RE: Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac
I would say if you are in the Apple ecosysem Sonos is also very high up and it gives you a ton of options and chocies with respect to what you can get for which room. Of course you can't have Siri on it as a digital assistant (at least not yet), but you can have Alexa or Google Assistant (not both at the same time) and you can have the Sonos voice assistant at the same tiem as Alexa. Sonos voice assistant is not really for general inquiries, but it works amazingly well for grouping rooms, ungrouping them, changing volume and all the internal Sonos stuff. They are still very much the King in multi-room audio. -Original Message- From: viphone@googlegroups.com On Behalf Of Mike Arrigo Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2023 10:10 AM To: viphone@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac I think which speaker to get depends somewhat on what eco system you are in and what you want your speaker to do. If sound quality is your absolute top priority, and especially if you use an Iphone, than yes, a homepod might be the best choice. If your top priority is the best smart home device support, Amazon is probably the best choice with Google nest close behind. When it comes to providing the best and most detailed answers to questions, Google is the clear winner. Each also provide their own music service but interestingly, Apple music is the only service that can be played on all three of them. For me at least, I want the best assistant and the best smart home device support which is why I have an Echo and a Google Home, the sound quality is sufficient with those, I have no interest in getting a homepod because the assistant and device support are far behind the other two. > On Jan 20, 2023, at 3:21 PM, Mary Otten wrote: > > Yes, I know. But the frustrating thing is the regression. Things that they > used to do well they don’t do well anymore. I’ve totally given up on much of > anything to do with sports and Alexa. Useless. Not always, but most of the > time. I can understand if they don’t know. But sometimes you might ask > questions a and get a response that’s totally not related. That’s happening a > lot more with Alexa these days, at least for me. I don’t get it. > > Sent from my iPhone > >> On Jan 20, 2023, at 12:41 PM, Richard Turner >> wrote: >> >> Mary, >> That is why it is called "artificial intelligence." >> Much like artificial nails, hair, etc. It might be a good imitation of >> intelligence, but it is not intelligence. >> >> To think people are considering trusting this technology to drive cars ... >> not me! >> >> Richard, USA. >> “Reality is the leading cause of stress for those who are in touch >> with it.” -- Jane Wagner from The Search for Intelligent Life in >> the Universe >> >> My web site: https://www.turner42.com >> >> -Original Message- >> From: viphone@googlegroups.com On Behalf >> Of Mary Otten >> Sent: Friday, January 20, 2023 12:36 PM >> To: viphone@googlegroups.com >> Subject: Re: Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and >> HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac >> >> Well Siri may be behind, it strikes me that Alexa is getting stupider. I >> can’t count the number of things Alexa just plain either doesn’t know or >> misses the question entirely. And there’s totally no comparison and sound >> between the older HomePod and anything Amazon produces. And the new one >> according to a brief review I saw pre-release apparently sounds a lot >> better. So if you like really good sound, wait for this to go down in price >> to 250 and pick up a pair. I think the home assistant thing is frankly quite >> overblown. I get enough incorrect answers even from Google. >> >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> >>> On Jan 20, 2023, at 4:41 AM, Mike Arrigo wrote: >>> >>> Apple has still not addressed the biggest issues with the home pod though, >>> if you compare siri with Alexa and Google Assistant, Siri’s capabilities >>> are far behind the other two. Also, the smart home device support is far >>> behind the other two smart speaker eco systems. Granted, the matter support >>> will help with that somewhat, still, while I already have a google home and >>> Amazon Echo, it would be hard for me to suggest or recommend the home pod >>> because of its lack of abilities in these areas. >>> >>>>> On Jan 18, 2023, at 10:34 PM, M. Taylor wrote: >>>> >>>> 9 to 5 Mac, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 1:16 PM >>>> >>>> Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original
Re: Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac
I think which speaker to get depends somewhat on what eco system you are in and what you want your speaker to do. If sound quality is your absolute top priority, and especially if you use an Iphone, than yes, a homepod might be the best choice. If your top priority is the best smart home device support, Amazon is probably the best choice with Google nest close behind. When it comes to providing the best and most detailed answers to questions, Google is the clear winner. Each also provide their own music service but interestingly, Apple music is the only service that can be played on all three of them. For me at least, I want the best assistant and the best smart home device support which is why I have an Echo and a Google Home, the sound quality is sufficient with those, I have no interest in getting a homepod because the assistant and device support are far behind the other two. > On Jan 20, 2023, at 3:21 PM, Mary Otten wrote: > > Yes, I know. But the frustrating thing is the regression. Things that they > used to do well they don’t do well anymore. I’ve totally given up on much of > anything to do with sports and Alexa. Useless. Not always, but most of the > time. I can understand if they don’t know. But sometimes you might ask > questions a and get a response that’s totally not related. That’s happening a > lot more with Alexa these days, at least for me. I don’t get it. > > Sent from my iPhone > >> On Jan 20, 2023, at 12:41 PM, Richard Turner >> wrote: >> >> Mary, >> That is why it is called "artificial intelligence." >> Much like artificial nails, hair, etc. It might be a good imitation of >> intelligence, but it is not intelligence. >> >> To think people are considering trusting this technology to drive cars ... >> not me! >> >> Richard, USA. >> “Reality is the leading cause of stress for those who are in touch with it.” >> -- Jane Wagner from The Search for Intelligent Life in the Universe >> >> My web site: https://www.turner42.com >> >> -Original Message- >> From: viphone@googlegroups.com On Behalf Of Mary >> Otten >> Sent: Friday, January 20, 2023 12:36 PM >> To: viphone@googlegroups.com >> Subject: Re: Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, >> 9 to 5 Mac >> >> Well Siri may be behind, it strikes me that Alexa is getting stupider. I >> can’t count the number of things Alexa just plain either doesn’t know or >> misses the question entirely. And there’s totally no comparison and sound >> between the older HomePod and anything Amazon produces. And the new one >> according to a brief review I saw pre-release apparently sounds a lot >> better. So if you like really good sound, wait for this to go down in price >> to 250 and pick up a pair. I think the home assistant thing is frankly quite >> overblown. I get enough incorrect answers even from Google. >> >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> >>> On Jan 20, 2023, at 4:41 AM, Mike Arrigo wrote: >>> >>> Apple has still not addressed the biggest issues with the home pod though, >>> if you compare siri with Alexa and Google Assistant, Siri’s capabilities >>> are far behind the other two. Also, the smart home device support is far >>> behind the other two smart speaker eco systems. Granted, the matter support >>> will help with that somewhat, still, while I already have a google home and >>> Amazon Echo, it would be hard for me to suggest or recommend the home pod >>> because of its lack of abilities in these areas. >>> >>>>> On Jan 18, 2023, at 10:34 PM, M. Taylor wrote: >>>> >>>> 9 to 5 Mac, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 1:16 PM >>>> >>>> Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to >>>> 5 Mac >>>> >>>> In a surprise launch, Apple revived its full-size HomePod with a >>>> second-generation model. While the overall design and many of the features >>>> remain the same as the discontinued original, there are new capabilities >>>> and changes. Here’s our full HomePod comparison for a look at HomePod 2 vs >>>> the original vs HomePod mini too. >>>> >>>> Background >>>> Apple launched the original HomePod back in 2018 at a premium price above >>>> competitors at $349. Just over a year later, Apple cut the price to $299. >>>> Then the HomePod mini arrived in the fall of 2020 with a more >>>> mass-market-focused $99 price before Apple abruptly discontinued the >>>> f
Re: Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac
I don't use my fourth generation echo for all that much. I ask it the time, how to spell words and sometimes as a bluetooth speaker for my phone. It does have pretty good sound. I got it for $60 which was an awesome price. On 1/20/23, Mary Otten wrote: > Yes, I know. But the frustrating thing is the regression. Things that they > used to do well they don’t do well anymore. I’ve totally given up on much of > anything to do with sports and Alexa. Useless. Not always, but most of the > time. I can understand if they don’t know. But sometimes you might ask > questions a and get a response that’s totally not related. That’s happening > a lot more with Alexa these days, at least for me. I don’t get it. > > Sent from my iPhone > >> On Jan 20, 2023, at 12:41 PM, Richard Turner >> wrote: >> >> Mary, >> That is why it is called "artificial intelligence." >> Much like artificial nails, hair, etc. It might be a good imitation of >> intelligence, but it is not intelligence. >> >> To think people are considering trusting this technology to drive cars ... >> not me! >> >> Richard, USA. >> “Reality is the leading cause of stress for those who are in touch with >> it.” -- Jane Wagner from The Search for Intelligent Life in the >> Universe >> >> My web site: https://www.turner42.com >> >> -Original Message----- >> From: viphone@googlegroups.com On Behalf Of >> Mary Otten >> Sent: Friday, January 20, 2023 12:36 PM >> To: viphone@googlegroups.com >> Subject: Re: Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod >> Mini, 9 to 5 Mac >> >> Well Siri may be behind, it strikes me that Alexa is getting stupider. I >> can’t count the number of things Alexa just plain either doesn’t know or >> misses the question entirely. And there’s totally no comparison and sound >> between the older HomePod and anything Amazon produces. And the new one >> according to a brief review I saw pre-release apparently sounds a lot >> better. So if you like really good sound, wait for this to go down in >> price to 250 and pick up a pair. I think the home assistant thing is >> frankly quite overblown. I get enough incorrect answers even from Google. >> >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> >>> On Jan 20, 2023, at 4:41 AM, Mike Arrigo wrote: >>> >>> Apple has still not addressed the biggest issues with the home pod >>> though, if you compare siri with Alexa and Google Assistant, Siri’s >>> capabilities are far behind the other two. Also, the smart home device >>> support is far behind the other two smart speaker eco systems. Granted, >>> the matter support will help with that somewhat, still, while I already >>> have a google home and Amazon Echo, it would be hard for me to suggest or >>> recommend the home pod because of its lack of abilities in these areas. >>> >>>>> On Jan 18, 2023, at 10:34 PM, M. Taylor wrote: >>>> >>>> 9 to 5 Mac, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 1:16 PM >>>> >>>> Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to >>>> 5 Mac >>>> >>>> In a surprise launch, Apple revived its full-size HomePod with a >>>> second-generation model. While the overall design and many of the >>>> features remain the same as the discontinued original, there are new >>>> capabilities and changes. Here’s our full HomePod comparison for a look >>>> at HomePod 2 vs the original vs HomePod mini too. >>>> >>>> Background >>>> Apple launched the original HomePod back in 2018 at a premium price >>>> above competitors at $349. Just over a year later, Apple cut the price >>>> to $299. Then the HomePod mini arrived in the fall of 2020 with a more >>>> mass-market-focused $99 price before Apple abruptly discontinued the >>>> full-size HomePod in March of 2021. >>>> >>>> While many felt the original HomePod was priced too high, it offered >>>> features HomePod mini doesn’t match like richer, louder sound, strong >>>> bass, Dolby Atmos support, beamforming, and room sensing. >>>> >>>> Now the full-size HomePod has sprung back to life with the second-gen >>>> model arriving with Thread/Matter support, a temperature/humidity >>>> sensor, updated Apple Silicon chips, and a very minor tweak to the >>>> design. >>>> >>>> HomePod comparison: New vs original vs mini Audio tech and features >>>> >>>> For the mai
Re: Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac
Yes, I know. But the frustrating thing is the regression. Things that they used to do well they don’t do well anymore. I’ve totally given up on much of anything to do with sports and Alexa. Useless. Not always, but most of the time. I can understand if they don’t know. But sometimes you might ask questions a and get a response that’s totally not related. That’s happening a lot more with Alexa these days, at least for me. I don’t get it. Sent from my iPhone > On Jan 20, 2023, at 12:41 PM, Richard Turner > wrote: > > Mary, > That is why it is called "artificial intelligence." > Much like artificial nails, hair, etc. It might be a good imitation of > intelligence, but it is not intelligence. > > To think people are considering trusting this technology to drive cars ... > not me! > > Richard, USA. > “Reality is the leading cause of stress for those who are in touch with it.” > -- Jane Wagner from The Search for Intelligent Life in the Universe > > My web site: https://www.turner42.com > > -Original Message- > From: viphone@googlegroups.com On Behalf Of Mary > Otten > Sent: Friday, January 20, 2023 12:36 PM > To: viphone@googlegroups.com > Subject: Re: Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, > 9 to 5 Mac > > Well Siri may be behind, it strikes me that Alexa is getting stupider. I > can’t count the number of things Alexa just plain either doesn’t know or > misses the question entirely. And there’s totally no comparison and sound > between the older HomePod and anything Amazon produces. And the new one > according to a brief review I saw pre-release apparently sounds a lot better. > So if you like really good sound, wait for this to go down in price to 250 > and pick up a pair. I think the home assistant thing is frankly quite > overblown. I get enough incorrect answers even from Google. > > > Sent from my iPhone > >> On Jan 20, 2023, at 4:41 AM, Mike Arrigo wrote: >> >> Apple has still not addressed the biggest issues with the home pod though, >> if you compare siri with Alexa and Google Assistant, Siri’s capabilities are >> far behind the other two. Also, the smart home device support is far behind >> the other two smart speaker eco systems. Granted, the matter support will >> help with that somewhat, still, while I already have a google home and >> Amazon Echo, it would be hard for me to suggest or recommend the home pod >> because of its lack of abilities in these areas. >> >>>> On Jan 18, 2023, at 10:34 PM, M. Taylor wrote: >>> >>> 9 to 5 Mac, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 1:16 PM >>> >>> Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to >>> 5 Mac >>> >>> In a surprise launch, Apple revived its full-size HomePod with a >>> second-generation model. While the overall design and many of the features >>> remain the same as the discontinued original, there are new capabilities >>> and changes. Here’s our full HomePod comparison for a look at HomePod 2 vs >>> the original vs HomePod mini too. >>> >>> Background >>> Apple launched the original HomePod back in 2018 at a premium price above >>> competitors at $349. Just over a year later, Apple cut the price to $299. >>> Then the HomePod mini arrived in the fall of 2020 with a more >>> mass-market-focused $99 price before Apple abruptly discontinued the >>> full-size HomePod in March of 2021. >>> >>> While many felt the original HomePod was priced too high, it offered >>> features HomePod mini doesn’t match like richer, louder sound, strong bass, >>> Dolby Atmos support, beamforming, and room sensing. >>> >>> Now the full-size HomePod has sprung back to life with the second-gen model >>> arriving with Thread/Matter support, a temperature/humidity sensor, updated >>> Apple Silicon chips, and a very minor tweak to the design. >>> >>> HomePod comparison: New vs original vs mini Audio tech and features >>> >>> For the main audio features of the HomePod 2, there’s not much different >>> from the original HomePod (the majority of differences are with smart >>> features, connectivity, and sensors). >>> >>> The only difference mentioned by Apple is the computational audio is now >>> “advanced” with system sensing for real-time tuning while the original >>> HomePod and HomePod mini have the original computational audio for >>> real-time tuning. >>> >>> But it’s great to see Spatial Audio/Dolby Atmos is back with
RE: Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac
Mary, That is why it is called "artificial intelligence." Much like artificial nails, hair, etc. It might be a good imitation of intelligence, but it is not intelligence. To think people are considering trusting this technology to drive cars ... not me! Richard, USA. “Reality is the leading cause of stress for those who are in touch with it.” -- Jane Wagner from The Search for Intelligent Life in the Universe My web site: https://www.turner42.com -Original Message- From: viphone@googlegroups.com On Behalf Of Mary Otten Sent: Friday, January 20, 2023 12:36 PM To: viphone@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac Well Siri may be behind, it strikes me that Alexa is getting stupider. I can’t count the number of things Alexa just plain either doesn’t know or misses the question entirely. And there’s totally no comparison and sound between the older HomePod and anything Amazon produces. And the new one according to a brief review I saw pre-release apparently sounds a lot better. So if you like really good sound, wait for this to go down in price to 250 and pick up a pair. I think the home assistant thing is frankly quite overblown. I get enough incorrect answers even from Google. Sent from my iPhone > On Jan 20, 2023, at 4:41 AM, Mike Arrigo wrote: > > Apple has still not addressed the biggest issues with the home pod though, > if you compare siri with Alexa and Google Assistant, Siri’s capabilities are > far behind the other two. Also, the smart home device support is far behind > the other two smart speaker eco systems. Granted, the matter support will > help with that somewhat, still, while I already have a google home and Amazon > Echo, it would be hard for me to suggest or recommend the home pod because of > its lack of abilities in these areas. > >> On Jan 18, 2023, at 10:34 PM, M. Taylor wrote: >> >> 9 to 5 Mac, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 1:16 PM >> >> Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to >> 5 Mac >> >> In a surprise launch, Apple revived its full-size HomePod with a >> second-generation model. While the overall design and many of the features >> remain the same as the discontinued original, there are new capabilities and >> changes. Here’s our full HomePod comparison for a look at HomePod 2 vs the >> original vs HomePod mini too. >> >> Background >> Apple launched the original HomePod back in 2018 at a premium price above >> competitors at $349. Just over a year later, Apple cut the price to $299. >> Then the HomePod mini arrived in the fall of 2020 with a more >> mass-market-focused $99 price before Apple abruptly discontinued the >> full-size HomePod in March of 2021. >> >> While many felt the original HomePod was priced too high, it offered >> features HomePod mini doesn’t match like richer, louder sound, strong bass, >> Dolby Atmos support, beamforming, and room sensing. >> >> Now the full-size HomePod has sprung back to life with the second-gen model >> arriving with Thread/Matter support, a temperature/humidity sensor, updated >> Apple Silicon chips, and a very minor tweak to the design. >> >> HomePod comparison: New vs original vs mini Audio tech and features >> >> For the main audio features of the HomePod 2, there’s not much different >> from the original HomePod (the majority of differences are with smart >> features, connectivity, and sensors). >> >> The only difference mentioned by Apple is the computational audio is now >> “advanced” with system sensing for real-time tuning while the original >> HomePod and HomePod mini have the original computational audio for real-time >> tuning. >> >> But it’s great to see Spatial Audio/Dolby Atmos is back with the HomePod 2 >> since the mini doesn’t offer that. >> >> >> HomePod 2 HomePod 1 HomePod mini >> Spatial Audio Dolby Atmos ✅ ✅ ❌ >> Room sensing ✅ ✅ ❌ >> Beamforming ✅ ✅ ❌ >> Stereo pairing (only w/ same speaker and gen) ✅ ✅ ✅ Real-time tuning >> Advanced computational audio with system sensing for real-time >> tuningComputational audio for real-time tuning Computational audio >> for real-time tuning Multiroom AirPlay audio ✅ ✅ ✅ Home theater with >> Apple TV 4K ✅ ✅ ✅ but no Atmos Auto bass correction ✅ ✅ ❌ >> >> One important caveat is that if you want to use HomePods in a stereo pair, >> they’ll need to be the same type and generation. >> Smart home, sensors, connectivity >> >> Here’s where HomePod 2 starts to stand out from the original. The new >> full-size smart speaker gets
Re: Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac
Well Siri may be behind, it strikes me that Alexa is getting stupider. I can’t count the number of things Alexa just plain either doesn’t know or misses the question entirely. And there’s totally no comparison and sound between the older HomePod and anything Amazon produces. And the new one according to a brief review I saw pre-release apparently sounds a lot better. So if you like really good sound, wait for this to go down in price to 250 and pick up a pair. I think the home assistant thing is frankly quite overblown. I get enough incorrect answers even from Google. Sent from my iPhone > On Jan 20, 2023, at 4:41 AM, Mike Arrigo wrote: > > Apple has still not addressed the biggest issues with the home pod though, > if you compare siri with Alexa and Google Assistant, Siri’s capabilities are > far behind the other two. Also, the smart home device support is far behind > the other two smart speaker eco systems. Granted, the matter support will > help with that somewhat, still, while I already have a google home and Amazon > Echo, it would be hard for me to suggest or recommend the home pod because of > its lack of abilities in these areas. > >> On Jan 18, 2023, at 10:34 PM, M. Taylor wrote: >> >> 9 to 5 Mac, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 1:16 PM >> >> Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac >> >> In a surprise launch, Apple revived its full-size HomePod with a >> second-generation model. While the overall design and many of the features >> remain the same as the discontinued original, there are new capabilities and >> changes. Here’s our full HomePod comparison for a look at HomePod 2 vs the >> original vs HomePod mini too. >> >> Background >> Apple launched the original HomePod back in 2018 at a premium price above >> competitors at $349. Just over a year later, Apple cut the price to $299. >> Then the HomePod mini arrived in the fall of 2020 with a more >> mass-market-focused $99 price before Apple abruptly discontinued the >> full-size HomePod in March of 2021. >> >> While many felt the original HomePod was priced too high, it offered >> features HomePod mini doesn’t match like richer, louder sound, strong bass, >> Dolby Atmos support, beamforming, and room sensing. >> >> Now the full-size HomePod has sprung back to life with the second-gen model >> arriving with Thread/Matter support, a temperature/humidity sensor, updated >> Apple Silicon chips, and a very minor tweak to the design. >> >> HomePod comparison: New vs original vs mini >> Audio tech and features >> >> For the main audio features of the HomePod 2, there’s not much different >> from the original HomePod (the majority of differences are with smart >> features, connectivity, and sensors). >> >> The only difference mentioned by Apple is the computational audio is now >> “advanced” with system sensing for real-time tuning while the original >> HomePod and HomePod mini have the original computational audio for real-time >> tuning. >> >> But it’s great to see Spatial Audio/Dolby Atmos is back with the HomePod 2 >> since the mini doesn’t offer that. >> >> >> HomePod 2 HomePod 1 HomePod mini >> Spatial Audio Dolby Atmos ✅ ✅ ❌ >> Room sensing ✅ ✅ ❌ >> Beamforming ✅ ✅ ❌ >> Stereo pairing (only w/ same speaker and gen) ✅ ✅ ✅ >> Real-time tuning Advanced computational audio with system sensing for >> real-time tuningComputational audio for real-time tuning Computational audio >> for real-time tuning >> Multiroom AirPlay audio ✅ ✅ ✅ >> Home theater with Apple TV 4K ✅ ✅ ✅ but no Atmos >> Auto bass correction ✅ ✅ ❌ >> >> One important caveat is that if you want to use HomePods in a stereo pair, >> they’ll need to be the same type and generation. >> Smart home, sensors, connectivity >> >> Here’s where HomePod 2 starts to stand out from the original. The new >> full-size smart speaker gets Thread/Matter support, an S7 chip plus U1 for >> improved iPhone handoffs, plus a temperature/humidity sensor like the >> HomePod mini. >> >> HomePod 2 and HomePod mini are also getting Sound Recognition like iPhone – >> which is expected to arrive sometime this spring. >> >> HomePod 2 HomePod 1 HomePod mini >> HomeKit + Siri ✅ ✅ ✅ >> Thread/Matter ✅ ❌ ✅ >> WiFi 802.11n 802.11ac 802.11n >> Bluetooth 5.0 5.0 5.0 >> U1 chip ✅ ❌ ✅ >> Apple Silicon S7 A8 S5 >> Sound recognition ✅ (likely this spring) ❌ ✅ (likely this spring) >> Temperature and humidity sensor ✅ ❌ ✅ >> Intercom ✅ ✅ ✅ >> >
Re: Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac
Apple has still not addressed the biggest issues with the home pod though, if you compare siri with Alexa and Google Assistant, Siri’s capabilities are far behind the other two. Also, the smart home device support is far behind the other two smart speaker eco systems. Granted, the matter support will help with that somewhat, still, while I already have a google home and Amazon Echo, it would be hard for me to suggest or recommend the home pod because of its lack of abilities in these areas. > On Jan 18, 2023, at 10:34 PM, M. Taylor wrote: > > 9 to 5 Mac, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 1:16 PM > > Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac > > In a surprise launch, Apple revived its full-size HomePod with a > second-generation model. While the overall design and many of the features > remain the same as the discontinued original, there are new capabilities and > changes. Here’s our full HomePod comparison for a look at HomePod 2 vs the > original vs HomePod mini too. > > Background > Apple launched the original HomePod back in 2018 at a premium price above > competitors at $349. Just over a year later, Apple cut the price to $299. > Then the HomePod mini arrived in the fall of 2020 with a more > mass-market-focused $99 price before Apple abruptly discontinued the > full-size HomePod in March of 2021. > > While many felt the original HomePod was priced too high, it offered features > HomePod mini doesn’t match like richer, louder sound, strong bass, Dolby > Atmos support, beamforming, and room sensing. > > Now the full-size HomePod has sprung back to life with the second-gen model > arriving with Thread/Matter support, a temperature/humidity sensor, updated > Apple Silicon chips, and a very minor tweak to the design. > > HomePod comparison: New vs original vs mini > Audio tech and features > > For the main audio features of the HomePod 2, there’s not much different from > the original HomePod (the majority of differences are with smart features, > connectivity, and sensors). > > The only difference mentioned by Apple is the computational audio is now > “advanced” with system sensing for real-time tuning while the original > HomePod and HomePod mini have the original computational audio for real-time > tuning. > > But it’s great to see Spatial Audio/Dolby Atmos is back with the HomePod 2 > since the mini doesn’t offer that. > > > HomePod 2 HomePod 1 HomePod mini > Spatial Audio Dolby Atmos ✅ ✅ ❌ > Room sensing ✅ ✅ ❌ > Beamforming ✅ ✅ ❌ > Stereo pairing (only w/ same speaker and gen) ✅ ✅ ✅ > Real-time tuning Advanced computational audio with system sensing for > real-time tuningComputational audio for real-time tuning Computational audio > for real-time tuning > Multiroom AirPlay audio ✅ ✅ ✅ > Home theater with Apple TV 4K ✅ ✅ ✅ but no Atmos > Auto bass correction ✅ ✅ ❌ > > One important caveat is that if you want to use HomePods in a stereo pair, > they’ll need to be the same type and generation. > Smart home, sensors, connectivity > > Here’s where HomePod 2 starts to stand out from the original. The new > full-size smart speaker gets Thread/Matter support, an S7 chip plus U1 for > improved iPhone handoffs, plus a temperature/humidity sensor like the HomePod > mini. > > HomePod 2 and HomePod mini are also getting Sound Recognition like iPhone – > which is expected to arrive sometime this spring. > > HomePod 2 HomePod 1 HomePod mini > HomeKit + Siri ✅ ✅ ✅ > Thread/Matter ✅ ❌ ✅ > WiFi 802.11n 802.11ac 802.11n > Bluetooth 5.0 5.0 5.0 > U1 chip ✅ ❌ ✅ > Apple Silicon S7 A8 S5 > Sound recognition ✅ (likely this spring) ❌ ✅ (likely this spring) > Temperature and humidity sensor ✅ ❌ ✅ > Intercom ✅ ✅ ✅ > > The touch panel on top of the HomePod 2 appears to be similar to the original > but is now slightly recessed like the HomePod mini. The touch surface also > appears to illuminate entirely like the mini. > Strangely, Apple downgraded the WiFi chip from 802.11ac to 802.11n. Maybe > it’s thinking Thread will be carrying more weight and it could be tied to the > switch from A-series to S-series Apple Silicon. > > Apple also skips the upgrade to Bluetooth 5.3 on the new HomePod – however, > that’s really just used for the setup, not music playback. > > Notably, more new features are coming to all HomePods with the upcoming 16.3 > release: > Speakers and mics > HomePod 2 internals via Apple > > There are some interesting tweaks when it comes to the speakers and mics. > First, Apple hints the high-excursion woofer is bigger. The new HomePod has a > 4-inch woofer while the size of the original wasn’t disclosed by Apple. > > Other changes
RE: Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac
I think of smart speakers a bit like browsers, they all have their strength and weaknesses. We have Alexa speakers and all our Sonos speakers which support a digital assistant are set up for Alexa in addition to the relatively new Sonos voice assistant, but we also have a few Google smartspeakers around the house. We have quite a few smart home devices and while our Philips Hue lights work also with Siri, all in all you still find more devices which support Alexa and Google although I hope that as Matter becomes more widely adopted this will really open up the smart home field to all players. -Original Message- From: viphone@googlegroups.com On Behalf Of Brandon Olivares Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 8:49 PM To: VIPhone Subject: Re: Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac I was just wondering about this. How did others like the HomePod 1? I’m thinking of getting the HomePod 2 and moving away from Alexa. I really want to get 2 of them and pair them for stereo. > On Jan 18, 2023, at 11:34 PM, M. Taylor wrote: > > 9 to 5 Mac, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 1:16 PM > > Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 > Mac > > In a surprise launch, Apple revived its full-size HomePod with a > second-generation model. While the overall design and many of the features > remain the same as the discontinued original, there are new capabilities and > changes. Here’s our full HomePod comparison for a look at HomePod 2 vs the > original vs HomePod mini too. > > Background > Apple launched the original HomePod back in 2018 at a premium price above > competitors at $349. Just over a year later, Apple cut the price to $299. > Then the HomePod mini arrived in the fall of 2020 with a more > mass-market-focused $99 price before Apple abruptly discontinued the > full-size HomePod in March of 2021. > > While many felt the original HomePod was priced too high, it offered features > HomePod mini doesn’t match like richer, louder sound, strong bass, Dolby > Atmos support, beamforming, and room sensing. > > Now the full-size HomePod has sprung back to life with the second-gen model > arriving with Thread/Matter support, a temperature/humidity sensor, updated > Apple Silicon chips, and a very minor tweak to the design. > > HomePod comparison: New vs original vs mini Audio tech and features > > For the main audio features of the HomePod 2, there’s not much different from > the original HomePod (the majority of differences are with smart features, > connectivity, and sensors). > > The only difference mentioned by Apple is the computational audio is now > “advanced” with system sensing for real-time tuning while the original > HomePod and HomePod mini have the original computational audio for real-time > tuning. > > But it’s great to see Spatial Audio/Dolby Atmos is back with the HomePod 2 > since the mini doesn’t offer that. > > > HomePod 2 HomePod 1 HomePod mini > Spatial Audio Dolby Atmos ✅ ✅ ❌ > Room sensing ✅ ✅ ❌ > Beamforming ✅ ✅ ❌ > Stereo pairing (only w/ same speaker and gen) ✅ ✅ ✅ > Real-time tuning Advanced computational audio with system sensing for > real-time tuningComputational audio for real-time tuning Computational > audio for real-time tuning > Multiroom AirPlay audio ✅ ✅ ✅ > Home theater with Apple TV 4K ✅ ✅ ✅ but no Atmos > Auto bass correction ✅ ✅ ❌ > > One important caveat is that if you want to use HomePods in a stereo pair, > they’ll need to be the same type and generation. > Smart home, sensors, connectivity > > Here’s where HomePod 2 starts to stand out from the original. The new > full-size smart speaker gets Thread/Matter support, an S7 chip plus U1 for > improved iPhone handoffs, plus a temperature/humidity sensor like the HomePod > mini. > > HomePod 2 and HomePod mini are also getting Sound Recognition like iPhone – > which is expected to arrive sometime this spring. > > HomePod 2 HomePod 1 HomePod mini > HomeKit + Siri✅ ✅ ✅ > Thread/Matter ✅ ❌ ✅ > WiFi 802.11n 802.11ac802.11n > Bluetooth 5.0 5.0 5.0 > U1 chip ✅ ❌ ✅ > Apple Silicon S7 A8 S5 > Sound recognition ✅ (likely this spring) ❌ ✅ (likely this spring) > Temperature and humidity sensor ✅ ❌ ✅ > Intercom ✅ ✅ ✅ > > The touch panel on top of the HomePod 2 appears to be similar to the original > but is now slightly recessed like the HomePod mini. The touch surface also > appears to illuminate entirely like the mini. > Strangely, Ap
RE: Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac
Not very tempting for somebody like me who is very much into Sonos. Sonos is going to release new speakers called Optima this year which I imagine will first replace the Sonos Five as that is one of their most dated speakers, but I think a Sonos One version of them is also in the works. I expect a significant sound upgrade from the Five with these. They won't have a temperature and humidity sensor and I doubt they'll be Matter enabled, but the word is that apart from connecting to your Wi-Fi and supporting Airplay 2 these new speakers will also be able to work fully in Bluetooth mode and anybody who is serious about wanting to build a whole house music system will still prefer the large offering of Sonos with a surround setup for the living room, various stand-alone smart speakers which can all be set up as stereo pairs, the portable Move and Roam as well as their Sonos Amp which can connec to bookshelf or in-wall/in-ceiling speakers. Thn there is also the Port which you can connect to an existing stereo receiver or Amp to tie it into your Sonos system and lastly you have the full sized wireless Sub and the recently released Sub Mini which you can add to any speaker setup you have to add more base and in fact you can add a pair of Sonos Sub if you want even more base performance for example to your surround sound setup. There is also talk about a new even larger Sub than the one they have now and maybe 2023 will finally be the year when there will be a Sonos audio file quality headset; Sonos typically releases 2 new products a year and they are also targeting new categories so a headset would definitely be a new category. -Original Message- From: viphone@googlegroups.com On Behalf Of M. Taylor Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 8:35 PM To: viphone@googlegroups.com Subject: Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac 9 to 5 Mac, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 1:16 PM Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac In a surprise launch, Apple revived its full-size HomePod with a second-generation model. While the overall design and many of the features remain the same as the discontinued original, there are new capabilities and changes. Here’s our full HomePod comparison for a look at HomePod 2 vs the original vs HomePod mini too. Background Apple launched the original HomePod back in 2018 at a premium price above competitors at $349. Just over a year later, Apple cut the price to $299. Then the HomePod mini arrived in the fall of 2020 with a more mass-market-focused $99 price before Apple abruptly discontinued the full-size HomePod in March of 2021. While many felt the original HomePod was priced too high, it offered features HomePod mini doesn’t match like richer, louder sound, strong bass, Dolby Atmos support, beamforming, and room sensing. Now the full-size HomePod has sprung back to life with the second-gen model arriving with Thread/Matter support, a temperature/humidity sensor, updated Apple Silicon chips, and a very minor tweak to the design. HomePod comparison: New vs original vs mini Audio tech and features For the main audio features of the HomePod 2, there’s not much different from the original HomePod (the majority of differences are with smart features, connectivity, and sensors). The only difference mentioned by Apple is the computational audio is now “advanced” with system sensing for real-time tuning while the original HomePod and HomePod mini have the original computational audio for real-time tuning. But it’s great to see Spatial Audio/Dolby Atmos is back with the HomePod 2 since the mini doesn’t offer that. HomePod 2 HomePod 1 HomePod mini Spatial Audio Dolby Atmos ✅ ✅ ❌ Room sensing✅ ✅ ❌ Beamforming ✅ ✅ ❌ Stereo pairing (only w/ same speaker and gen) ✅ ✅ ✅ Real-time tuningAdvanced computational audio with system sensing for real-time tuningComputational audio for real-time tuning Computational audio for real-time tuning Multiroom AirPlay audio ✅ ✅ ✅ Home theater with Apple TV 4K ✅ ✅ ✅ but no Atmos Auto bass correction✅ ✅ ❌ One important caveat is that if you want to use HomePods in a stereo pair, they’ll need to be the same type and generation. Smart home, sensors, connectivity Here’s where HomePod 2 starts to stand out from the original. The new full-size smart speaker gets Thread/Matter support, an S7 chip plus U1 for improved iPhone handoffs, plus a temperature/humidity sensor like the HomePod mini. HomePod 2 and HomePod mini are also getting Sound Recognition like iPhone – which is expected to arrive sometime this spring. HomePod 2 HomePod 1 HomePod mini HomeKit + Siri ✅ ✅ ✅ Thread/Matter ✅ ❌ ✅ WiFi802.11n 802.11ac802.11n Bluetooth 5.0 5.0 5.0 U1 chip
Re: Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac
Mine was really good, until it mysteriously stopped working. Devin Prater r.d.t.pra...@gmail.com Https://devinprater.micro.blog > On Jan 18, 2023, at 10:48 PM, Brandon Olivares > wrote: > > I was just wondering about this. How did others like the HomePod 1? I’m > thinking of getting the HomePod 2 and moving away from Alexa. I really want > to get 2 of them and pair them for stereo. > >> On Jan 18, 2023, at 11:34 PM, M. Taylor wrote: >> >> 9 to 5 Mac, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 1:16 PM >> >> Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac >> >> In a surprise launch, Apple revived its full-size HomePod with a >> second-generation model. While the overall design and many of the features >> remain the same as the discontinued original, there are new capabilities and >> changes. Here’s our full HomePod comparison for a look at HomePod 2 vs the >> original vs HomePod mini too. >> >> Background >> Apple launched the original HomePod back in 2018 at a premium price above >> competitors at $349. Just over a year later, Apple cut the price to $299. >> Then the HomePod mini arrived in the fall of 2020 with a more >> mass-market-focused $99 price before Apple abruptly discontinued the >> full-size HomePod in March of 2021. >> >> While many felt the original HomePod was priced too high, it offered >> features HomePod mini doesn’t match like richer, louder sound, strong bass, >> Dolby Atmos support, beamforming, and room sensing. >> >> Now the full-size HomePod has sprung back to life with the second-gen model >> arriving with Thread/Matter support, a temperature/humidity sensor, updated >> Apple Silicon chips, and a very minor tweak to the design. >> >> HomePod comparison: New vs original vs mini >> Audio tech and features >> >> For the main audio features of the HomePod 2, there’s not much different >> from the original HomePod (the majority of differences are with smart >> features, connectivity, and sensors). >> >> The only difference mentioned by Apple is the computational audio is now >> “advanced” with system sensing for real-time tuning while the original >> HomePod and HomePod mini have the original computational audio for real-time >> tuning. >> >> But it’s great to see Spatial Audio/Dolby Atmos is back with the HomePod 2 >> since the mini doesn’t offer that. >> >> >> HomePod 2HomePod 1 HomePod mini >> Spatial Audio Dolby Atmos✅ ✅ ❌ >> Room sensing ✅ ✅ ❌ >> Beamforming ✅ ✅ ❌ >> Stereo pairing (only w/ same speaker and gen)✅ ✅ ✅ >> Real-time tuning Advanced computational audio with system sensing for >> real-time tuningComputational audio for real-time tuning Computational >> audio for real-time tuning >> Multiroom AirPlay audio ✅ ✅ ✅ >> Home theater with Apple TV 4K✅ ✅ ✅ but no Atmos >> Auto bass correction ✅ ✅ ❌ >> >> One important caveat is that if you want to use HomePods in a stereo pair, >> they’ll need to be the same type and generation. >> Smart home, sensors, connectivity >> >> Here’s where HomePod 2 starts to stand out from the original. The new >> full-size smart speaker gets Thread/Matter support, an S7 chip plus U1 for >> improved iPhone handoffs, plus a temperature/humidity sensor like the >> HomePod mini. >> >> HomePod 2 and HomePod mini are also getting Sound Recognition like iPhone – >> which is expected to arrive sometime this spring. >> >> HomePod 2HomePod 1 HomePod mini >> HomeKit + Siri ✅ ✅ ✅ >> Thread/Matter✅ ❌ ✅ >> WiFi 802.11n 802.11ac802.11n >> Bluetooth5.0 5.0 5.0 >> U1 chip ✅ ❌ ✅ >> Apple SiliconS7 A8 S5 >> Sound recognition✅ (likely this spring) ❌ ✅ (likely this spring) >> Temperature and humidity sensor ✅ ❌ ✅ >> Intercom ✅ ✅ ✅ >> >> The touch panel on top of the HomePod 2 appears to be similar to the >> original but is now slightly recessed like the HomePod mini. The touch >> surface also appears to illuminate entirely like the mini. >> Strangely, Apple downgraded the WiFi chip from 802.11ac to 802.11n. Maybe >> it’s thinking Thread will be carrying more weight and it could be tied to >> the switch from A-series to S-series Apple Silicon. >> >> Apple also skips the upgrade to Bluetooth 5.3 on the
Re: Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac
I was just wondering about this. How did others like the HomePod 1? I’m thinking of getting the HomePod 2 and moving away from Alexa. I really want to get 2 of them and pair them for stereo. > On Jan 18, 2023, at 11:34 PM, M. Taylor wrote: > > 9 to 5 Mac, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 1:16 PM > > Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac > > In a surprise launch, Apple revived its full-size HomePod with a > second-generation model. While the overall design and many of the features > remain the same as the discontinued original, there are new capabilities and > changes. Here’s our full HomePod comparison for a look at HomePod 2 vs the > original vs HomePod mini too. > > Background > Apple launched the original HomePod back in 2018 at a premium price above > competitors at $349. Just over a year later, Apple cut the price to $299. > Then the HomePod mini arrived in the fall of 2020 with a more > mass-market-focused $99 price before Apple abruptly discontinued the > full-size HomePod in March of 2021. > > While many felt the original HomePod was priced too high, it offered features > HomePod mini doesn’t match like richer, louder sound, strong bass, Dolby > Atmos support, beamforming, and room sensing. > > Now the full-size HomePod has sprung back to life with the second-gen model > arriving with Thread/Matter support, a temperature/humidity sensor, updated > Apple Silicon chips, and a very minor tweak to the design. > > HomePod comparison: New vs original vs mini > Audio tech and features > > For the main audio features of the HomePod 2, there’s not much different from > the original HomePod (the majority of differences are with smart features, > connectivity, and sensors). > > The only difference mentioned by Apple is the computational audio is now > “advanced” with system sensing for real-time tuning while the original > HomePod and HomePod mini have the original computational audio for real-time > tuning. > > But it’s great to see Spatial Audio/Dolby Atmos is back with the HomePod 2 > since the mini doesn’t offer that. > > > HomePod 2 HomePod 1 HomePod mini > Spatial Audio Dolby Atmos ✅ ✅ ❌ > Room sensing ✅ ✅ ❌ > Beamforming ✅ ✅ ❌ > Stereo pairing (only w/ same speaker and gen) ✅ ✅ ✅ > Real-time tuning Advanced computational audio with system sensing for > real-time tuningComputational audio for real-time tuning Computational > audio for real-time tuning > Multiroom AirPlay audio ✅ ✅ ✅ > Home theater with Apple TV 4K ✅ ✅ ✅ but no Atmos > Auto bass correction ✅ ✅ ❌ > > One important caveat is that if you want to use HomePods in a stereo pair, > they’ll need to be the same type and generation. > Smart home, sensors, connectivity > > Here’s where HomePod 2 starts to stand out from the original. The new > full-size smart speaker gets Thread/Matter support, an S7 chip plus U1 for > improved iPhone handoffs, plus a temperature/humidity sensor like the HomePod > mini. > > HomePod 2 and HomePod mini are also getting Sound Recognition like iPhone – > which is expected to arrive sometime this spring. > > HomePod 2 HomePod 1 HomePod mini > HomeKit + Siri✅ ✅ ✅ > Thread/Matter ✅ ❌ ✅ > WiFi 802.11n 802.11ac802.11n > Bluetooth 5.0 5.0 5.0 > U1 chip ✅ ❌ ✅ > Apple Silicon S7 A8 S5 > Sound recognition ✅ (likely this spring) ❌ ✅ (likely this spring) > Temperature and humidity sensor ✅ ❌ ✅ > Intercom ✅ ✅ ✅ > > The touch panel on top of the HomePod 2 appears to be similar to the original > but is now slightly recessed like the HomePod mini. The touch surface also > appears to illuminate entirely like the mini. > Strangely, Apple downgraded the WiFi chip from 802.11ac to 802.11n. Maybe > it’s thinking Thread will be carrying more weight and it could be tied to the > switch from A-series to S-series Apple Silicon. > > Apple also skips the upgrade to Bluetooth 5.3 on the new HomePod – however, > that’s really just used for the setup, not music playback. > > Notably, more new features are coming to all HomePods with the upcoming 16.3 > release: > Speakers and mics > HomePod 2 internals via Apple > > There are some interesting tweaks when it comes to the speakers and mics. > First, Apple hints the high-excursion woofer is bigger. The new HomePod has a > 4-inch woofer while the size of the original wasn’t disclosed by Apple. > > Other changes see the 7-array tweeter of the original simplified to 5 for &
Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac
9 to 5 Mac, Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 1:16 PM Here’s how HomePod 2 Compares to the Original and HomePod Mini, 9 to 5 Mac In a surprise launch, Apple revived its full-size HomePod with a second-generation model. While the overall design and many of the features remain the same as the discontinued original, there are new capabilities and changes. Here’s our full HomePod comparison for a look at HomePod 2 vs the original vs HomePod mini too. Background Apple launched the original HomePod back in 2018 at a premium price above competitors at $349. Just over a year later, Apple cut the price to $299. Then the HomePod mini arrived in the fall of 2020 with a more mass-market-focused $99 price before Apple abruptly discontinued the full-size HomePod in March of 2021. While many felt the original HomePod was priced too high, it offered features HomePod mini doesn’t match like richer, louder sound, strong bass, Dolby Atmos support, beamforming, and room sensing. Now the full-size HomePod has sprung back to life with the second-gen model arriving with Thread/Matter support, a temperature/humidity sensor, updated Apple Silicon chips, and a very minor tweak to the design. HomePod comparison: New vs original vs mini Audio tech and features For the main audio features of the HomePod 2, there’s not much different from the original HomePod (the majority of differences are with smart features, connectivity, and sensors). The only difference mentioned by Apple is the computational audio is now “advanced” with system sensing for real-time tuning while the original HomePod and HomePod mini have the original computational audio for real-time tuning. But it’s great to see Spatial Audio/Dolby Atmos is back with the HomePod 2 since the mini doesn’t offer that. HomePod 2 HomePod 1 HomePod mini Spatial Audio Dolby Atmos ✅ ✅ ❌ Room sensing✅ ✅ ❌ Beamforming ✅ ✅ ❌ Stereo pairing (only w/ same speaker and gen) ✅ ✅ ✅ Real-time tuningAdvanced computational audio with system sensing for real-time tuningComputational audio for real-time tuning Computational audio for real-time tuning Multiroom AirPlay audio ✅ ✅ ✅ Home theater with Apple TV 4K ✅ ✅ ✅ but no Atmos Auto bass correction✅ ✅ ❌ One important caveat is that if you want to use HomePods in a stereo pair, they’ll need to be the same type and generation. Smart home, sensors, connectivity Here’s where HomePod 2 starts to stand out from the original. The new full-size smart speaker gets Thread/Matter support, an S7 chip plus U1 for improved iPhone handoffs, plus a temperature/humidity sensor like the HomePod mini. HomePod 2 and HomePod mini are also getting Sound Recognition like iPhone – which is expected to arrive sometime this spring. HomePod 2 HomePod 1 HomePod mini HomeKit + Siri ✅ ✅ ✅ Thread/Matter ✅ ❌ ✅ WiFi802.11n 802.11ac802.11n Bluetooth 5.0 5.0 5.0 U1 chip ✅ ❌ ✅ Apple Silicon S7 A8 S5 Sound recognition ✅ (likely this spring) ❌ ✅ (likely this spring) Temperature and humidity sensor ✅ ❌ ✅ Intercom✅ ✅ ✅ The touch panel on top of the HomePod 2 appears to be similar to the original but is now slightly recessed like the HomePod mini. The touch surface also appears to illuminate entirely like the mini. Strangely, Apple downgraded the WiFi chip from 802.11ac to 802.11n. Maybe it’s thinking Thread will be carrying more weight and it could be tied to the switch from A-series to S-series Apple Silicon. Apple also skips the upgrade to Bluetooth 5.3 on the new HomePod – however, that’s really just used for the setup, not music playback. Notably, more new features are coming to all HomePods with the upcoming 16.3 release: Speakers and mics HomePod 2 internals via Apple There are some interesting tweaks when it comes to the speakers and mics. First, Apple hints the high-excursion woofer is bigger. The new HomePod has a 4-inch woofer while the size of the original wasn’t disclosed by Apple. Other changes see the 7-array tweeter of the original simplified to 5 for HomePod, and the far-field mics are also reduced from 6 to 4. HomePod 2 HomePod 1 HomePod mini Woofer 4-inch high-excursion wooferHigh-excursion woofer ❌ Speakers5-array horn-loaded tweeters7-array horn-loaded tweeters Full-range driver and dual passive radiators Far-field mics 4 6 4 Apple must be confident it has achieved the same or better sound quality, output, and input as the original HomePod with fewer tweeters and mics. It describes the HomePod 2 as offering “immersive, high-fidelity audio.” Here’s how Apple describes the new HomePod 2 woofer: “A high excursion woofer packs HomePod with deep, rich bass. Its powerful motor drives the diaphragm a remarkable 20
