If Apple’s original HomePod taught us anything, it was that no brand is necessarily perfect. Two years after being shelved, the company’s improved model teaches us that there are few better business models than trial-and-error.
When glancing over its tech specs, it’s easy to assume the second-gen smart speaker pales compared to its original, as it features two fewer tweeters and two fewer microphones than the initial model for a total of five each. Nevertheless, its Spatial Audio-compatibility and four-inch woofer deem it as powerful as ever, assuring rich bass and a balanced soundscape that automatically tunes itself depending on how you position it. And while the original device was discontinued due to an overall lack of proper all-around function, Apple’s ultra-wideband tech and newly-implemented humidity and temperature sensors deem it operable for even the smartest of smart homes.
Of course, the revamped model also offers seamless access to Siri. In this case, the voice assistant table registers six different voices around the house and even provides users with personalized responses based on who’s asking what. Size-wise, the difference isn’t very significant, although the forthcoming generation is less than half an inch shorter and roughly half a pound lighter than the original. You can even pair two of them together for a stereo-like sound experience. Most importantly, the new release will come equipped with a power cable, which, believe it or not, was one of the larger quandaries with the original.
Apple’s new-and-improved HomePod will be available for $299 starting February 3. Visit the brand’s webshop to pre-order one today.
