Apple will finally release its HomePod smart speaker in Canada, France, and Germany on June 18th per an official announcement on Tuesday.
The HomePod is currently available only in the U.S., U.K., and Australia. Apple hasn’t said what pricing in the new regions will be.
The HomePod will arrive loaded with iOS 11.4 and multi-room audio enabled, allowing people play music in multiple rooms simultaneously or shift content from one room to another. iOS 11.4 also includes built-in controls within apps and the Control Center, but users will also be able to issue Siri commands, something of course essential for HomePod owners.
Apple has also stated that its stereo pairing will take advantage of the HomePod’s spatial awareness technology to create proper channel separation. The company has also promised “greater bass extension, resulting in a deeper, more accurate reproduction of low frequencies.”
Setup is automatic whenever a HomePod is installed in the same room as an existing one. When a person makes Siri requests, the two speakers will communicate to make sure only one responds.
AirPlay 2-compatible speakers will be available from Bang & Olufsen, Bluesound, Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Libratone, Marantz, Marshall, Naim, Pioneer, and Sonos.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via AppleInsider