Apple's HomePod Better Be Good

Apple's HomePod smart speaker finally has a launch date. After missing its original December debut, Apple announced Tuesday that the HomePod will begin shipping on Feb. 9, with preorders beginning this Friday. That means Apple will finally join one of the most popular areas of consumer technology today. It also means that we'll finally find out how Apple fares against incumbents, such as Amazon and Google, who have had smart speakers available more than a year (and more than three years, in the Echo's case). Apple is late to the game and will face some significant challenges ahead.