This week: friends, HomePod is even better than the hype, it’s one of the best products Apple's ever made. Plus: HomePod vs. the rivals; the big HomePod flaw you need to know about (and the one Apple is trying to downplay); how Apple plans to revamp their future software; and is another new Apple product on the horizon?  We think so, and we’ll tell you what it is.   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.   From how to become more productive and professional to how to read body language, network, and negotiate, the Art of Charm podcast covers anything that will help you become a high-performer at home and at work.  Check it out at theartofcharm.com/podcast.   On the show this week @erfon / @bst3r / @lkahney / @lewiswallace   Consumer Reports says HomePod doesn’t sound as good as its rivals https://www.cultofmac.com/528645/consumer-reports-says-homepod-doesnt-sound-good-rivals/ One of the most reputable tech review sites isn’t that impressed with the HomePod’s superb sound. While most reviewers have noted the HomePod as the best sounding speaker they’ve ever listened too, Consumer Reports claims Google Home Max and Sonos One sound better. “The HomePod will serve many music fans well, but CR testers did hear some flaws. The HomePod’s bass was a bit boomy and overemphasized,” wrote Consumer Reports. “And the midrange tones were somewhat hazy, meaning that some of the nuance in vocals, guitars, and horns was lost   Audiophile Review: HomePod 'Sounds Better' Than $999 KEF X300A Digital Hi-Fi Speakers https://www.macrumors.com/2018/02/12/homepod-audiophile-review-standing-ovation/ Reddit user WinterCharm posted exhaustive audio performance testing results for HomePod to the Reddit audiophile community. Using specialized equipment and a controlled testing environment, the review features in-depth analysis of the smart speaker's output when compared to a pair of $999 KEF X300Adigital hi-fi monitors, representing a "meticulously set up audiophile grade speaker versus a tiny little HomePod that claims to do room correction on its own”. "I am speechless. The HomePod actually sounds better than the KEF X300A. If you're new to the Audiophile world, KEF is a very well respected and much loved speaker company. I actually deleted my very first measurements and re-checked everything because they were so good, I thought I'd made an error. Apple has managed to extract peak performance from a pint sized speaker, a feat that deserves a standing ovation. The HomePod is 100% an Audiophile grade Speaker."   Siri on HomePod Correctly Answered 52.3% of Queries in New AI Test https://www.macrumors.com/2018/02/10/siri-on-homepod-new-ai-test/ Our ol’ pal Genie Munster, in a new test shared today by Loup Ventures, HomePod was put through a bunch of Siri AI tests When asked a series of questions, here’s how it performed vs. other smart speakers Google Home answered 81 percent correctly, Amazon's Alexa answered 64 percent correctly, and Microsoft's Cortana answered 57 percent correctly.   HomePod leaves ugly white rings on wood tables https://www.cultofmac.com/529025/homepod-leaves-ugly-white-rings-wood-tables/ HomePods are already making their mark in new homes across the country — but not in a good way. Apple customers started noticing that HomePod can damage wood furniture by leaving a white ring after resting on a table for just a few minutes or days. Apple confirmed the problem today, saying “the marks can improve over several days after the speaker is removed from the wood surface.” Apple also suggested owners “try cleaning the surface with the [table] manufacturer’s suggested oiling method.”If the white rings don’t disappear, Apple says you can just refinish the furniture. Apple also recommends putting the HomePod on a coaster if you’re worried about the speaker damaging your table.   Erfon listens