After a long delay, Apple prepares the HomePod for release, but who (if anyone) is buying? Long lines greeted the opening of Amazon's new automated store that's supposed to do away with lines, but what's the endgame?

This episode of Download is sponsored by:

• TextExpander, from Smile: Communicate smarter with TextExpander

Guest Starring:

Lisa Schmeiser and Kirk McElhearn

Links and Show Notes:

HomePod arrives February 9, available to order this Friday - Apple

Five obvious questions about Apple’s HomePod speaker - The Verge

One Hour With Apple's New HomePod - Refinery29

Review: Apple iPod Hi-Fi - Macworld

Amazon Go, a high-tech version of a 7-Eleven, will finally open on Monday — with no checkout lines and no cashiers - Recode

Amazon Go Photos: Here’s what the new cashier-less convenience store looks like - Recode

Jeff Bezos’ brilliant PR stunt - Axios

Alphabet: Latest X Moonshot Graduate Chronicle Tackles Cybersecurity | Fortune

Chronicle Security - Homepage

rachel binx on Twitter: "if I make take a minute for a Bird Culture tweet: so a magical thing about viral bird videos is that now our birds are starting to learn distinctive songs and calls from their owners watching videos"