Apple has announced the second-generation HomePod, the successor to the larger model that was discontinued two years ago. The new HomePod has a starting price of 350 euros, improved smart home features, temperature and humidity sensors, and more.
The design of the new HomePod is very similar to the previous model. The big change is that the touch surface on the top of the HomePod now lights up from edge to edge, similar to the HomePod mini. The second-generation HomePod comes in two colors: white and midnight. In the pictures, the midnight color looks eerily similar to the previous space gray. But Apple swears that it is a "new color made from 100 percent recycled mesh fabric with a color-coordinated woven power cable."
With S7 chip and more
As for the specs, the new HomePod has just five tweeters, down from the seven found in the original full-size HomePod. It's powered by an S7 chip, compared to the A8 chip in the original HomePod and the S5 chip in the HomePod mini. The number of microphones has also dropped from six to four. Apple seems to believe that these changes won't affect sound quality:
HomePod delivers incredible audio quality with rich, deep bass and impressive high frequencies. A custom-designed high-excursion woofer, a powerful motor that drives the diaphragm to an impressive 20mm, a built-in bass EQ microphone, and a beamforming array of five tweeters around the base deliver a powerful sound experience. The S7 chip is combined with software and system detection technology to deliver even more advanced computational audio that unlocks the full potential of the acoustic system for a groundbreaking listening experience.
Apple introduces new second-generation HomePod
The new HomePod supports Sound Recognition, a feature that is also supported by other Apple devices. On HomePod, this feature can listen for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and send a notification directly to your iPhone when a sound is detected. However, this feature will not be introduced until spring with a future software update.
There is also a new "confirmation tone" for Siri when a "request is made to control an accessory where a change is not visible, such as a heater or an accessory that is in another room." For smart home fans, the new HomePod offers support for the latest Matter standard.
HomePod connects to and controls Matter-enabled accessories, serving as a central hub in the home and giving users access when they're away from home.
There is also a built-in sensor for temperature and humidity. The complete You can find Apple's press release here. The brand new HomePod can be ordered starting today and will be delivered on February 3rd. (Image: Apple)
