Before Apple launched its long-awaited HomePod smart speaker earlier this week, the expectation was that it would unveil a sophisticated Echo killer that would redefine the landscape that Amazon has dominated, with Google playing catch-up. “Just like iPod reinvented music in our pockets, HomePod is going to reinvent music in our homes,” Apple SVP Phil Schiller told WWDC attendees. However, while the HomePod appears to be a well-designed, high end treat for loyal iTunes fans, Apple may have missed the mark in terms of creating a category leader.
