Apple introduces the HomePod (2nd generation). HomePod brings together several Apple technologies and Siri intelligence to provide computational audio technology and support the playback of immersive spatial audio tracks. HomePod brings convenient new ways to manage daily tasks and control smart homes. Users can use Siri to create smart home automation functions, get notified when smoke or carbon monoxide alarms are triggered in the home, or check the temperature and humidity of the room – all without hands. can finish. The new HomePod can be ordered online or through the Apple Store app from today, and it will be officially released on February 3 (Friday) at a price of RMB 2299.
The exterior of the new HomePod is composed of a seamless acoustic mesh and a backlit trackpad, and it is available in white or a new midnight color, the latter is composed of 100% recycled fabric and has a tonal braided power cord.
HomePod custom-developed high-excursion woofer, powerful motor-driven diaphragm with an amplitude of up to 20 mm, built-in bass equalizer microphone, and an array of 5 beam-forming tweeters surrounding the bottom. The S7 chip combines software and system sensing technology to deliver more advanced computed audio.
Using indoor space sensing technology, HomePod can recognize the sound reflected from nearby surfaces, judge whether it is close to surfaces such as walls, and make real-time adjustments to the audio. A beamforming array of 5 tweeters separates and directs direct and ambient sound with precise pointing control.
Two or more HomePods or HomePod minis unlock a range of features. With AirPlay technology that supports multi-room audio, users can play the same song on multiple HomePods, play different songs on different HomePods, or even use Multiple HomePods broadcast to each room.
Users can also put two HomePods together to form a stereo combination. Stereo Combo not only separates left and right channels, but also plays two-channel audio in harmony, creating a wider and more immersive sound field than conventional stereo speakers.
Utilizing Ultra Wideband technology, users can transfer any sound playing on their iPhone, such as favorite songs, podcasts and even calls, directly to HomePod. Anyone in the room can hold an iPhone close to HomePod, and playback suggestions automatically appear on the iPhone screen, making it easy to control audio playback or get personalized song and podcast recommendations. HomePod also recognizes the voices of up to six users, making it easy for all family members to listen to private playlists, set reminders and calendar events.
The HomePod’s “Find” feature lets the lost device play a sound to help users locate Apple devices such as iPhones. Users can also ask Siri for the location of a friend or family member (with the option to share their location in the Finder app).
Matter support
The Matter connectivity standard, introduced last fall, ensures smart home products maintain the highest levels of security as they work across ecosystems. Apple is a member of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, which joins other industry leaders in maintaining Matter smart home connectivity standards. HomePod can connect and support Matter’s accessories to act as a home hub, allowing users to remotely control it when they are away from home.
Price and time to market
HomePod (second generation) is priced at RMB 2299 (mainland China), and it is available for Australia, Canada, mainland China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the United Kingdom, Orders are open for customers in the United States and 11 other countries and regions, and they will be officially released on Friday, February 3.
HomePod (2nd generation) supports iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later or iPhone 8 and later running iOS 16.3 or later; iPad Pro, iPad (5th generation) and later running iPadOS 16.3 , iPad Air (3rd generation) and later, or iPad mini (5th generation) and later.
