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More than five years after the original Apple HomePod came out (also called forever by consumer tech standards), the second generation is finally here. Apple showcased its first-ever smart speaker at his WWDC in 2017, and the product launched in his early 2018 with best-in-class sound, Siri, HomeKit integration, and a hefty price tag. A smaller and much cheaper HomePod mini followed his in late 2020, just months before its larger sibling was officially discontinued.
Two years later, the HomePod sequel arrives, sporting the same instantly recognizable design (only an inch shorter than the original), hardware refreshes for better audio performance, and better connected home features. The newcomer’s $299 sticker is $50 less than its predecessor at launch, but still high by today’s Smart He speaker standards.
HomePod (2nd Gen)
$299.00
walmart.com
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buy now
HomePod (2nd Gen)
$299.00
walmart.com
walmart.com
I tested the new HomePod for a week, and it’s been great. By addressing the shortcomings of the previous iteration, expanding its everyday usability, and lowering its price, Apple has waited a long time and spent a lot of money to follow up.
great audio quality
HomePod’s audio quality is phenomenal and, like its predecessors, an industry benchmark. With five tweeters and a massive high-excursion woofer, this speaker delivers rich, immersive and endlessly enjoyable sound across the audible frequency range. Regardless of the content, from classical to vocal jazz to beat-infused trip-hop tracks, this speaker produced vibrant highs, harmonious mids, and powerful yet precise bass.
Impressively, the new HomePod sounds better than the original model, despite having fewer tweeters (5 vs. 7). I was particularly fascinated by the power and precision of the bass even at high volumes. His HomePod of the first generation tended to boom in scenarios like this. The sequel’s bass delivery is noticeably muted, allowing vocals and instruments to shine without sacrificing power and accuracy.
The new HomePod’s superior acoustic performance is powered by the same Apple S7 chip that powers the Apple Watch Series 7 and an internal base microphone, a pair of invisible but essential hardware bits. The former optimizes the speaker’s acoustic performance in real time based on the surroundings and the content being played. It’s based on his A13 Bionic chip in the iPhone 11, so it’s generations (and years) ahead of his Apple A8 chip inside his original HomePod.
Meanwhile, the internal bass mic tunes and tunes the bass for a consistently good output. For comparison, the original his HomePod’s bass delivery was undeniably entertaining, but didn’t match the fidelity and precision of its successor.
Connect two HomePods in a stereo pair for a breathtaking acoustic experience. The power and level of detail that such an arrangement provides surpasses audio systems that are costly, space efficient, and not easy to set up.
Two HomePods can also be paired with the latest Apple TV 4K streaming player for home theater sound with Dolby Atmos-enhanced content. During testing, I swapped out the top-shelf soundbar and loved the acoustic experience, the level of immersion brought by the double-digit amount of audio drivers between the two Apple speakers was on another level.
HomePod’s home theater capabilities go beyond connecting to Apple TV 4K. When linked to a media player, the speaker works with other hardware (cable boxes, video game consoles, etc.) using the same TV.
The four mics on the new HomePod lived up to my high expectations. The speaker picked up all my “Hey, Siri” voice commands, even when the music was blaring. It worked great during calls as well.
Connected Home Powerhouse
HomePod has always been a powerful and secure smart home hub, and the latest is no exception. This speaker can be linked to and controlled by a myriad of HomeKit home accessories, including connected plugs, smart locks, security cameras, and more. Setting up and managing these gadgets is quick and easy with the Home app for iPhone and iPad. No need to spend a lot of money, install additional apps or create an account to get started.
Support for the Matter smart home standard is a new feature that you can purchase in future HomePods. The new protocol was developed by industry giants such as Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung, and compatible products began hitting retail shelves. The Matter ecosystem will only grow in the coming months and years, so there will be no shortage of smart home products that work with HomePod.
By adding temperature and humidity sensors, Apple has made the new HomePod a more powerful connected home tool. In addition to monitoring the indoor environment, sensors can prompt home automation routines. For example, HomePod adjusts its smart thermostat when the temperature reaches the level you choose.
Sound detection is an upcoming HomePod feature we’re looking forward to. Coming in the next few months, this feature will let you be alerted about alarm sounds while your device is away from home via notifications on your iPhone or iPad. If you have a camera, you can listen to it and see if everything is fine.
wrap up
The new HomePod is arguably the best smart speaker for Apple users. Its exceptional sound quality, ease of use, and vast smart home capabilities make it worth pushing the buy button. Especially if you’ve already purchased into the Apple Universe.
If you already own an Apple device like an iPhone or iPad, but haven’t made the leap to a connected home yet, HomePod is a staple to get if it fits your budget. Its sonic excellence, coupled with the accessible features it offers, are a constant reminder that you spent your money well.
If you prefer the convenience of an Apple smart home, but don’t want to drop $300, consider the HomePod mini. For under $100, the tiny speaker packs similar smart home features, including active temperature and humidity sensors (Apple enabled them via iOS 16.3), Matter support, and upcoming sound detection. Offers.
buy now
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