Apple in mid-January unveiled HomePod (2nd generation), a powerful smart speaker that delivers next-level acoustics in a gorgeous, iconic design.
Packed with Apple innovations and Siri intelligence, HomePod offers advanced computational audio for a groundbreaking listening experience, including support for immersive Spatial Audio tracks. With convenient new ways to manage everyday tasks and control the smart home, users can now create smart home automations using Siri, get notified when a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is detected in their home, and check temperature and humidity in a room — all hands-free.
I just got my new Midnight HomePods on Friday, replacing my existing stereo pair of Space Gray models. Here’s some hands-on impressions of what’s changed compared to the original…
The HomePod works and sounds essentially identical to the first-generation model. I have been doing side-by-side listening tests with many songs over the weekend, and I couldn’t tell a difference between them. The 16.3 tuning promotes vocals more, which is a good change and reduces the bass boominess when listening to podcasts or dialogue in TV shows.
The far-field microphones are just as impressive as always. For better or worse, the responsiveness to Siri requests also appears unchanged. As before, the HomePod isn’t doing much local processing so the speed mostly depends on the Apple backend and your local network connectivity.
MacDailyNews Take: Because the HomePod 2’s power cord is now detachable we cannot wait for battery attachments that will make HomePod truly portable!
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The ability to remove the power cord is a big plus. I’ve used the little Anker rechargeable batteries (intended for the iPhones) to power the Mini Home Pods for a few years now, which enables complete portability. For picnics and BBQs where there’s no convenient electrical outlet they work great for an entire day.