Apple Unveils New HomePod
You probably won’t be happy with it
Apple has introduced a new second-generation HomePod. So the long-standing speculation has finally been confirmed, and a brand new smart speaker is heading to market soon, from which Apple promises great sound quality, enhanced smart features and a host of other great options.
What’s new, what does it offer, and when will it hit the market? That’s exactly what we’re going to look at together. As mentioned above, HomePod (2nd generation) is a powerful smart speaker with many great features wrapped in a sleek design.
The new generation specifically brings even better audio with support for Spatial Audio. Add to that the capabilities of the Siri virtual assistant, and you’ve got a great everyday companion. So the very foundation of the product is premium sound quality, so you can immerse yourself in your favourite music and soundproof your entire home.
The smart home
The importance of a smart home has been remembered. This is where the smart speaker plays an extremely important role. Specifically, it can be used as a home hub, where it takes complete control of the home, no matter where you are in the world.
At the same time, thanks to its sound recognition technology, it can automatically detect beeping alarms and notify you immediately via an iPhone notification.
To make matters worse, the HomePod (2nd generation) has a built-in temperature and humidity sensor, which can then create various automation. Another important new feature is support for the new Matter standard, which is being profiled as the future of the smart home.
Design
In terms of design, there hasn’t been much change since the first generation. The photos show that Apple intends to stick to the same look and feel.
On the sides, the HomePod (2nd generation) uses a seamless, acoustically transparent mesh that goes hand-in-hand with the top touchpad for easy and instant control of not only playback but also the voice assistant Siri.
At the same time, the product will be available in two finishes, namely white and the so-called midnight, which resembles black to space grey. The power cable is also colour-coordinated.
Price and availability
Finally, let’s look at how much the HomePod (2nd generation) will cost and when it will be available. We’re likely to disappoint you in this regard. According to the official, the speaker starts at $299.
It will then head to dealers’ shelves on February 3. Unfortunately, just as was the case with the first HomePod and HomePod mini, the HomePod (2nd generation) will not be officially available in the Czech Republic. So, unfortunately, I won’t be able to test it for you.
Sound quality
Apple promises some cool improvements, especially concerning sound quality. In its words, the new HomePod is an acoustic beast that delivers breathtaking sound with rich bass tones and crystal-clear highs.
A specially designed woofer with 20mm drivers is at the heart of it all, which goes perfectly with the built-in microphone with bass equaliser. All this is complemented by five strategically placed tweeters, which ensure the product delivers a perfect 360° sound.
Acoustically, the product is on a whole new level. Its chip also plays an extremely important role. Apple has relied on the Apple S7 chipset combined with an advanced software system that can unlock the product’s full potential and make the most of it.
The HomePod (2nd generation) can automatically detect sound reflections from nearby surfaces and determine whether it is facing a wall or standing freely in space. It then adjusts the sound in real-time to achieve the best possible results.
We must also remember the aforementioned support for Spatial Audio. But if the sound from one HomePod isn’t enough, you can connect a pair of speakers to create a stereo pair for a double dose of music.
Apple hasn’t forgotten the most important thing — easy connectivity to the entire Apple ecosystem. You can easily communicate with the speaker via iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or Mac, or connect directly to Apple TV. In this respect, there are extensive possibilities, especially thanks to the Siri assistant and voice control support.
Final thoughts
I find that minimally in terms of design, this is the same device as it was before. Unfortunately, I no longer have the old Homepod to make a direct comparison later when the Homepod can be purchased. I am not impressed by Apple in this case, either by design or price, as I find the price high for getting at least a visually identical device.
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