Apple Says HomePod’s Immersive Sound Technology Is Coming Soon

Apple has officially put a name to the face of its proprietary HomePod technology which will enable two of the Siri-enabled smart speakers to automatically detect, connect, and work in synergy to produce an optimal balance of stereo-like sound.

The technology, dubbed FullRoom, is reliant on what Apple describes as “advanced beamforming capabilities” which will allow two HomePod speakers, when placed within close proximity of one another, to pair, and “create a wider, more immersive soundstage” than a traditional pair of stereo speakers would be able to, Apple said.

Early reviews which began circulating on Tuesday appear to agree that while HomePod is an impressive device in terms of its audio playback capabilities, its Siri functionality is hit-or-miss, according to multiple reviewers including The Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern.

Stern noted, for instance, that HomePod “nails the speaker,” but Siri struggles in the same way on Apple’s standalone speaker as she does on the company’s iPhone and iPad.

Apple confirmed these FullRoom audio capabilities will be coming in a future HomePod software update, while according to TechCrunch, Apple will enable another, highly-anticipated HomePod feature — dubbed ‘MultiRoom’ — at a later time.

Technically similar to FullRoom, multi-room will reportedly enable multi-channel audio playback support via multiple, distally positioned HomePod speakers utilizing Apple’s AirPlay 2 protocol.

Multi-room support will reportedly come via an update separate from that which will enable FullRoom support — though both features are currently listed as “Coming Soon” on Apple’s website.

Announced back in June of last year, Apple’s $349 HomePod speaker is at long last available to order online for customers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia in either White or Black. It officially launches in Apple Stores and begins shipping this Friday, February 9.