![Amazon Echo](http://i.imgur.com/6dgWY9G.jpg)
<center><h5>_It looks like Apple is finally going to create a competitor to  the Amazon Echo ([Image Source](http://www.patrickokeefe.com/2015/06/23/amazon-echo-review/))._</h5></center>
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<center><h1>The Siri Speaker?</h1></center>
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<h3>According to a [Bloomberg report](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-31/apple-said-to-ready-siri-speaker-in-bid-to-rival-google-amazon), Apple is set to release a Siri controlled smart speaker device which it could debut at its 2017 developer conference (June).</h3>

<div class="pull-right">

[![Screenshot 2017-06-01 16.37.57.png](https://steemitimages.com/DQmNYAjVeAPyro3y944fZrb2WiZmC3c4U8VXMW6B25kbag9/Screenshot%202017-06-01%2016.37.57.png)](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-31/apple-said-to-ready-siri-speaker-in-bid-to-rival-google-amazon)
<center>_**The Bloomberg Report**_</center>
</div>    

**According to the report:**

> _"The device will differ from Amazon.com Inc.’s Echo and Alphabet Inc.’s Google Home speakers by offering virtual surround sound technology and deep integration with Apple’s product lineup."_

This isn't really a big surprise given how successful Amazon's Echo speaker in particular has been for them.

_I think what is surprising is the length of time it has taken Apple to actually bring something like this to market._

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<center><h1>My Thoughts</h1></center>
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<h3>A while back @andrarchy did an excellent review of the Apple Airpods ([find it here](https://steemit.com/technology/@andrarchy/apple-airpods-and-the-future-of-apple-product-review)).</h3>

<div class="pull-right">

![Screenshot 2017-06-01 16.36.05.png](https://steemitimages.com/DQmfFudBVLkq84qRS9PU1SN2gEJzc7P7YRU6KkT6nfhtbVN/Screenshot%202017-06-01%2016.36.05.png)

<center> **The Apple AirPods (source Apple UK)** </center>
</div>

**One of the points he made which really struck me was that these earphones were a new, more accessible  way of interacting with Apple's virtual assistant.**

_Most people are probably not going to wear something like Airpods all the time and it struck me at the time that it was strange that Apple had not created a smart speaker offering._

It may not be something that I would use (even if you put aside privacy issues some kind of wearable device like a Fitbit might be more appropriate for me) but I think these kinds of devices are ideal for people like my parents.

They are people who are not complete technophobes but could really benefit with having a device that answers all those basic (tech and other) questions that I end up having to answer.

**From what I have read the Amazon Echo has been one of their most successful devices to date and I wonder how much of these have been purchased by people in their thirties and older for their parents?**

_In fact, were it not for the fact that I have switched my parents, grandmother and various other older family members to the Apple ecosystem (to make my life easier) - I would already have bought them all Amazon Echos._

_**A device that would hook up with all their existing Apple devices in that typically "Apple" way would be perfect and an obvious buy for someone like me.**_
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<center><h1>Better Late Than Never Or More Evidence That Apple Has Lost Its Edge?</h1></center>
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<h3>I am really surprised that Apple have taken so long to come up with this - it is perhaps further evidence that they have lost their "edge" since Steve Jobs passed away.</h3>

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![Screenshot 2017-06-01 16.47.54.png](https://steemitimages.com/DQmWwhMd3xSHfNZoeZJApHELVk7eDPtUNV8ydjfYpYmoQs9/Screenshot%202017-06-01%2016.47.54.png)
<center> **Image of Mac on UK Apple Store** </center>
</div>

The Air Pods were a bold move but it seems that since then they have gotten left behind a little bit (- especially so when it comes to their computer offerings).

**I hope that the Siri speaker has some innovations beyond just surround sound - frankly I don't see why that would be of benefit on this kind of device.**

That said, I am more of an audiophile and I would not consider listening to music on anything that did not have high quality speakers and amplification. 

-So perhaps I am not the right person to make that kind of judgement.

_What do you think?  Is surround sound a big innovation for something like this?_
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<center><h1>Conclusion</h1></center>
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<h3>Assuming there are no major problems with this new speaker system I will most likely be buying a few to give to my older relatives.</h3>

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![ThinkstockPhotos-498260584.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmecFRv8PRHWcpAzKzsjbDNgEZqhv2uLMUb5Hwg63gYQSQ/ThinkstockPhotos-498260584.jpg)
<center> **Useful for older relatives?** </center>
</div>

My hope is that it will help to empower them to solve some of their technology issues in a more easily accessible way, without me having to intercede as much.

**Perhaps I'm being unrealistic but I think it is worth trying out - assuming it is not outrageously expensive!**  

Hopefully they won't take too long to release it and they will make it in sufficient quantity so that it doesn't instantly sell out.

_What do you think - would you be interested in this sort of device?  Would it be for you or for someone else?  As always let me know in the comments._
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<center><h1>Thank you for reading</h1></center>
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http://i.imgur.com/IyF3J2Z.jpg
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