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Apple retired the unique HomePod as early as 2021 and solely saved the HomePod mini in its portfolio. Then, in early January of this 12 months, the brand new second-generation HomePod took over. We are going to give attention to these two good audio system – the HomePod (2023) and HomePod mini – right here, because the first HomePod is generally solely obtainable second-hand.
If you’re solely in search of a sensible speaker that helps Siri, you may also go searching at different producers, comparable to Sonos, Teufel, Bose and Bang & Olufsen. Alternatively, when shopping for a sensible speaker, you possibly can merely search for compatibility with Apple’s AirPlay 2 commonplace to seamlessly ship content material from the iPad or iPhone to the speaker. On this article, nonetheless, we’ll give attention to Apple’s in-house good speaker.
Apple HomePod (2023): The OG amongst Siri audio system
In mid-January 2023, Apple offered the brand new model of the massive HomePod with its second technology. And enormous it truly is, not less than compared to the “mini”: The size are fairly cumbersome with a top of 16.8 centimeters and a diameter of 14.2 centimeters. The load can also be excessive at 2.3 kilograms, though the system is now 200 grams lighter and 4 millimeters decrease than its predecessor.
Nonetheless, the load isn’t a giant deal since Apple’s HomePod doesn’t include a built-in battery anyway. Thus, it’s extra appropriate to perform as a bookshelf speaker or as an extension on your house theater setup alone or with a second mannequin as a stereo pair. Sound-wise, the HomePod includes a high-excursion woofer and a hoop of 5 horn-loaded tweeters, every with its personal amplifier. So, you find yourself with a complete of six drivers, every accompanied by their very own amplifiers.
There are additionally a complete of 5 microphones, 4 of that are accountable for recording your voice to regulate Siri. One other is a “low-frequency calibration microphone for automated bass correction,” as Apple acknowledged on a HomePod service web page.
Apple needs to enhance the sound high quality with beam forming in addition to computational audio. The HomePod adjusts its sound by way of room recognition relying on its placement in your house. Thus, the audio high quality needs to be optimum even in corners or on cabinets.
The Apple HomePod additionally connects to different gadgets by way of 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO and Bluetooth 5.0. You possibly can play music on the speaker by way of Apple’s HomeKit, AirPlay 2, and the Residence app, however it can’t be used as a Bluetooth speaker. You can not play music by connecting a cable to it, both.
In comparison with the unique from 2018, Apple has added some options to the brand new HomePod that you simply already know from the mini: Amongst them is the likelihood to combine it into the house theater setup with the Apple TV. The second technology of the HomePod additionally helps the brand new good house commonplace Matter however has additionally been given fully new capabilities. For instance, there are actually sensors on board for measuring temperature and humidity.
Within the spring, Apple will add one other perform that lets you react to smoke or carbon monoxide alarms because of noise detection you probably have put in a corresponding detector. You’ll then obtain the corresponding data in your iPhone.
The HomePod isn’t fairly low cost, which can also be supplied within the 2023 model for 349 euros. If you’re keen to pay this value, you possibly can anticipate a robust good speaker with seamless integration into the Apple universe.
Apple HomePod mini: Screams in coloration
With the HomePod mini, Apple launched a second good speaker a number of years after the HomePod’s debut. The mini mannequin is considerably smaller and lighter with a weight of 345 grams, a top of slightly below 8.5 centimeters, and a diameter of 9.7 centimeters. There’s solely room for 2 passive woofers and one tweeter within the HomePod mini. Apple positioned 4 microphones within the microphone to cater to Siri’s voice recognition.
Just like the bigger-sized HomePod, the mini mannequin can be utilized as a stereo pair. It is usually appropriate with AirPlay 2 and is available in white, yellow, orange, blue, and house grey. Apple has not built-in any technical updates with 802.11n and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. As an alternative, there may be an ultra-wideband chip that lets you observe the HomePod in your house by way of iPhone.
Though the HomePod mini is way more moveable, it doesn’t have an inner battery, similar to its huge brother. So, until you personal a PowerStation, you’ll have to use the HomePod mini wired in your residence or home.
In comparison with the HomePod, the mini mannequin can also be surprisingly inexpensive. Apple presents a beneficial retail value of simply $99 for its HomePod mini. Furthermore, the small HomePod will nonetheless be stocked in shops in July 2022.
Which HomePod mannequin is the correct one for you?
Clearly, the sound within the massive HomePod is extra highly effective. Aside from that, each fashions are nearly similar of their performance. It’s best to seek out out whether or not the sound of the little brother is adequate for you earlier than shopping for, so you must take heed to the sound of the HomePod mini for a take a look at drive earlier than you go to nice lengths.
In the event you do not need to return the system, you may also get a stay impression at your native Apple retailer or electronics retailer. If you’re happy, you might be shopping for a high-quality and pleasant-sounding small good speaker with the HomePod mini. For extra “bang,” get the large HomePod (2023).
The brand new options for temperature measurement or alarm detection may additionally tip the scales by way of a sensible house. Matter help, then again, isn’t, since the usual is supported by default on the massive HomePod, however the HomePod mini has already obtained the HomePod firmware 16.1 and is thus Matter-compatible.
Since a number of HomePod fashions can be utilized on the similar time, you may also obtain a lot better sound high quality with a little bit of spare change. Nonetheless, Multiroom help is particularly beneficial for seamless music enjoyment all through the house.
Which HomePod would you select? And are you trying ahead to extra good speaker/HomePod articles within the coming weeks? Tell us within the feedback!
Information up to date in February 2023 after the HomePod mini assessment. Older feedback had been saved and will seem out of context.
