Apple has unveiled the second version of its HomePod smart speaker. With the new device, the group mainly improved the “Smart Home” functionalities. The speaker configuration has also been changed.
The first HomePod has been discontinued from Apple since March last year and appeared to have been replaced by the HomePod Mini. But now Apple is following suit.
What sound performance does the new HomePod offer?
When looking at the technical data of the new device, it is striking that Apple has only built five tweeters into the device instead of the previous seven. In addition, the woofer with a four-inch diaphragm is still integrated.
This is compensated with pronounced audio calculations, which should optimize the sound everywhere, the speaker should sound better than its predecessor. This is done by the S7 chip, which is also in current Apple Watches.
A bass EQ microphone checks to make sure nothing is buzzing or sounding too flat and adjusts accordingly. A system sensor measures the conditions in the device and checks whether there is still room for acoustic adjustments. How effective this is, you will have to find out in the test.
What is changing in the field of Smart Home?
Also new are a number of new smart home functions. The new devices are now also compatible with the Matter smart home radio standard. There is also a temperature and humidity sensor in the device. For example, it can be used for smart home automation – or simply as an indoor thermometer.
In addition, HomePod listens for suspicious sounds – for example, it recognizes the sound of a smoke detector and sends a corresponding alert to the connected iPhone.
design and price?
From the outside, the first and second generations are confusingly similar – the new speaker is slightly smaller and lighter and also available in white. The standard gray color has been replaced by a slightly darker space gray.
At CHF 299 (or 349 euros), the price is unchanged compared to the starting price of the first generation. According to the announcement, the new HomePod will be available from February 3.
Sources
- apple.com: Apple introduces the new HomePod, breakthrough in sound and intelligence (press release)
- apple.com: Specifications, HomePod (2nd generation)
(t-online/dsc)
Source: Watson
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
