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Apple presents the second generation of the HomePod

19/1/2023

Translation: machine translated

Apple takes a new approach to smart speakers. The HomePod 2 is packed with chips. It not only plays music, but is also designed to serve even better as an intelligent control centre for the smart home.

So they're not giving up after all. In March 2021, Apple announced that it was withdrawing the HomePod from the market. Only units that had already been produced were to be sold. Instead of the HomePod, they wanted to focus on the HomePod Mini in future, they said at the time.

Now comes the U-turn. Apple has unveiled a second generation of the HomePod. According to Apple's media release, the speaker in the shape of a cylinder is packed with intelligent technology. The HomePod is now powered by an S7 chip. This model is also found in the Apple Watch 7 and is based on the A13 Bionic chip. The system-in-package (SiP) is designed to improve the sound image, which is calculated with the help of a computer. The predecessor model of the HomePod still had an A8 chip installed.

An ultra-wideband module is now available. This should make it easier to transfer music playing on an iPhone to the HomePod when you approach it or point your iPhone in its direction. Apple first used the U1 chip for this in the iPhone 11, but it is now also found in the AirTags and Apple Watch and, put simply, helps Apple devices to understand each other better.

According to Apple's announcement, a few more smart home features will be activated with later software updates. The HomePod will then recognise the sound made by a smoke alarm and send a notification to your iPhone. It has also already been revealed that the HomePod has sensors for room temperature and humidity inside. Just like its little brother HomePod Mini has. However, these will only become usable with the software update in a few weeks' time.

The HomePod enables automation in the smart home. It supports the Thread mesh network protocol and is compatible with the Matter smart home standard. Find out more about Matter here.

Sound and Siri

The second generation of the HomePod should of course sound better. According to Apple, this is to be achieved with only five inbuilt tweeters instead of seven as with the first HomePod. We will, of course, test what sounds contradictory for you. For the bass, Apple installs a high-excursion woofer in the 17 centimetre high and 14 centimetre wide cylinder. With a weight of no less than 2.3 kilograms, it should also be stable. Two HomePods become a stereo pair, and the devices are multi-room-capable on top of that.

The interior view shows, among other things, the ring-shaped arrangement of the five tweeters.
Source: Apple

Siri is activated in the HomePod 2 when the new four (previously six) microphones hear your call for the intelligent assistant.

Apple's prices are based on those of its predecessor. In Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy, the HomePod 2 costs 349 euros according to the list, while in Switzerland it is available for 299 francs.

The HomePod 2, available in white or black, goes on sale on 3 February. The devices are already listed in our shop. You can buy them now and receive delivery after the start of sales.

Smart speakers

EUR349,–

Apple HomePod 2nd Gen.

Apple Siri

Smart speakers

EUR349,–

Apple HomePod 2nd Gen.

Apple Siri

Cover picture: Apple

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Martin Jungfer

Head of Content

Martin.Jungfer@digitecgalaxus.ch

Journalist since 1997. Stopovers in Franconia (or the Franken region), Lake Constance, Obwalden, Nidwalden and Zurich. Father since 2014. Expert in editorial organisation and motivation. Focus on sustainability, home office tools, beautiful things for the home, creative toys and sports equipment.

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Apple presents the second generation of the HomePod

Sound and Siri

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