A lot of the features are only for Apple Music subscribers, of which one I'm not. If I was and considering the price, even as a fan boy I'd get the HomePod in a shot.

Chris Townsend wrote:

A lot of the features are only for Apple Music subscribers, of which one I'm not. If I was and considering the price, even as a fan boy I'd get the HomePod in a shot.

As would most people, sadly. Sounds pretty powerful, too. It's certainly going to cause quite a dent in BeoPlay sales.

I've just finished our big portable speaker roundup and the BeoSound 1 was included. Really disappointed with it's performance, if I'm honest. I know people don't think it looks decent, but the tiny Bose Revolve+ leaves it standing and it's about 1/4 of the price.

I'd go a HomePod even though i hate the name - i didn't like the functionality of the M5 when i tried it in store. 

Moxxey i know some like its design, I also prefer the sound too, depends what you listen to i suppose but for me its good.  I don't know the bose product you mention, so I'll look it up :-) 

Here's a homePod review (I detest the name too) and frustratingly I don't see how (in its current incarnation) how it can integrate into B&O link room environment to add value...

https://www.macrumors.com/2017/06/06/homepod-first-impressions/

It's an Apple product, why would it add to the B&O experience? AirPlay 2 might bring a marginal improvement to B&O customers, but I wouldn't get your hopes up....

Sandyb wrote:

It's an Apple product, why would it add to the B&O experience? AirPlay 2 might bring a marginal improvement to B&O customers, but I wouldn't get your hopes up....

If it were an Apple "essence-like" black box, that is the microphone and the chip without a speaker, then I can see it being useful for me.

Or even if it just also had a line and then we could integrate to our NL/ML networks.

Even as an Apple ecosystem product it would be more useful if it enabled the creation of a mesh Wi-Fi network. Or was part of a consistent collection of components for the home: home hub, mesh access point, Siri access point, time capsule, ATV, speakers.

Honestly Its ridiculous to even entertain the idea of getting an M5 at this point. Reviews have not been kind to it and the AirPods will destroy it in sound alone.

B&O is going to have to rethink their sub $500 product line.

Sandyb wrote:

It's an Apple product, why would it add to the B&O experience? AirPlay 2 might bring a marginal improvement to B&O customers, but I wouldn't get your hopes up....

Just like adding support for chromecasting, the support for AirPlay 2 will make the M5 and every other NL product more flexible.

Some will need it and like it, to others it might be of no importance.

It is crusial that the devices from B&O are as versatile as possible.

The HomePod speaker is (just) an Apple Music speaker with Homekit functions and Siri built in.

If that is all, that someone needs, he should go for that - then there is no need for the M5 (or the NL capabilities in general).

Note - I am still curious to hear how it sounds and how well they have used the DSP processing to achieve what they claim it to be able to.

MM

Well the HomePod is available to order on Friday for £319, disappointed to see that the stereo option with two Homepods isn't available till later this year...

It'll be interesting to get a comparison of these next to the M5, all the press comparisons have been against Alexa's and Sonos Play One's.