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 <motte...@gmail.com> 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 <richardr_tur...@comcast.net> >> 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 <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 <n0...@charter.net> 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 <mk...@ucla.edu> 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 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 woofer High-excursion woofer ❌ Speakers >>>> 5-array horn-loaded tweeters 7-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 mm, while its bass >>>> EQ mic dynamically tunes low frequencies in real time. Superclean bass. >>>> Fills the room. Boom.” >>>> And on the new tweeter setup: >>>> “HomePod has an array of five beamforming tweeters around its base. They >>>> optimize high frequencies to produce detailed, articulate audio with >>>> stunning clarity. So you can enjoy crystal-clear vocals and all the >>>> details of the instruments — just as if you were there in person.” >>>> >>>> Size and colors >>>> The new HomePod is almost the exact same size (and design). It’s just >>>> 0.2 inches shorter and about half a pound lighter. >>>> HomePod 2 comes in white and midnight, although the latter looks awfully >>>> close to the space gray of the original. HomePod mini remains the only >>>> choice if you want a pop of color. >>>> >>>> HomePod 2 HomePod 1 HomePod mini >>>> Height 6.6 inches (168 mm) 6.8 inches (172 mm) 3.3 inches (84.3 mm) >>>> Width 5.6 inches (142 mm) 5.6 inches (142 mm) 3.9 inches (97.9 mm) >>>> Weight 5.16 pounds (2.3 kg) 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) 0.76 pound (345 >>>> grams) >>>> >>>> HomePod comparison: Price >>>> The HomePod 2 has arrived at the same $299 that the original was >>>> discontinued at. Meanwhile, the HomePod mini remains at $99. >>>> >>>> Time will tell if customers find the $299 price point of the new >>>> full-size HomePod more palatable than they did the first time around. >>>> >>>> HomePod comparison wrap-up >>>> While some may have hoped for a more substantial upgrade for the >>>> second-gen HomePod at the $299 price, I think it’s great to see the >>>> full-size HomePod return. >>>> >>>> Apple users who are looking for room-filling, rich sound have a >>>> first-party option again – and pricing is on par with competition like >>>> the Sonos Five (you can pick up two HomePods for a stereo pair at $598 >>>> vs the Sonos Five at $549). The full-size HomePod returning is also >>>> exciting for those who want Dolby Atmos for their home theater setup. >>>> And overall, the HomePod 2 has been updated to reach parity with the >>>> HomePod mini with Thread, U1 chip, and the temp/humidity sensor. >>>> >>>> Apple has opened orders for the new HomePod with the first deliveries >>>> starting on February 3. >>>> What do you think about HomePod 2? Planning to pick one or more up? >>>> Skipping? Share your thoughts in the comments! >>>> >>>> Thanks for checking out our HomePod comparison! >>>> >>>> Original article at: >>>> https://9to5mac.com/2023/01/18/homepod-comparison-new-original-and-mi >>>> ni/ >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> The following information is important for all members of the V iPhone >>>> list. >>>> >>>> If you have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or >>>> if you feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the >>>> owners or moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself. >>>> >>>> Your V iPhone list moderator is Mark Taylor. Mark can be reached at: >>>> mk...@ucla.edu. Your list owner is Cara Quinn - you can reach Cara >>>> at caraqu...@caraquinn.com >>>> >>>> The archives for this list can be searched at: >>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/ >>>> --- >>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>> Groups "VIPhone" group. >>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send >>>> an email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >>>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/viphone/000001d92bbf%245af1bc40%2410d534c0%24%40ucla.edu. >>> >>> -- >>> The following information is important for all members of the V iPhone >>> list. >>> >>> If you have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or >>> if you feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the >>> owners or moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself. >>> >>> Your V iPhone list moderator is Mark Taylor. Mark can be reached at: >>> mk...@ucla.edu. Your list owner is Cara Quinn - you can reach Cara at >>> caraqu...@caraquinn.com >>> >>> The archives for this list can be searched at: >>> http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/ >>> --- >>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >>> "VIPhone" group. >>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >>> email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >>> To view this discussion on the web visit >>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/viphone/AA65ADDA-C011-44B5-AA42-6DC87500563C%40charter.net. >> >> -- >> The following information is important for all members of the V iPhone >> list. >> >> If you have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or >> if you feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the >> owners or moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself. >> >> Your V iPhone list moderator is Mark Taylor. Mark can be reached at: >> mk...@ucla.edu. Your list owner is Cara Quinn - you can reach Cara at >> caraqu...@caraquinn.com >> >> The archives for this list can be searched at: >> http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/ >> --- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "VIPhone" group. >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >> email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >> To view this discussion on the web visit >> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/viphone/9D40DAD7-4305-4F59-91CA-BC149AC4B0D6%40gmail.com. >> >> -- >> The following information is important for all members of the V iPhone >> list. >> >> If you have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or >> if you feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the >> owners or moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself. >> >> Your V iPhone list moderator is Mark Taylor. 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Mark can be reached at: > mk...@ucla.edu. Your list owner is Cara Quinn - you can reach Cara at > caraqu...@caraquinn.com > > The archives for this list can be searched at: > http://www.mail-archive.com/viphone@googlegroups.com/ > --- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "VIPhone" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to viphone+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/viphone/9AF2A7DE-5F3F-4880-8D6F-50CC48C93E52%40gmail.com. > -- Joshua Hendrickson Joshua Hendrickson -- The following information is important for all members of the V iPhone list. If you have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if you feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself. Your V iPhone list moderator is Mark Taylor. 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