After yesterday’s news, and after rumors that pointed to it, Apple has just officially presented the new HomePod smart speakers, where although it practically maintains the characteristic design of the original model launched in 2019, although it includes a new option called midnight color, and the upper part has been replaced by a backlit touch screen, its interior is quite different from the original model.
And it is that the second generation of HomePod speakers has the S7 chip, initially used in the Apple Watch Series 7, and that according to Apple, combines software and system detection technology to offer even more advanced computational audio that allows it to offer its full potential. as an innovative audio experience.
It also has room detection technology, capable of automatically adjusting itself based on where it is located in the room. Apple describes it this way:
HomePod recognizes sound reflections from nearby surfaces to determine if you’re against a wall or freestanding, then adapts the sound in real time.
And of course, the device has a four-inch woofer combined with five tweeters for the transmission of audio, both directionally and enveloping.
In this regard, Apple realizes the powerful functions that come when two or more HomePod or HomePod Mini speakers are combined beyond the stereo sound that can be enjoyed by placing two speakers in the same room.
And it is that they can also make use, for example, of the AirPlay multiroom function that:
Using multi-room audio with AirPlay, users can simply say “Hey Siri” or touch and hold the top of HomePod to play the same song on multiple HomePod speakers, play different songs on different HomePod speakers, or even use them as an intercom to transmit messages to other rooms.
There are also other interesting functions, such as Sound Recognition, which makes use of its five microphones to detect smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to later send a notification directly to the iPhone.
And with the built-in temperature and humidity sensor, you can measure them indoors. Also, how could it be otherwise, it integrates quite well with the rest of the devices in the Apple ecosystem.
And on the other hand, in addition to voice commands to Siri, this model allows a greater number of possibilities by being compatible with the Matter and Thread standards, which allows it to serve as a control center for connected devices.
Its price will be 349 euros, being already available for reservation at Apple.com, and with the official sale set for next February 3.
More information: Apple
