[snuxoll]

The HomePod is also capable of being used as a HomeKit hub, so I think Apple is actually trying to push the home assistant angle some more now that there is three options to get into HomeKit proper (beyond simple in-home toggling of devices and reading sensors) depending on what products you want to buy (Apple TV, leave-at-home iPad and now HomePod).

Personally I'm really hoping to see them expand Siri over the coming year(s), especially given how...dumb...she is right now - expanding what can be done with SiriKit and allowing additional Siri functionality to be installed directly on the HomeKit would make my mind up on buying one easy (I'll still probably get one for a nice speaker to play music with, though).