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Out of nowhere, Apple unveiled a second-generation HomePod good speaker and stunned shoppers with the timing of the launch. Whereas it was obvious that the successor to the unique HomePod may launch someday this 12 months, nobody thought that will be so fast. The primary-generation HomePod was Apple’s flagship good speaker when it made its debut 5 years in the past in 2018, and whereas critics have been divided, the audio high quality was distinctive. Its $349 value additionally performed a key position in underwhelming demand. Cupertino then launched a $99 HomePod mini at a a lot lower cost however it wasn’t a match to the full-sized HomePod. Apple is now again within the high-end good speaker recreation with the HomePod 2, which not solely has gained new options and capabilities however comes at a bit decrease $299 value. Learn on to see how the HomePod 2 and the unique HomePod examine.
HomePod 2 vs HomePod: Worth and launch date
The primary-generation HomePod launched at $349 and by no means gained the recognition Apple had initially hoped for. In truth, Apple needed to reduce the value of the HomePod in 2019 to $299, a uncommon transfer by the tech big to shift extra models. As soon as once more, Apple nonetheless thinks the second-generation HomePod must be priced on the premium aspect. Certain, it prices $50 much less, however it nonetheless prices $299, which isn’t an enormous low cost. You probably have subscribed to Apple Music and are in search of a high-end good speaker, you may need to purchase Apple’s full-sized HomePod. That’s what Apple has at all times been aiming for with the HomePod. Customers can purchase the HomePod 2 in India for Rs 32,900 in India. The HomePod 2 is accessible for pre-order proper now and can go on sale on February 3.
HomePod 2 vs HomePod: Design
At first look, the HomePod 2 appears similar to the first-generation mannequin. The brand new mannequin nonetheless comes with the spongy mesh materials across the exterior and has little holes angled completely. By the best way, Apple is promoting the HomePod 2 in white or midnight, a a lot darker shade than house grey, with a colour-matched woven energy cable. The contact panel on prime of the HomePod 2, is just like the unique however is now barely recessed just like the HomePod mini. Once more, the second-generation HomePod, like the primary mannequin, is omnidirectional and it should work anyplace you place it.
HomePod 2 vs HomePod: Audio expertise
The primary HomePod sounded improbable and Apple goes after the identical ‘pure’ sound and high-fidelity audio on the HomePod 2. To realize distinctive sound, Apple has added a 4-inch high-excursion woofer (the scale of the woofer on the first-gen HomePod will not be disclosed) and 5 horn-loaded tweeters. From a {hardware} perspective, this can be a downgrade. The unique HomePod had seven tweeters. The mic array has additionally dropped from six microphones all the way down to 4 microphones. That being stated, Apple appears assured that the HomePod 2 manages to ship the identical audio expertise because the HomePod earlier than with fewer tweeters and mics.
Right here’s how Apple describes the HomePod 2 woofer:
“A custom-engineered high-excursion woofer, highly effective motor that drives the diaphragm a exceptional 20mm, built-in bass-EQ mic, and beamforming array of 5 tweeters across the base,” will present “a groundbreaking listening expertise.”
Don’t neglect that the brand new S7 processor on the HomePod 2 – an enormous improve from the A8 on the unique – will drastically enhance computational audio. The brand new HomePod options Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos for music and video, in addition to multiroom AirPlay and stereo pairing (additionally obtainable on the unique mannequin)
HomePod 2 vs HomePod: Connectivity and Matter assist
The brand new HomePod 2 options Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, in addition to assist for Thread, a more moderen low-energy good dwelling connectivity expertise to be used with issues like good lights. One other massive connectivity addition is the Extremely Wideband expertise we first noticed on the HomePod Mini, which lets you hand off media out of your iPhone to the HomePod. Merely put, you possibly can switch a tune taking part in on the iPhone to the HomePod when each units are close to one another. It additionally helps Matter, the brand new title in good dwelling connectivity requirements. The most recent HomePod 2 additionally has a brand new temperature and humidity sensor, which means you’ll get alerts when a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is detected at your house. This is a sign that Apple is slowly however steadily enhancing the good dwelling functionality of the speaker.
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