Apple’s HomePod Speaker Pumps Up The Volume On Tech Rivals

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Apple is hoping a new smart home speaker will strike a chord with music lovers — the latest test of the iPhone maker’s ability to redefine markets originally staked out by its rivals.
The trend-setting company also is putting new twists on existing products as it delves deeper into virtual reality and a form of artificial intelligence called machine learning.
The moves announced Monday escalate Apple’s technological battle of wits with Google, Amaz