Apple HomePod Was Shelved

TechCrunch reported that Apple’s expensive smart speaker is going away. The original HomePod was confirmed to have been shelved after people noticed it going out of stock on the company’s website.

In a statement, Apple said it would focus instead on the US$ 99 HomePod mini, which is sad news for all fans of pricey speakers from tech companies. HomePod joining Google’s Home Max on the scrap heap is good news for specialists like Sonos, but to me it’s just another example of why people are skeptical of investing in these niche devices made by tech companies.

Last year Sonos’ ‘recycle-mode’ effort tried to push users away from devices that were as much as a decade old, and owners still revolted. Apple and Google have promised ongoing support and updates for their speakers, but how long do you really think it will be until these speakers are unplugged from their respective ecosystems?

It’s spring, and for many of us that means one thing: allergies. Nicole Lee tried out the Mila air purifier that takes a different approach from many other high-end options as it focuses on being more customizable. There are seven different pre-configured air filters for people with different concerns, whether they’re pets, allergies, smells or something else. It’s a pricey option at $360, but worth considering if you’re just trying to get through your day without another sneezing attack.