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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Apple announced the launch of its second generation HomePod smart speaker devices. The new full-size HomePod comes in shades of white and midnight and is priced at $299. The new HomePod however continues with the same basic shape and size as its predecessor which was discontinued in March 2021. That includes the same exterior finish comprising of mesh fabric as well as a backlit touch interface at the top.
There have been some changes introduced in the interior though, which include the integration of the S7 chip this time for computational audio. The first gen HomePod featured an A8 chipset, the same that powered the iPhone 6. Instead, the S7 chip has been borrowed from the Apple Watch Series 7. Accompanying the S7 chip is the U1 chip that offers support for Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio.
The new second gen HomePod otherwise features an excursion woofer that stands four inches tall, five tweeters, and four microphones. Apple said two of the latest HomePod speakers can be paired to produce stereo sound effects but won’t be compatible with the first gen model. Apart from these, the Apple smart speaker is compatible with Siri digital assistant, besides having Matter support that allows for integration with HomeKit and other smart home accessories. Then there is a new sensor onboard too for measuring humidity and temperature.
Dimension wise, the new HomePod is however shorter and lighter than its predecessor while having the same width. It measures 6.6 inches in height and weighs 5.1 pounds. In comparison, the first gen HomePod stood 6.8-inch tall and weighed 5.5 pounds even though both models had the same 5.6-inch width. The number of tweeters and mics on the latest HomePod is also less than the first gen model.
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- Rich, 360-Degree Sound – Delivers deep bass and crisp high frequencies for immersive audio in any room.
- Siri Voice Assistant – Control music, smart home devices, and get information hands-free.
- Seamless Apple Integration – Works effortlessly with iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV for a connected experience.
- Compact & Stylish Design – Small but powerful, fits perfectly in any space.
- Privacy & Security – Designed to keep your personal information safe and secure.
Apple said the new HomePod is going to be compatible with all iPad Pro models, fifth gen iPad and later models, third-generation iPad Air and later models, fifth-generation iPad mini and later models. For iPhones, it is the iPhone 8 or later models that would be compatible with the HomePod. A new Spring update will enable the HomePod to accurately listen and identify smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and send a notification to the user’s iPhone if needed.
The new HomePod is already on pre-order with deliveries and in-store availability set to commence on February 3. Apple said the smart speaker will initially be available in the US, Canada, China, the UK, Australia, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Japan, along with 11 other countries.
Quick Recap
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- Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
- Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
- Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
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- Rich, 360-Degree Sound – Delivers deep bass and crisp high frequencies for immersive audio in any room.
- Siri Voice Assistant – Control music, smart home devices, and get information hands-free.
- Seamless Apple Integration – Works effortlessly with iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV for a connected experience.
- Compact & Stylish Design – Small but powerful, fits perfectly in any space.
- Privacy & Security – Designed to keep your personal information safe and secure.
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- Features a 4" high-excursion woofer and five beamforming tweeters for deep bass, clear vocals, and detailed room-filling audio.
- Room Sensing technology automatically adjusts sound based on where the speaker is placed.
- Built-in Siri enables voice control for music, reminders, messages, smart home devices, and more.
- Supports AirPlay, Spatial Audio, Thread, Matter smart home control, Bluetooth 5.0, and Wi-Fi 4.
- Pair two HomePod speakers for stereo sound or use multiple units for whole-home audio playback.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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