Though it was rumored for months, Apple finally announced the HomePod [1] at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference [2] (WWDC). The HomePod is Apple's answer to the Amazon Echo [3] and Google Home [4]. It will have:

• Exceptional sound quality: The HomePod will come with "spatial awareness." This will allow the device to "detect" the space it's in and adjust the volume and sound to work in that environment.
• Six microphones to hear your commands: Just say "Hey Siri" and ask it to tell you the weather and sports scores and, of course, play your music.
• Siri will become a "perfect musicologist": Combined with the power of Apple Music, Siri will learn what songs, genres, playlists, and moods you like. You can also ask Siri in-depth questions about the music playing like, "Hey Siri, who's the drummer in this?"
• The HomePod cares about your privacy: Unlike the Amazon Echo that's "always listening," [5] HomePod doesn't turn on or send any information to Apple until you say "Hey Siri." When you do say something, it sends the information to Apple with an anonymous encrypted Siri ID.
• Zero-stress setup: Like the AirPods [6], just hold up your iPhone next to HomePod to connect and start using it.
• You'll know when Siri is on: The "Siri waveform" is located at the top of the HomePod and will light up when Siri is activated.
• Two colors: The device will come in white and space gray.

The HomePod will cost $349 and ship out in December. See photos of the device ahead.

The HomePod in white.

The HomePod in Space Gray.