HomePod mini 2 becomes a surround speaker
Apple’s small speaker sphere gets new capabilities in version 2 – with a small catch.
New colors for the HomePod mini.
(Image: Apple)
Apple unveiled a new model of its small speaker, the HomePod mini, on Tuesday. With a height of 8.4 centimeters, the HomePod mini 2 visually resembles its predecessor down to the last detail – apart from the new colors of the mesh fabric. Apple is switching from bright yellow, orange, and dark blue to a subtle pink, dark green, and blue, in addition to the familiar white and “Midnight”-black. However, that alone would not be worth a new version number.
Part of a real surround system
Like its predecessor, the HomePod mini 2 radiates sound in all directions. Apple likely achieves this again via a downward-facing speaker. A cone-shaped acoustic waveguide directs the sound outwards. The manufacturer uses a full-range driver and two passive diaphragms for this.
What’s new is that four speakers can be combined into a true surround setup. According to Apple, the hardware automatically recognizes the position of each speaker in the room to adjust the timing and volume of the audio signal to the room. Small catch: In addition to the speakers, you need the new Apple TV 4K 4th generation, which the company presented on the same day. In addition to the HomePod mini 2, you can use the large HomePod 2nd generation from 2023. However, the front and rear speaker pairs must consist of the same models. Two HomePods in front of the TV and two minis as rear speakers could thus form a surround system.
(Image: Apple)
New wireless modules and Glow for the HomePod mini 2
According to Apple, the S10 chip in the HomePod mini 2 analyzes music in real-time to “optimize dynamic range, volume, and acoustic performance”. Apple has updated the wireless technology from WLAN 802.11n to 802.11ax (6E) and Bluetooth 5 to 6. Thread and the ultra-wideband chip, which detects iPhones in close proximity, are familiar.
The top serves as a music control, similar to headset controls, and glows to indicate Siri activity. It now functions, as Apple grandiosely puts it, as a “visual canvas that glows and pulsates in sync with the music and reacts in real-time to bass and treble.” The feature is called Sound Glow. Additionally, album covers can provide a color-coordinated lighting experience.
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HomePod mini in the smart home
In the German announcement, Apple omits Siri AI. Consequently, the new version of the voice assistant will not be available in Germany, at least for the time being. In conjunction with an iPhone or iPad, it could recognize individual users in the household and consider personal contexts – for example, for favorite music or calendar entries.
Nevertheless, the mini 2 is suitable for smart control, for example, to turn on the lights or close the garage door. At least simple requests usually work with the somewhat clunky standard Siri. As a smart home hub, it supports Matter and can build a mesh network thanks to Thread. Furthermore, sensors for temperature and humidity are installed, and sound recognition forwards alerts.
Further price increase
The HomePod mini 2 will be available for purchase starting October 31st, and pre-orders can be placed in the Apple Store immediately.
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Apple increased the price of the HomePod mini in June, and it most recently cost 139 euros. For version 2, there is another significant surcharge; Apple is charging 169 Euros. Originally, Apple launched the small sphere for 99 Euros, and the street price was even just under 80 Euros at times. A surround setup consisting of 2 large HomePods, 2 minis, and an Apple TV costs 1485 Euros.
(tre)
