Apple hires new HomePod Software Lead


    HomePod was announced in 2017, but since then Apple’s smart speaker never became quite popular — which ended in the HomePod mini replacing the original model. However, Apple doesn’t seem to have given up on HomePod, as the company has now hired a new Head of HomePod Software.

    According to a Bloomberg report, which heard from sources familiar with the matter, Apple has hired engineer Afrooz Family to lead the HomePod Software team. Family had worked at Apple in the past, between 2012 and 2016, but he left the company to co-found audio startup Syng.

    As we covered last year, Syng has recruited multiple other former Apple employees to work on new products for the home audio market, which basically means HomePod competitors. Since Syng is not part of the deal, Family left the startup to return to Apple.

    The iPhone maker is enlisting Afrooz Family to lead the work, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Family worked at Apple from 2012 to 2016 before leaving to co-found audio startup Syng with former Apple industrial designer Christopher Stringer. Family left the startup earlier this year after helping develop the company’s product, the Cell Alpha.

    At Apple, Afrooz Family was responsible for working on some popular sound technologies for the company’s products, which includes Spatial Audio and the HomePod’s Spatial Awareness system.

    HomePod Controversies

    Although HomePod is a smart speaker, Apple first targeted it as a high-quality speaker. However, due to its high price and few smart features compared to its competitors, the HomePod never became a hit. Earlier this year, Apple officially discontinued the HomePod. The company says it has now turned its efforts to the HomePod mini, which was introduced in 2020 with a more affordable price.

    According to rumors, Apple is still working on new HomePod models, which includes a version placed between HomePod mini and the original HomePod. Bloomberg also reported that Apple is developing a set-top box that combines Apple TV software and the HomePod speaker into one device.

    FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.


    Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:



    Source link

    Previous articleBitcoin Is Not Going Away Says Morgan Stanley CEO
    Next articleRussia Will Not Issue China-Style Clampdown on Bitcoin and Crypto Trading, Says Deputy Finance Minister: Report