REVIEW | HomePod Mini: Siri everywhere and more features for your smart home

This is a device that has existed for quite some time, but had not yet arrived in Chile. And those of us who are (we are) fans of Siri features were looking forward to it. First, it must be detailed that there are two versions: HomePod and HomePod Mini.

We reviewed two units of the second. Because two? Because you can connect several at the same time and have even more cool features (Hey Siri, Interfon!). We’ll tell you about that.

Analysis at first sight

The first thing that surprises new HomePod mini is the size: only 8.43 cm. It is harmonious and pleasing to the eye from the first moment. But one wonders, how powerful will it be? Don’t be fooled by its size.

His style remains true to the original, as he uses the Same seamless acoustic mesh as the original HomePod, but with the diameter of the openings somewhat smaller. Technically, this material allows sound to enter and exit the device without changing the sound nuances. In simple words: does not interfere.

Regarding colors, there are several: red (which is more of an intense orange), blue, yellow, black and white. The interface is great: when you communicate with Siri, the upper part lights up with a multi-colored effect, simulating that magic circle that appears on our devices when talking to our favorite assistant.

In addition, this upper part is made of glass and tactile, you can raise and lower the volume (with a + and a – that are there) and obviously, interact with Siri. The charging cable is USB C, and it is integrated (that is, it cannot be removed). Maybe it would have been nice if it was replaceable, but if we think about it, it won’t wear out much (it’s not a device that is connecting and disconnecting that frequently). It needs a minimum 20W adapter to work. Yes, it is included in the box.

Can you plug it directly into an iMac or Macbook? No. We tried, but it showed us a blinking orange light, which indicates that it doesn’t have enough power.

Cool feature: “Hey Siri, Interfon!”

Just during the weeks that I did this review, I was in a complex health situation that left me permanently bedridden for days. That’s where I fell in love with the intercom in case you have more than one HomePod.

By having 2 (one in my bedroom and one in the living room) I could communicate with other people simply by saying “Hey Siri, Interfon!”. After saying those magic words I added my message (“Can you bring me some tea?” or “Can you come help me in the bedroom?”). My relatives appeared instantly, and I felt 100% connected.

Because if you talk to them on your cell phone, they may not be looking at it at the time, but the HomePod was very loud. In fact, to make sure, I would first ask the HomePod in the bedroom to turn the volume up to the maximum on the HomePod in the living room: ready to send my distress message.

HomePod + Siri = the best company

Given the reported situation, he had to work from bed. And Siri proved more than ever to be the best assistant ever. I must admit that I’m not very good at charging my cell phone, and my iPhone sometimes runs out of battery. But by having Siri on the HomePod, it was always there.

He helped me do quick sums, he gave me data, I was able to find out about the weather, put on music and more. We will delve into the incredible audio quality later. In addition, the HomePod allows me to know the temperature of the room, which is also crucial in health issues, and it allowed me to ask for help when the temperatures were very low. Let’s add that my home has smart lights everywhere and that Siri also helped me turn everything on and off as necessary.

Being in bed permanently and with Siri as a nurse through HomePod made you want to include even more products compatible with the ecosystem at home.

Impressive audio for a small speaker

The acoustic clarity starts from a full range transducer designed by Apple that is capable of create consistent bass and very defined treble. This would be the first thing that explains its great quality. This element is usually present in speakers of this size, but in the HomePod mini there is an essential difference with the rest: the S5 chip. This S5 chip enhances and enhances key sound characteristics.

They refer to it as a key element in what is “computer audio”. S5 is a powerful, efficient and fast chip. It allows HomePod Mini to process sound and its characteristics in real time 180 times per second, adjusting the response of the system.

From the physical, and although it seems obvious, the HomePod mini is designed so that there is no before or after: the acoustic wave guidance system emits the sound sending it to the lower part and it comes out surrounding it in 360º.

This is why the sound is SO enveloping. There is no distortion neither with treble nor with bass. accurate sound. We combined two HomePod mini in the same room, and thus we use the stereo pair for movies or music. The result was incredible.

If we had had more units (or budget to purchase them) we would have liked to try their maximum: Did you know that you can generate a pure 7.1 HomePods Mini? Brilliant.

HomePods in this mode will detect the unit that is closest to us when we say “Hey Siri” to process the order, which will then be played on both.

Attention: You can NOT mix an original HomePod and a HomePod mini in a stereo pair, since the difference in balance between acoustic systems would not be correct. Another difference is that only the big brother can use the Dolby Atmos sound system.

HomePod Mini Audio Summary? Formidable and balanced. And it sounds loud: VERY loud. Not only by itself, in stereo (or more) it manages to be a perfect complement to the multimedia content from Apple TV.

How does Siri hear us?

HomePod Mini has four microphones, one of them exclusively for echo cancellation in voice recognition. Three of them for sound reception and one for echo cancellation. This is how they are distributed.

This allows that even in noisy environments, televisions on or others, the mini will recognize us. Siri will come to our aid despite the noise around.

connectivity

Something that we do not want to “let go” is to talk about the connectivity of the device. You will link it to your iPhone and from there this wonder will be connected to the network, even if your iPhone (as I pointed out above) is disconnected and/or without a battery.

It features the U1 chip, which uses ultra-wideband (UWB) for spatial sensing and high data transmission. Unlike Bluetooth, it calculates precision much better and is also directional, that is, it allows knowing not only the distance between both objects that use this technology, but also the direction vector of where the other transmitter is located (with a precision of 3 degrees).

In practical use, it is enough for us to just bring the iPhone closer to the HomePod to interact with what is being played. And we can “read” what the HomePod is up to: playlist, alarms and more.

conclusions

If you are going to add a HomePod to your house, ideally add at least 2. In fact, after this test, I would now like to add one in the children’s bedroom and another in the kitchen. And it is that the advantages are several: quick access to responses from Siri, phenomenal audio for multimedia content from Apple TV, fast Apple Music with excellent quality, the intercom throughout the house and more.

It’s time to have Siri in every corner of your home and bathe your moments with music.