Apple has introduced a second-generation HomePod good speaker regardless of discontinuing the unique model practically two years prior.
It comes as some shock given the demise of the primary HomePod, which was reportedly not promoting on the volumes Apple had hoped.
Sturdy competitors from rival speaker merchandise similar to Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Nest Hub may have contributed to that, as maybe did Apple’s excessive value and focus on the HomePod as a music and leisure speaker fairly than a sensible Siri assistant.
The HomePod 2 provides in a few new options however is visually similar to the primary model. It joins the smaller HomePod mini on sale from Apple.
When will the HomePod 2 be launched?
The HomePod 2 will ship on 3 Feburary 2023, after it was introduced on 18 January 2023.
How a lot does the HomePod 2 value?
The HomePod 2 prices $299/£299/€349 and is available in both midnight (black) or white colors.
This makes it dearer than the comparable Amazon Echo Studio ($199/£189) although this was launched in 2019, and Google now not sells the high-end Nest Hub Max ($229/£219).
It seems to be like Apple is assured anew that it might promote a high-end good speaker. It has the HomePod mini ($99/£89) to compete with Amazon and Google’s cheaper Echo and Nest audio system.
At its launch in February 2018 the unique HomePod bought for $349/£319 however was discounted completely by Apple in 2019 to $299/£279 and bought for even much less at third celebration retailers when it was ultimately discontinued.
Apple
What are the HomePod 2’s specs and options?
The HomePod 2 seems to be similar to the unique HomePod. It retains the mesh material design and the contact controls on the highest. There are not any bodily buttons however contact controls for quantity and tapping to play/pause.
This display on the highest isn’t a full show, however does present the purply blobby hues of the Siri orb once you ask it stuff.
The system is powered by Apple’s S7 chipset, which is identical chip used within the Apple Watch Sequence 7. This helps with neat options like Handoff, which lets you move music, podcast or cellphone calls out of your iPhone or iPad to the HomePod or vice versa.
Matter help
Importantly, HomePod 2 helps Matter, the worldwide good dwelling customary launched formally in 2022. Matter ensures that good dwelling merchandise all speak to one another so you may personal {hardware} from a number of totally different producers.
It means HomePod 2 may very well be the hub to your good dwelling arrange given it’s a sensible speaker, letting you management mild bulbs, safety cameras, and different equipment from different firms.
Apple additionally lately up to date its Dwelling app for iPhone and iPad, and the HomePod 2 will totally combine with it.
Music chops
HomePod 2, like the primary one, continues to be marketed as a music speaker. Apparently, it has a 4in woofer and 5 tweeters whereas the unique had seven. Figuring out Apple’s excessive requirements this most likely gained’t be to the detriment of the audio high quality, however maybe a option to save prices.
There are 5 microphones listening out for Siri to listen to your instructions. These mics may also detect the place the HomePod is positioned in a room and alter the sound accordingly round objects or to accommodate for being positioned subsequent to a wall.
Apple
Spatial audio
Not like the HomePod mini, the HomePod 2 has help for Spatial Audio. This can be a new customary of immersive audio that’s additionally supported by a number of of Apple’s AirPods merchandise when used with sure songs on Apple Music.
Completely different mixes of songs may be listened to in Spatial Audio, which locations sounds in several planes fairly than one central combine, as if you have been in a live performance room. It may possibly sounds fairly nice (typically).
Apple nonetheless makes it annoying to make use of third-party music companies with HomePod, with full options and controls solely out there should you use Apple Music.
New sensors
New temperature and humidity sensors within the HomePod 2 will measure indoor ranges that you may set to mechanically shut blinds or activate followers at instances depending on these variables.
Apple says HomePod 2 will (after a software program replace) be capable to pay attention out for a smoke alarm or carbon dioxide alarm and ship a notification to your iPhone to warn you.
Stereo pair
In case you’re feeling flush for money, shopping for two HomePods lands you a stereo pair. Not solely will this make your music sound nice, however you may hyperlink two to an Apple TV field and use the audio system as audio output in your TV.
