The HomePod - at least in its current first software iteration - seems to be targeted at a very specific audience. As Gruber and a few other reviewers clearly point out, it currently makes sense mainly if you are using Apple Music or the iCloud Music library. In that respect, it mirrors the roll-out of the Apple Watch. That has not stopped the Apple Watch to be successfull - and I know a few first-day adopters which were extremely happy with their Apple Watch. Because despite of its limitations, it did exactly what they needed it to do.
With the HomePod, it seems to be a similar story. I am eagerly awaiting the HomePod becoming available in Germany, because I am fufilling the criteria listed above. For me, the sound quality is the relevant thing, and that seems to be there.
For expanding the possible user base, Apple has of course to continue working on the software and enable more sources for the music played on the HomePod.
With the HomePod, it seems to be a similar story. I am eagerly awaiting the HomePod becoming available in Germany, because I am fufilling the criteria listed above. For me, the sound quality is the relevant thing, and that seems to be there.
For expanding the possible user base, Apple has of course to continue working on the software and enable more sources for the music played on the HomePod.