More than a year after discontinuing the original HomePod (2018) for the HomePod mini (2020), Apple has finally refreshed the full-size HomePod line. The HomePod (2nd-Gen) or HomePod (2022) retains the same form factor and pricing (US$ 399/AU$ 479) as the original, however, there has been some upgrade to its acoustics, better Siri integration and other smart home features.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Available in Midnight (Black) and White colours, the HomePod (2nd-Gen) is powered by the Apple S7 – the same chip as the Apple Watch Series 7 – and fitted with custom high-excursion woofer as well as a powerful motor, built-in bass-EQ mic, and beamforming five tweeter array positioned around the base. All these combines to deliver an exceptional sound experience.
It also has room sensing technology, which determines allows the speaker to adapt to different home settings. Users can enjoy songs on Apple Music with Spatial Audio, connect two HomePods of the same model as a Stereo Pair or Multiroom Audio, connect to Apple 4K TV to create a theatre-like experience and issue commands to the speaker via Siri (recognizes up to six voices).
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With Apple U1 ultra-wideband integrated, users can transfer what is playing on an Apple product (iPhone) to the speaker (iPhone for Handoff). Other U1-based features available include Find My on HomePod, easy pairing with Apple TV 4K, and location sharing with loved ones via Siri. It connects to and control Matter-enabled smart home products.
Available later as an update to Sound Recognition, the new HomePod will gain the ability to listen for carbon monoxides and smoke alarms as well as alert the user’s iPhone if any issue arises. It can also measure indoor environments to determine whether smart home products such as blinds and fans can be automatically shut or turned on when a level of temperature is sensed.
The HomePod (2nd-Gen) can be bought from the Apple store (app and website) in Australia, Canada and 19 other countries and regions from February 3. It is compatible with iPhones running iOS 16.3 and later; and iPads running iPadOS 16.3 and later.