Apple has introduced a second-generation HomePod sensible 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.
Robust competitors from rival speaker merchandise resembling Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Nest Hub may have contributed to that, as maybe did Apple’s excessive worth and focus on the HomePod as a music and leisure speaker slightly than a wise Siri assistant.
The HomePod 2 provides in a few new options however is visually equivalent 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 costlier 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 like Apple is assured anew that it might probably promote a high-end sensible 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 offered for $349/£319 however was discounted completely by Apple in 2019 to $299/£279 and offered for even much less at third occasion retailers when it was finally discontinued.
Apple
What are the HomePod 2’s specs and options?
The HomePod 2 seems 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 whenever you ask it stuff.
The gadget is powered by Apple’s S7 chipset, which is similar chip used within the Apple Watch Collection 7. This helps with neat options like Handoff, which lets you go 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 sensible house normal launched formally in 2022. Matter ensures that sensible house merchandise all speak to one another so you may personal {hardware} from a number of completely different producers.
It means HomePod 2 may very well be the hub to your sensible house arrange given it’s a wise speaker, letting you management gentle bulbs, safety cameras, and different equipment from different corporations.
Apple additionally not too long ago up to date its House app for iPhone and iPad, and the HomePod 2 will absolutely combine with it.
Music chops
HomePod 2, like the primary one, remains 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 received’t be to the detriment of the audio high quality, however maybe a strategy to save prices.
There are 5 microphones listening out for Siri to listen to your instructions. These mics can even 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. It is a new normal 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 could be listened to in Spatial Audio, which locations sounds in numerous planes slightly than one central combine, as if you had been in a live performance room. It could actually 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 when you use Apple Music.
New sensors
New temperature and humidity sensors within the HomePod 2 will measure indoor ranges that you may set to routinely shut blinds or activate followers at occasions depending on these variables.
Apple says HomePod 2 will (after a software program replace) have the ability to hear out for a smoke alarm or carbon dioxide alarm and ship a notification to your iPhone to provide you with a warning.
Stereo pair
If you happen to’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 on your TV.
