Apple has announced the second-generation HomePod, a successor to the full-size mannequin that was discontinued and not using a clear alternative two years in the past. The brand new HomePod has a $299 beginning value, improved good dwelling options, temperature and humidity sensors, and extra. The brand new HomePod is offered to order right this moment and can start arriving on February 3.
New HomePod options and particulars
The design of the brand new HomePod is fairly just like the previous-generation mannequin. The large change is that the contact floor on the highest of the HomePod now illuminates from edge-to-edge, just like the HomePod mini.
The second-generation HomePod is offered in two colours: white and midnight. The pictures make the midnight shade look eerily just like the earlier house grey, however Apple swears it’s a “new shade made with 100% recycled mesh material, with a color-matched woven energy cable.”
When it comes to specs, the brand new HomePod has 5 tweeters, which is down from the seven tweeters within the authentic full-size HomePod. It’s powered by the S7 chip, in comparison with the A8 chip within the authentic HomePod and the S5 within the HomePod mini. The mic array has additionally dropped from six microphones all the way down to 4 microphones.
Apple appears to suppose these adjustments gained’t have an effect on sound high quality:
HomePod delivers unimaginable audio high quality, with wealthy, deep bass and beautiful excessive frequencies. A custom-engineered high-excursion woofer, highly effective motor that drives the diaphragm a outstanding 20mm, built-in bass-EQ mic, and beamforming array of 5 tweeters across the base all work collectively to realize a strong acoustic expertise. The S7 chip is mixed with software program and system-sensing know-how to supply much more superior computational audio that maximizes the complete potential of its acoustic system for a groundbreaking listening expertise.
The brand new HomePod helps Sound Recognition, which is a function additionally supported by different Apple units. On HomePod, this function can pay attention for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and ship a notification on to your iPhone if a sound is recognized. This function, nonetheless, gained’t launch till the spring with a future software program replace.
Moreover, there’s a brand new “affirmation tone” for Siri when a “request is made to manage an adjunct that won’t visibly present a change, like a heater, or for equipment positioned in a unique room.”
For good dwelling followers, the brand new HomePod contains help for the newest Matter customary. “HomePod connects to and controls Matter-enabled equipment, and serves as a necessary dwelling hub, giving customers entry when away from dwelling,” Apple explains. There’s additionally a built-in sensor for temperature and humidity.
You could find Apple’s full press release here. It’s available to order beginning right this moment, with orders arriving on February 3.
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