HomePod is back in a new avatar two years after it was discontinued. New features include temperature and humidity sensors, as well as speaker array changes.
This HomePod’s woofer is the same size as the previous generation’s. In addition to the seven tweeters on the original model, five horn-loaded tweeters are now used. There are four new far-field microphones in place of the original model’s six. For automatic bass correction, there is also an internal low-frequency calibration mic.
HomePod’s new model can automatically calibrate itself by listening to feedback from the microphones. Apple S7 SoC provides computational audio and real-time tuning.
As with previous HomePod models, you can pair two of these in a room and be asked if you want to pair them. Additionally, the HomePod can playback Dolby Atmos audio from an Apple TV 4K. For stereo pairing, you need the same HomePod model since the first and second generations cannot be paired.
The new HomePod also includes humidity and temperature sensors. The devices can also be used to automatically trigger certain functions, such as turning on the air conditioning or closing the blinds when a preset temperature target is reached.
The same sensors were discovered on the HomePod mini a while back, but they weren’t enabled. The HomePod mini will soon have them enabled by Apple.
You can also receive alerts on your iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch when a smoke or carbon monoxide detector beeps. On the HomePod mini, this feature will also be available.
While the design remains largely the same, the new model is slightly shorter and lighter than the previous model. There are two colors available, White and a lighter gray Midnight variant, both of which come with color-matched power cables.
HomePod’s cost is a bit premium in India coming with a price tag of Rs.32,900/-. You can order it today and it will be available on February 3.
