In the wake of the release of the new HomePod, Apple is increasing the price of the mini model and unveiling a new function.
Apple unveiled its new connected speaker on January 18, a new generation HomePod, but at the same time discreetly increased the price of the HomePod mini released in 2020. Launched at 99 euros, it crossed the symbolic bar of 100 euros and is now offered at 109 euros.
This price increase comes after those that affected many Apple products, starting with the iPhone and AirPods, but also the main services offered by the Californian company.
The only consolation, Apple will activate a temperature and humidity sensor, present in the speaker for two years, but which has never been used so far. All users in possession of the model will be able to activate this technology thanks to the next iOS 16.3 software update.
It will thus be possible to trigger automations such as closing a blind, turning off a connected radiator or modifying the setting of a thermostat if it is too hot depending on the temperature of a room or its level of humidity. Among the competition, connected speakers from Google and Amazon do not offer such a function. You have to equip yourself with complementary connected objects.
This humidity sensor is also present in the new HomePod, sold for 349 euros and available from February 3, along with another function deployed in the next update: an alarm detector function (fire or carbon monoxide), which will detect the shrill sound of the alert to warn the user on his smartphone, if the latter is not at home.
