HomePod lands in Japan and Taiwan

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With AirPlay 2, two HomePods now work in stereo.
Have you got your HomePod yet?
Photo: Apple

HomePod is now on sale in Japan and Taiwan for the first time.

The smart speaker can be purchased from Apple Stores, the Apple Online Store, and from select cellphone retailers.

HomePod is considered a flop by most Apple watchers, with sales failing to take off in a big way since the speaker’s introduction just over two years. That’s despite a permanent $50 price cut.

One of the things holding HomePod back is availability. Apple has been slow to bring the device to new markets — but it today expands its reach to two new territories.

HomePod now available in Japan and Taiwan

You can now buy HomePod in Japan and Taiwan from a number of retail channels.

Both the white and space gray color options are available. The smart speaker is priced at 32,800 yen ($310) in Japan and NT$9,900 ($315) in Taiwan before tax.

This brings the total number of HomePod-supported markets to 12. Others include the U.S., the U.K., Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Mexico, and Spain.

HomePod could see a slight sales boost after iOS 13, which will introduce new features to the device — including Siri Shortcuts, music Handoff with iPhone, and multi-user voice recognition.

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