The first-generation HomePod is now back in a second-generation guise, two years after it was discontinued. The speaker array has been modified in the new model, and temperature and humidity sensors have also been added.
The 4-inch high excursion woofer is still present in the second-generation HomePod. The seven tweeters on the original model are replaced by five new horn-loaded tweeters. Four new far-field microphones have been added to the original model’s six. For automatic bass correction, there is also an internal low-frequency calibration microphone.
The new HomePod can automatically correct rooms by listening to feedback from the microphones and calibrating itself, just like the original model could. The Apple S7 SoC aids in real-time tuning and computational audio.
Like previous HomePod models, the new one also supports stereo pairing; just place two of them together and you’ll be prompted to decide whether you want to pair them. The HomePod’s capabilities go beyond stereo playback and include Dolby Atmos playback from an Apple TV 4K. To create a stereo pair, you must use the same HomePod model, as the first and second generations cannot be paired together.
The new HomePod can automatically correct rooms by listening to feedback from the microphones and calibrating itself, just like the original model could. The Apple S7 SoC aids in real-time tuning and computational audio.
Like previous HomePod models, the new one also supports stereo pairing; just place two of them together and you’ll be prompted to decide whether you want to pair them. The HomePod’s capabilities go beyond stereo playback and include Dolby Atmos playback from an Apple TV 4K. To create a stereo pair, you must use the same HomePod model, as the first and second generations cannot be paired together.
Additionally, the Apple Watch, iPhone, and iPad can all discreetly receive alerts from the Sound Recognition feature when a smoke or carbon monoxide detector beeps. The HomePod mini will also have access to this feature.
The new model is a little bit shorter and lighter than the previous one, but otherwise the design is largely unchanged. It comes in two colors—White and a new, lighter shade of gray called Midnight—and both come with color-coordinated power cables that can now be removed.
The cost of the new HomePod is $299, which is the same as when the first model was discontinued. It can be ordered right now and will be delivered on February 3.
