Apple HomePod 2: Smart speaker with improved sound

Apple has introduced a new smart speaker. The new Apple HomePod 2 comes with a greatly improved hi-fi sound and also serves as a hub for the new smart home standard Matter.

Apple HomePod 2 in detail

The new Apple HomePod 2 relies on the iconic design of the first model and is said to offer improved hi-fi sound. With Siri intelligence and advanced computational audio, even room-filling 3D sound is realized.

In addition, the HomePod serves as a hub for the smart home standard Matter, allowing everyday tasks to be performed in the smart home. For example, Siri can be used to create smart home automations and play notifications.

The smart speaker also promises more security, thanks to temperature and humidity sensors and when a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is triggered. With noise detection, the HomePod can respond to smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and send a notification directly to the iPhone.

The new built-in temperature and humidity sensor allows you to measure the indoor environment. For example, automations can be created to close the blinds or activate the fan when a room gets too warm.

“Building on our expertise and innovations in audio, the new HomePod delivers rich, deep bass, natural mids and clear, detailed highs,” says Greg Joswiak, senior vice president of worldwide marketing at Apple.

Mesh design and sound enhancements

The Apple HomePod 2 comes with a seamless acoustically transparent mesh fabric and a backlit touch surface. Offered in white and the new Midnight color, the smart speaker is made of 100 percent recycled mesh.

A specially designed High-Excursion woofer, a powerful driver that moves the diaphragm 20 millimeters, is said to provide an even more intense and full sound. A ring of five tweeters with beamforming, together with a bass EQ microphone, provide a powerful sound.

Apple also installs the S7 chip, which enables computational audio via software to further improve the sound. With room recognition technology, the HomePod detects sound reflections from nearby surfaces and recognizes, for example, whether it has been positioned in front of a wall or freely in the room. This is said to adjust the sound in real time.

Via Apple Music, access to over 100 million songs is possible, meanwhile yes also with karaoke function. In addition, there is 3D audio here and that with only one HomePod of the 2nd generation or with a pair of two HomePods.

In conjunction with the Apple TV 4K, true home theater sound should be possible. Siri also provides further details on artists, song, lyrics and much more.

With Multiroom to stereo sound

Two or more HomePod or HomePod mini speakers enable further functions. Thanks to Multiroom audio with AirPlay, the same song can be played on multiple HomePod speakers or different songs can be played on different HomePods. To do this, simply say “Hey Siri” or press and hold the top of the HomePod. You can even send messages to other rooms via the intercom function.

Two HomePod speakers in the same room can also be linked to form a stereo pair, separating the left and right channels.

With ultra-wideband technology, you can stream anything you play on your iPhone directly to a HomePod. The HomePod can also recognize up to six voices, so each person in the household can play their own playlists, ask for reminders, and add events to the calendar.

In addition, the Apple HomePod 2 supports the “Where is?” Function to find other Apple devices by playing a sound on the devices. In addition, the location of friends and family members can be requested here via Siri if they share it via the app.

Other Apple news:

• Mac mini (2023): Apple unveils new mini PC with significantly more power and M2 Pro
• MacBook Pro (2023): Apple unveils new 14- and 16-inch notebook with M2 Pro and M2 Max

Prices and Availability

The new Apple HomePod 2 is now available for pre-order directly from Apple and is scheduled to begin shipping on February 03, 2023. The recommended retail price is 349.00 euros.