Podcast #1190: Ford Patent - Apple HomePod 3 - DirecTV MySports Review

On this week’s show we look at a Ford Motor patent that has potential implications for home entertainment. We preview a potential Homepod 3 and we finish off with a listener review of DirecTV MySports. We also read your emails and take a look at the week’s news

News:

Bundle of Disney+, Hulu and Max Has a Strong Hold on Viewers NESN 360 slashing price by nearly $100 per year Roku Channel reveals MLB Sunday Leadoff schedule for 2025

Others:

What Does Q Think? - YouTube Ford Seeks Patent For Multi-Vehicle Audio System

Big tech companies like Apple file patents all the time. Some of these, like Apple’s patent for an AirPods case with a built-in display, or the one for an iPhone that folds in half, could easily become products if Apple thinks they’ll make money. But sometimes, these patents outline technologies that seem impossible, or at least unlikely. Full Story … 

Apple HomePod 3: Everything We Know So Far (From Tom’s Guide) 

Apple is anticipated to launch the HomePod 3 later in 2025, marking a significant upgrade from its predecessors. Key rumored features include the introduction of a touchscreen, which could position it against competitors like Amazon and Google’s smart displays.  Full article here…

Rumored Release Date: Analysts speculate that the HomePod 3 could be unveiled in either spring or summer 2025. However, there are rumors of a possible delay to the third quarter, coinciding with Apple's WWDC.

Potential Price: No official pricing information has been released, but the current HomePod 2 retails for $299. Given the competitive landscape, analysts speculate the HomePod 3 might be priced around $249, but if bundled with accessories, the total could elevate to $499 or more.

Display and Design: The standout feature of the HomePod 3 is expected to be its 6 to 7-inch OLED display, which would function as a smart home control hub. The device is anticipated to be slightly smaller than an iPad mini and could include a FaceTime camera for video calls and possibly act as a home security camera. Additionally, the HomePod 3 may incorporate presence sensors for smart home automation and feature a new custom-made Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip.

Interface:The Apple HomePod 3 is primarily designed as a smart home hub, with an interface focused on controlling HomeKit devices, possibly resembling the Apple TV's layout based on recent code findings. Reports suggest a strong emphasis on security, enabling users to view live feeds from compatible security cameras and interact with visitors, though compatibility with HomeKit remains limited compared to competitors. While the HomePod 3 will prioritize smart home functionality over audio, users will still be able to manage playlists. Interaction will occur through both touch and Siri voice commands for tasks like setting timers and family communication, and the integration of Apple Intelligence will enhance its smart capabilities, the specifics of which are yet to be clarified.

What We Want to See: For the HomePod 3, there are several desirable features that users would like to see, starting with a larger interface, as a 6-inch screen feels limited compared to similarly sized smart displays from Amazon that support a variety of streaming services. Users hope for an interface akin to the Echo Hub, which visually represents the layout of a home and displays smart devices in their respective rooms for easier interaction. Additionally, an ambient mode that showcases images from Apple Photos would allow the device to function as a digital photo frame when not in use for controlling smart home devices. If Apple Intelligence is a prominent feature, it is desired that users can create smart home routines effortlessly, such as setting commands to turn on lights and play music simultaneously upon unlocking the front door. Updates regarding the HomePod 3 will follow as more information arises.

DirecTV MySports (A Listener Review)

Listener Quincy of, What Does Q Think? - YouTube Channel, tried the five day trial of DirecTV’s MySports and has written us a brief review.  

I tried the 5-day trial of DTV's MySports and it's not bad, but not good enough for me to switch from YouTube TV.  Although I'm paying $84 for YTTV against the 3-month promo price of $50 for DTV, I still love the convenience of YTTV.

I won't bore you with a long essay, but in a nutshell I'll list some of my pros/cons.

MySports Pros: 

The Sports Central section gives you nothing but sports-related material.   You can set your favorite teams and easily follow/record their games as well as hide the scores to avoid spoilers. You also get all of the DTV free streaming channels, so there are over 100 channels available at sign-up (from what I've heard. I didn't count).   You can get 3 months at $49.99/mo. before it goes to the regular price.  Last day for the promo is 2/28. Unlimited DVR will keep your programming for up to 9 months. Two free 4K sports channels.

MySports Cons: 

The two free 4K sports channels only offer a game or two per week.  Some of them require a subscription to another package. I was only offered two local stations (FOX and NBC), so I have to rely on other apps in order to get ABC and CBS programming.   The screen layout is not bad, but I still see a lot of non-sports stuff on the home page.  You have to go to the Sports Central section to get away from most of that. You can only do a Season Pass/Wishlist for teams in men's sports.  I tried to set a season pass for a women's college basketball team and a WNBA team and it forced me to record the entire league instead of just one specific team. It doesn't have Key Plays/Rapid Replay options to speed you through highlights to catch up to live TV for games. It would only allow me to fast-forward 15 seconds at a time instead of a continuous fast-forward other programs give you when you hold down the FF button.

I just felt like I was stepping back into the past by switching to MySports, so I decided against it.  Hopefully, they'll improve and modernize their features a bit.  Although YouTube TV has its faults and a high price, as a sports fan, I love the Key Plays and the ease in finding any sports team or event and setting a season pass/wishlist.

-Quincy

Ridgeland, Mississippi