Apple (re)hires new HomePod software chief amid rumors of new devices
The original Apple HomePod smart speaker was announced in 2017, but it never really became popular. Due to the lack of popularity, the original model was replaced by the HomePod mini. However, Apple doesn't seem to have given up on the HomePod, as it has hired a new head of software.
According to a report obtained from sources familiar with the matter, Apple has hired engineer Afrooz Family to lead the HomePod software development team. Afrooz has worked for Apple in the past, from 2012 to 2016, but left the company to co-found audio startup Syng.
Syng has recruited several other former Apple employees to work on new products for the home audio market, which basically means "HomePod competitors." Since Syng is not part of the deal, Family has left the startup to return to Apple.
At Apple, Afrooz Family is responsible for working on some popular audio technologies for the company's products, including Spatial Audio and the Spatial Awareness sound system.
Illustration: 9to5mac