For a long time there were rumors about a resurrection of Apple’s first speaker with Siri. After almost exactly two years, the time has come: The HomePod returns in its old form, but with new technology inside.
In March 2021, Apple pushed the classic HomePod to the sidelines , now the speaker is celebrating a revival. So the “reunion” with the HomePod mini is perfect and also has an impact on the cheaper model. These are reflected in the features that will be available soon. At the same time, fans of the large cylinder finally have the opportunity again to bring a room-filling sound experience into their home. Contrary to earlier rumours, however, not much has changed on the outside of the new product .
APPLE PRESENTS HOMEPOD (2ND GENERATION)
There have been reports for quite some time that Apple was working on a successor to the traditional HomePod, despite the earlier discontinuation. It is somewhat surprising that this is an externally almost identical model. Nor is it the Apple TV , HomePod, and FaceTime camera combo that Apple is rumored to be working on.
The biggest novelty in the look and controls of the speaker is the display on the top. Like HomePod mini, the entire surface now lights up when you touch it or when HomePod executes a command.
Inside, Apple is now using an S7 chip that was previously used in the Apple Watch Series 7 . This also explains why the new HomePod only supports an older Wi-Fi standard (802.11n). This shouldn’t be noticeable in everyday use. There is also a U1 chip. Among other things, this allows you to easily transfer songs to the speaker if you bring your iPhone close by.
FEWER SPEAKERS AND MICROPHONES
According to Apple, the new HomePod offers five tweeters, compared to seven on its predecessor. Apple reduced the number of microphones from six to four. A test has to show what effects this has on the sound. The company continues to speak of “crystal clear voices and rich instrumental sounds”.
The new HomePod is also able to recognize the room and automatically adjust the sound accordingly. If you need more sound, you can still form a stereo pair. However, this only works with devices of the same generation and model. A stereo pair consisting of a HomePod and a HomePod mini is therefore not possible.
NEW SMART HOME FEATURES FOR APPLE’S SIRI SPEAKERS
Sound detection in your home is new. For example, if HomePod hears a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm, it can respond by sending you a notification on your iPhone or Apple Watch. This novelty will reach both available models “this spring 2023” in the form of a software update.
Also new is a sensor for measuring temperature and humidity. About two years ago, it turned out that a secret and previously unused sensor was hidden in the HomePod mini . This also exists in the new regular model and is activated in both devices by Apple.
The sensor can then be used in Apple Home for automation, for example. If it’s too cold, you can use it to turn up the heating in your smart home in winter. If the summer is too warm, the blinds can be closed automatically. The new Siri speaker also supports the new Matter smart home standard .
The HomePod is available in midnight and white colors and is available to pre-order now from Apple for $349 . Delivery begins on February 3, 2023. At the same time, however, the price for the HomePod mini has unfortunately increased from 99 euros to 109 euros.
