Apple Inc. has begun manufacturing a virtual-assistant speaker similar to Amazon.com Inc.’s Echo device and Alphabet Inc.’s Google Home that will use its Siri voice-controlled assistant, according to a Wednesday report. Bloomberg News reporter Mark Gurman, citing anonymous sources, said the device could be unveiled as early as Apple’s annual developer conference next week, but would not be available to the public until later this year. The report said Apple’s product would differ from rivals because of virtual surround sound technology and deep integration with Apple’s other gadgets, such as the iPhone and HomeKit, Apple’s smart-home software platform. Apple employees have reportedly been testing the device at their own homes for months. Apple stock was headed for a slight decline before the report was released Wednesday, with shares down about 0.5%.
Market Pulse Stories are Rapid-fire, short news bursts on stocks and markets as they move. Visit MarketWatch.com for more information on this news.
From:: Stock Market News