What can you do with your old HomePod now that the new Home Hub is out?

Maybe not as many people as Apple thinks, but there are still some people who own a HomePod, the company's version of a smart speaker. But that rumor will soon be forgotten, as Apple is rumored to be releasing something called the Home Hub, a device that will help Apple catch up in the smart home market .

 

Existing HomePods

Initially, many people did not buy the HomePod because of its high price, much more expensive than the Amazon Echo device . But then, some people changed their minds and were happy to have a smart speaker in their home.

HomePod has Siri, which can't compare to Echo and Alexa. Alexa can do so much more. However, the sound from HomePod is still much better.

 

Perhaps to make the HomePod more affordable, Apple also released a HomePod mini. It doesn't seem to have caught on like the Echo has. Many people still like the Alexa features and smart home connectivity.

But that still leaves Apple out of the smart speaker/smart home market. In fact, some other people have Echoes, but no one has a HomePod. Apple doesn't like to play catch-up.

Apple Home Hub Rumors

Apple has long been rumored to be working on a Home Hub, a HomePod with a screen, which many thought would look like an Echo Show. Instead, it's said to look like an iPad attached to the front of the HomePod, reminiscent of the old iMac design that many thought looked like the robot from Wall-E.

However, new rumors suggest it will be more than that, that it will be like a HomePod, combined with an iPad and Apple TV. It seems like the company is aiming to penetrate more into the Echo market, as it is said to integrate with smart displays and cameras. This is where it is called the Home Hub, as it will act as a smart home hub, just like the Echo. Incidentally, Siri is also rumored to be getting a lot smarter.

 

What to do with old Apple HomePod?

With the new Apple Home Hub likely to be announced at WWDC next week, if you currently have a HomePod, you may be looking to upgrade and wondering what to do with your old device.

Again, the sound quality on the HomePod is fantastic. It's not a waste of money to just use it as a smart speaker, especially if it still works with Siri. Just put it in the room where you're most likely to listen to music and enjoy. This also allows you to put the Home Hub in another room that could make better use of a smart hub. It would also work great as a speakerphone for your Mac.

You can even expand on the idea by buying another used HomePod and using them together to create great stereo sound. To make it easier, when two HomePods are nearby and on the same Home app, you'll be asked if you want to create a stereo pair.

If your speaker is broken and no longer works, you can repurpose it as an analog speaker. If you are technically savvy, you can do this yourself. If not, find a handyman friend who can do it for you.

Of course, you can also sell your old Apple HomePod. Maybe someone is looking for a great speaker that doesn't have many features. But before you do, wipe it down with a soft, dry cloth and make sure you reset it to remove your Apple ID.

You'll need to do this in the Home app on your iPhone or iPad. Select the device, tap Settings -> Reset HomePod . Then, select Remove Accessory -> Remove . Go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad, tap your name at the top, then select Remove from Account if your HomePod is still listed there.

If you're considering the more drastic measure of selling your Apple HomePod, it's best to wait until June 9, just to make sure Apple actually announces or at least hints that the Home Hub is coming.

Keep in mind that Alexa has its own drawbacks, such as not working with artificial intelligence . In today's world, that's not good enough. So keep that in mind before making any drastic moves with the HomePod as an Amazon Echo replacement.