Apple HomePod 2 Overview
- The second generation Apple HomePod has a different design, with a tall and stout look, a midnight color and an inset touch surface.
- A new feature is that the power cable is now removable, but this does not prevent it from leaving a staining pattern on wooden tables when sitting for an extended period of time.
- The HomePod 2 has two new sensors- a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor.
- It also includes a sound recognition feature, meaning that if it hears an alarm or a smoke detector, it will send a notification to your phone.
- The 99 dollar HomePod Mini has the same features as the HomePod 2, and activated by the latest HomePod software update.
- Inside the HomePod 2 has one woofer, 5 tweeters and 4 far field microphones, compared to the original HomePod with one woofer, 7 tweeters and 6 far field microphones.
Audio Quality
- The HomePod still has a crisp and balanced sound that is not distorted
- It produces good low sub-base rumbles even at lower volumes
- Computational audio adjusts sound based on location of HomePod and shape of room
- Two HomePods can be paired for a stereo pair, creating a sound that is bigger than expected
- Supports Dolby Atmos setup
- Sounds good enough to use as TV speakers but wouldn’t be recommended in larger rooms
- Impressive feat of audio engineering
Smart Features
- Quick pairing and beaming feature with iPhone
- Far field microphones can hear the user from across the room
- Can use Apple Music
- Default music app is still unable to be set to Spotify
- Cannot accept pairing with other devices than iPhone/AirPlay
- No audio jack
- No display to show info like running timers or other visuals
Conclusion
- Recommended to Apple fans who want to hear bad Siri in crystal clear audio
- HomePod Mini is still available for a lower cost and offers the same features
- Suggest other options from Google and Amazon for better results
- Samsung’s large size smart speaker still has not been released
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