as 1984. He has authored major industry studies on PC, portable calculating, …