[bb88]

> That's because having these hot microphones networked in your house is such a creep concept, and feels extremely far from useful.

No. I use "Hey google, turn off everything in the garage." all the time. It's remarkably useful if I'm in bed, and don't want to get up to make sure everything is turned off.

Really the Apple speaker reminds me of the Nexus Q. It doesn't do a lot, and it's pretty damn expensive. And if you want stereo, you need two. Google Home Max is similar, and is one of the reasons I haven't bought one.

Edited to add:

I have the audio chromecast plugged into my stereo, and that works really good. I can change out my speakers if I want, add an amplifier, etc.