Apple has resurrected the HomePod with a new 2nd generation version. The new model gets a processor transplant, dumping its iPhone power plant for an Apple Watch chip and loses two microspores and a couple of tweeters. But functionally, it fulfils the same use-case as its forebear with a number of nifty tweaks
The HomePod gets support for immersive Spatial Audio tracks – which is quite amazing. I’m not an auto specialist but Spatial Audio is a significant leap forward. It also gets support for Matter, the all new home automation standard that promises to make finding smart home accessories easier and enables greater interoperability between gear from different vendors.
The body is covered by “acoustically transparent mesh fabric” and is available in either white or midnight, a new colour made with 100 per cent recycled mesh fabric, with a colour-matched woven power cable.
For the audio nerds…
As I said, I’m not an audio specialists. But I do know what I like to listen to. But if you’re into the specs here they are:
- custom-engineered high-excursion woofer
- built-in bass-EQ mic
- beamforming array of five tweeters around the base
- S7 chip combined with software and system-sensing technology
Apple says the HomePod has room sensing technology and can recognise sound reflections from nearby surfaces to determine if it is against a wall or freestanding, and then adapts sound in real time. This is reminiscent of the Sonos TruePlay system.
Two or more HomePod or HomePod mini speakers can work together to give multi-room audio or even work as an intercom to broadcast messages to other rooms. You can also create a stereo pair with two HomePod speakers in the same space. Apple says that as well as separating the left and right channels, a stereo pair plays each channel in perfect harmony, creating a wider, more immersive soundstage than traditional stereo speakers for a truly standout listening experience.
HomePod pairs with Apple TV 4K for a powerful home theatre experience, and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)5 support on Apple TV 4K enables customers to make HomePod the audio system for all devices connected to the TV. Plus, with Siri on HomePod, users can control what’s playing on their Apple TV hands-free.
With Sound Recognition HomePod can listen for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and send a notification directly to the user’s iPhone if a sound is identified. The new built-in temperature and humidity sensor can measure indoor environments, so users can create automations that close the blinds or turn on the fan automatically when a certain temperature is reached in a room.
Home automation matters
Matter launched in the latter part of 2022, enabling smart home products to work across ecosystems while maintaining the highest levels of security. Apple is a member of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, which maintains the Matter standard, along with other industry leaders. HomePod connects to and controls Matter-enabled accessories and serves as a home hub giving users access when away from home.
All smart home communications are always end-to-end encrypted so they can’t be read by Apple, including camera recordings with HomeKit Secure Video. When Siri is used the audio of the request is not stored by default.
Pricing and Availability
The 2nd generation HomePod is available to order for AU$479 from Apple Store online and in the Apple Store app with availability beginning Friday, 3 February.
HomePod (2nd generation) is compatible with iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later, or iPhone 8 and later running iOS 16.3 or later; or iPad Pro, iPad (5th generation) and later, iPad Air (3rd generation) and later, or iPad mini (5th generation) and later running iPadOS 16.3.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.