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This week: HomePod pre-sale has begun!  But... we’ll tell you why Apple’s new smart speaker may be a huge flop.  Plus: audiophiles are comparing HomePod’s tech to speakers that cost $85,000; Apple adds some long-awaited features to iOS 11; how to backup your iCloud photo library to your PC (and why you should); and wrap with another episode of Drone Chat!  This time, we’ll tell you why DJI's Mavic Air is the perfect drone for almost everyone.   This episode supported by   Easily create a website by yourself, at Squarespace.com.  Use offer code CultCast at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   Print postage from your office and take advantage of special shipping discounts at pb.com/cultcast, and beat the postage rate increase with exclusive discounts on letters.  Plans start at just $5 a month!   CultCloth will keep your iPhone X, Apple Watch, Mac and iPad sparkling clean, and for a limited time use code CULTCAST at checkout to score a free CleanCloth with any order at CultCloth.co.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney   HomePod pre-orders begin Friday ahead of Feb. 9 launch https://www.cultofmac.com/524821/homepod-pre-orders-begin-friday-ahead-feb-9-launch/

• Apple today Wednesday that it will release its $349 HomePod on February 9.
• Pre-orders start this Friday!
• That technology includes a seven-tweeter array and a 4-inch woofer — plus spatial awareness capabilities. These allow HomePod to “read” its environment and tailor audio output for the best results, though this functionality won’t be available until later this year.
• In large rooms, you can even pair multiple HomePods for bigger sound.

  Why Apple’s HomePod is poised to bomb https://www.cultofmac.com/524895/apple-homepod-bomb-opinion/

• HomePod, the first new Apple product of 2018, is about to arrive. And as a huge Apple fanboy, I couldn’t care less.
• Thanks to Siri, HomePod is great at the things you want to know, and do, in your home. Set timers. Convert measurements. Get translations. And get live news, sports, weather, and traffic. You can also create lists that anyone can add to.
• Will it replace an iPad or AppleTV as as HomeKit hub?
• It’s too damn expensive
• Siri sucks
• You’re stuck with Apple Music
  • Will Spotify work at all?
• HomePod is not even finished yet!
  • No stereo or multi-room support till alter this year

  Audiophiles on Reddit are comparing HomePod’s tech to speakers costing 85,000 http://www.loopinsight.com/2018/01/24/on-homepod-and-audio-quality   iOS 11.3 beta 1 is out with iCloud Messages, new Animoji and more https://www.cultofmac.com/525115/ios-11-3-beta-1-battery-improvements-new-animoji/

• Apple gave the public a preview of the new features coming in iOS 11.3 Wednesday.