Apple Said to Take on Amazon, Google With Siri Speaker

The transcript discusses Apple's plan to introduce a new speaker to compete with Google and Amazon. The announcement is expected at Apple's developer conference in San Jose. Apple is playing catch-up in the smart speaker market, despite having introduced Siri before Amazon's Echo. The discussion highlights Amazon's business model, which focuses on using hardware as a gateway to sell services, while Apple traditionally profits from hardware sales. Recently, Apple has been emphasizing its services business, potentially adjusting its hardware pricing strategy to compete more effectively.

What is the main reason Apple is considered to be playing catch-up in the smart speaker market?

• Apple's late entry into the smartphone market

• Apple's delay in launching a smart speaker compared to Amazon and Google

• Apple's focus on hardware over software

• Apple's lack of a virtual assistant

How does Amazon primarily generate revenue from its Echo and Dot devices?

• Through subscription services

• By using them as gateways to sell more products and services

• By selling the devices at a high margin

• By charging for software updates

What has Apple been focusing on over the past 18 months according to the transcript?

• Strengthening its services business

• Expanding its hardware lineup

• Entering new international markets

• Reducing its product prices

What is the defensive measure Apple is taking with its new speaker?

• To launch a new operating system

• To ensure people keep using Apple services

• To increase hardware sales

• To compete with Samsung

What is the potential trade-off Apple might consider with its new speaker?

• Increased marketing costs for better brand recognition

• Lower hardware margins for increased software revenue

• Higher production costs for better quality

• Higher software prices for lower hardware costs