Apple has announced the release of the 2nd generation HomePod.
The device is “a powerful smart speaker that delivers next-level acoustics in a gorgeous, iconic design,” and it’s packed with Apple innovations and Siri intelligence, making it a powerful tool for both entertainment and everyday tasks.
The new HomePod features advanced computational audio for a groundbreaking listening experience, including support for immersive Spatial Audio tracks. This means that users can enjoy a catalog of over 100 million songs with Apple Music and create a captivating home theater experience with Apple TV 4K. With Siri, users can access a range of music knowledge, and search by artist, song, lyrics, decade, genre, mood, or activity.
In addition to its entertainment capabilities, the HomePod also offers convenient new ways to manage everyday tasks and control the smart home. Users can now create smart home automations using Siri, get notified when a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is detected in their home, and check temperature and humidity in a room — all hands-free.
The new HomePod boasts a refined design, with a seamless, acoustically transparent mesh fabric and a backlit touch surface that illuminates from edge to edge. The device is available in white and midnight, a new color made with 100 percent recycled mesh fabric, with a color-matched woven power cable.
When it comes to acoustics, the HomePod is truly a powerhouse. It delivers incredible audio quality, with rich, deep bass and stunning high frequencies. A custom-engineered high-excursion woofer, powerful motor that drives the diaphragm a remarkable 20mm, built-in bass-EQ mic, and beamforming array of five tweeters around the base all work together to achieve a powerful acoustic experience. The S7 chip is combined with software and system-sensing technology to offer even more advanced computational audio that maximizes the full potential of its acoustic system for a groundbreaking listening experience.
With room sensing technology, HomePod recognizes sound reflections from nearby surfaces to determine if it is against a wall or freestanding, and then adapts sound in real time. Precise directional control of its beamforming array of five tweeters separates and beams direct and ambient audio, immersing listeners in crystal-clear vocals and rich instrumentation.
Users can also elevate their listening experience by using multiple HomePod speakers. Two or more HomePod or HomePod mini speakers unlock a variety of powerful features, such as multiroom audio with AirPlay.
Users can simply say “Hey Siri,” or touch and hold the top of HomePod to play the same song on multiple HomePod speakers, play different songs on different HomePod speakers, or even use them as an intercom to broadcast messages to other rooms. Furthermore, users can also create a stereo pair with two HomePod speakers in the same space, which creates a wider, more immersive soundstage than traditional stereo speakers for a truly standout listening experience.
Are you excited to get your hands on the new HomePod? Let us know and check back soon for more.
