In 2021, Apple discontinued the original HomePod smart speaker in favor of the less expensive small model. The larger device has now been brought back to life by the firm with several noteworthy changes along the way, including improved audio, an S7 chip, greater smart home functionality, and lower pricing. However, the general appearance is largely the same as the first speaker, which made its debut in 2018.
The redesigned HomePod audio, according to Apple, produces “rich, deep bass and dazzling high frequencies.” The sound setup includes five bespoke tweeters, a group of six woofers, a diaphragm motor, and a bass EQ mic. Computational audio, which the manufacturer claims “maximizes the entire potential” of the device, is produced using an S7 chip and software. Because HomePod has room sensing technology, it can use sound reflections to detect where it is in relation to walls or open space and instantly modify the audio. Of course, there is also access to Spatial Audio through Apple Music here.
Through AirPlay, HomePod may be combined with another device or a HomePod mini to create a multi-room configuration. You can utilize the entire group as an intercom, play different music on each one, or play the same song on all of them. You can easily transfer the audio now playing on your iPhone—even a call—to a HomePod using Apple’s Ultra Wideband technology. Additionally, you are still able to use two HomePod speakers in stereo mode, such as with an Apple TV. In a home theater system, the two devices divide the audio into left and right channels after they are synchronized, creating a larger soundstage. A pair of connected HomePod units can serve as the audio setup for all of the devices connected to your TV through the Apple TV 4K’s eARC connection.
The smart home technologies that come with the HomePod are arguably the most intriguing improvements. In the first place, an iPhone feature called Sound Recognition can listen for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and inform you if it detects one. Unfortunately, this tool won’t be accessible until “later this spring” when a software update makes it available. Apple is very explicit that it shouldn’t be used in times of need.
A new integrated temperature and humidity sensor monitor the surroundings. According to Apple, this allows HomePod to close the curtains or turn on a fan to maintain the temperature you’ve selected.
You can use Siri to operate a single gadget or to construct scenes that employ a number of them simultaneously. Although that is nothing new, HomePod will now play a confirmation tone so that you will know your request was successful even if a linked device doesn’t indicate a change.
The new HomePod can connect to and control devices compatible with Matter, a popular smart home standard right now. Apple claims that all communications for smart homes are end-to-end encrypted by default and are not readable by the firm. Additionally, Siri requests are not typically saved.
The first HomePod to use circuit boards made entirely of recovered gold.
The rare earth metals used to make the speaker’s magnet were entirely recycled. Apple claims to have changed the packaging to use less plastic, and the new Midnight color option is constructed from a mesh fabric that has been entirely recycled.
Apple is currently accepting preorders for the new HomePod, which will ship on February 3. It costs $299, which is $50 less than the original model when it originally came out.
