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HomePod can leave an ‘O’ on wood
The HomePod, less than a week after its release, is under fire.
Apple’s smart speaker, which arrived on the market to critical acclaim, started feeling the heat on Thursday after reports surfaced that it can leak an oily liquid that could discolor wood surfaces.
The liquid oozing from the $349 smart speaker has been leaving white rings on wooden furniture that it has been displayed on.
Owners have taken to Twitter to show off the discolored ring that appears below their devices.
Apple admitted that the issue is real, but claimed that the speaker leaving marks on wooden surfaces “is not unusual.”
“The marks can be caused by oils diffusing between the silicone base and the table surface,” Apple ex- plained in a statement.
The Cupertino, Calif., company went on to say that the markings should fade within several days, and suggested wiping the surface gently with a soft cloth.
But for users who find that the stains won’t go away, Apple has one message: tough luck.
The gadget maker says owners should check their “furniture manufacturer’s recommended cleaning process” or consider “placing [their] HomePod on a different surface.”
Accessory makers have been quick to capitalize on the controversy. Pad & Quill now sells a leather coaster for the HomePod — “handmade by skilled artisans” — for a cool $19.95.
Apple shares on Thursday climbed 3.4 percent, to $172.99 — and are now in positive territory for 2018.