Many people complain that the HomePod is limited compared to its competitors, especially where the voice interface, in this case Siri, is concerned.





As I’ve mentioned before on the blog, Siri is almost like a form of a computer operating system (OS) and HomePod is like a networked terminal or node for accessing that OS.

Anyone who has worked in a large organisation can relate to using a computer at work, which is just a terminal on that network.

HomePod is just another form of a terminal on a different type of network (and one that really sounds great as well) - the key here is that the user interface is voice rather than keyboard/mouse or touch screen.

Here’s another way of thinking about this: think of HomePod as another computer in your home, just like a desktop computer. It’s more than a speaker: it’s a different form of the personal computer, just like the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch are different forms of the computer. The only difference is that HomePod is totally dependent on Siri as its OS.





I'm wondering, just as the iPod helped popularise the notion of a computer in your pocket, which then obviously was the forerunner for the iPhone, whether as the HomePod, as a voice-activated computer, is a precursor to a more advanced voice-activated machine later on? There is already a lot you can do on HomePod, you can even do basic word processing, using Apple’s Notes app or the Drafts app. I already write text on my HomePod and then edit later on my Mac or iOS device. Siri Shortcuts adds additional functionality, so long as an application is not required to be opened. Apple may extend Shortcuts functionality in iOS 13. They have just added additional Apple Notes functionality in a recent Shortcuts app update.





But here is another thought. With Siri on the Mac, and the dictation function on the machine, it is already possible to a great deal by voice but the interactions are not yet seamless or even comprehensive. How much more work would Apple need to do to enhance what is already available on our existing machines to turn a Mac into a machine, whose main way of interaction is voice? After all, even on the HomePod you can tap the thing for some basic commands if you wish!



Do you think voice-activated computers will become popular in the future?



Brian

Revised for 28th March 2019





BrianRevised for 28th March 2019

















But is it actually showing us the way to the next stage of computing? Let me explain.