Apple's HomePod is marking up furniture, and the internet isn't happy
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The HomePod is finally here, and we love it. But after spending a few days with Apple's smart speaker, some users have discovered an unexpected side effect.
WireCutter's review, published Wednesday, praised the HomePod's audio quality, but the reviewers were in for a surprise when they lifted the speaker up. They found that the speaker left a distinct white ring on the countertop and side table where it had been sitting.
SEE ALSO: Here's what we think about Apple's HomePod
Pocket-lint found the same ring after placing the HomePod on an oil-treated kitchen counter. The ring faded some days later, but never completely disappeared.
Mashable's photographer also noticed a similar ring on her stainless steel counter after she shot our review unit.
Several "victims" shared the speaker's unexpected legacy on Twitter:
#homepod left rings on my wood furniture in less than 20 minutes of use. Thanks #apple I am glad a paid $400 to make perfect etched circles on my more expensive furniture. Guess I can not move it now to cover up the mark. Evil geniuses you are. #applesupport pic.twitter.com/eZng16barS
— Guy San Francisco (@Guyinsf415) February 10, 2018
also, here’s my subtle HomePod ring. please don’t tell me to oil my wood pic.twitter.com/4gE452qtUB
— Federico Viticci (@viticci) February 14, 2018
For the HomePod, this really doesn't look good.
The HomePod's design is no small part of its appeal. Unlike some smart speakers, which look a bit like glorified Pringles cans, the HomePod is large, sleek, and gorgeous. But owners will certainly be less likely to place a speaker on a prized piece of furniture if doing so could leave a permanent mark.
Apple has updated its HomePod support guidelines to address the complaints:
With that, it really depends what HomePod buyers are up for. Do you want put the speaker wherever you damn please, or are you willing to move it (or your furniture) to ensure nothing gets marked up? That's a question each HomePod owner will have to answer themselves... at least until someone debuts HomePod coasters.