Apple returns to the HomePod

Apple has formally introduced the second era HomePod – a modest replace of the unique good speaker that was discontinued by the corporate again in 2021.

We have heard loads of rumblings over the previous couple of months concerning a return to the larger HomePod – becoming a member of the $99 / £99 HomePod Mini launched in 2020 – however a brand new mannequin wasn’t predicted to land till the spring.

As an alternative, the brand new $299 / £299 speaker is obtainable to pre-order as we speak earlier than transport on 3 February, with the important thing new options largely coming from inside adjustments.

The brand new temperature and humidity sensors seem set to ship smarter dwelling automation, whereas the broader expertise will now be powered by the Apple S7 chip (discovered within the Apple Watch Collection 7), slightly than the Apple A8 chip (from the iPhone 6).

The speaker array has additionally modified barely. HomePod 2 will characteristic a four-inch woofer paired with 5 tweeters, which is down from the seven tweeters discovered within the authentic HomePod.

4 microphones may even assist customers talk with Siri, whereas the U1 ultrawideband chip (additionally obtainable in HomePod Mini) will allow options akin to Spatial Audio from Dolby Atmos and handing off from the iPhone.

As anticipated, Apple has additionally made the second-gen HomePod compliant with the brand new good dwelling customary, Matter. The speaker may even be capable to act as a Matter controller, as properly, becoming a member of each the Mini and Apple TV.

What is not clear from Apple’s announcement, nonetheless, is whether or not the brand new HomePod additionally has Thread border router powers, just like the 128GB Apple TV and Mini.

It might characterize a baffling omission if not, however, then once more, it is also true that the speaker will not be capable to stereo pair with the first-gen HomePod, so something is feasible. You may, at the very least, pair two new-gen HomePod audio system for those who’re serious about creating stereo sound.

Externally, the HomePod seems fairly equivalent to the unique – there’s the identical cloth mesh outer and touch-enabled prime. The one variations, then, are the 0.2-inch drop in top and a slight weight reduction, with it going from 5.5 kilos to five.16 kilos.

It is obtainable within the US, UK, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, and 11 different markets, Apple says, with the obtainable colours being the identical white and greyish black from the primary era.

Look out for our full assessment over the approaching weeks – together with satisfying photographs of the color-matched cable.