What’s outdated is new once more. After discontinuing the unique HomePod nearly two years in the past, Apple has reversed course by introducing a brand new mannequin.
We’ll spotlight what’s new with the second-generation good speaker, together with numerous good residence goodies.
The HomePod Is Again
In a press launch, Apple introduced the return of the second-generation HomePod.
On the surface, the brand new mannequin appears to be like nearly similar to the unique with a mesh material exterior and a backlit contact floor on the highest.
However there are a selection of notable enhancements inside.
The speaker is powered by the quicker S7 chip discovered within the newest Apple Watch fashions. It additionally affords the identical Extremely Wideband expertise discovered within the HomePod mini. That permits customers at hand off what they’re enjoying on the iPhone, even together with a cellphone name.
When mixed with an Apple TV 4K, the speaker additionally helps eARC expertise. That may will let you use the HomePod because the audio system for all gadgets related to the TV.
Together with these enhancements, Apple can also be making it a greater good residence companion.
The HomePod now affords a built-in temperature and humidity sensor. That may will let you pair it with different automations in your house. So, for instance, if a room rises above a sure temperature, you might robotically flip a fan on.
And the excellent news is that the identical characteristic is coming to the present HomePod mini. A software program replace will activate the identical {hardware} positioned within the smaller speaker.
On the HomePod, there’s additionally a brand new affirmation tone when a Siri request is made to regulate a sensible residence accent that won’t visibly present change. That may very well be an adjunct in one other room or one thing like a heater.
The good speaker may also act as a Matter hub and management Matter-enabled equipment.
You possibly can choose from a midnight or white shade of the brand new HomePod. It retails for $299. You possibly can order it now and it’ll formally hit the market on Friday, February 3, 2023.
A Second Life for the HomePod
Whereas the brand new HomePod has been rumored for some time, it’s attention-grabbing to see the discontinued speaker line come again to life.
The unique HomePod was discontinued for numerous causes, together with the excessive worth in comparison with different choices from Google and Amazon. However the good speaker discovered a second life from music followers having fun with the high-quality sound.
The Proper Notes for Your Sensible House?
Though Apple has added some nice new options, it will likely be attention-grabbing to see if the brand new mannequin can do what the unique didn’t. Particularly when the HomePod mini affords lots of the identical options for $200 much less.
