The new HomePod 2nd Gen is a significant upgrade to the original HomePod, which was first introduced in 2018. The device boasts a larger size and supports a variety of new features, such as Thread, lossless audio, Dolby Atmos, and AirPlay 2. The new HomePod design is cylindrical and has a touch screen on the top of the speaker, which allows for easy control of music and other features. The device also supports Siri, which allows for voice control of music and other features.
The speaker has a woofer with a 20mm diaphragm, which provides powerful and rich sound. The built-in base equalizer and five beamforming tweeters work together to create an immersive audio experience. The new model runs on the same S7 chip found in the Watch 7, which ensures smooth and stable performance.
The HomePod can play music over wifi on Apple Music, but for users of services not yet supported by the HomePod, it can use AirPlay 2. This allows users to stream music from other services, such as Spotify or Pandora, directly to the HomePod. Apple Music users can listen to lossless audio and Dolby Atmos, which provides a higher-quality audio experience. The HomePod also has Thread support, allowing for future Matter devices to connect to the smart speaker. This allows for a seamless integration of different smart devices in your home, making it easy to control all your devices with one device.
One of the standout features of the HomePod 2nd Gen is its support for Thread and Matter Thread is a low-power, secure, and reliable mesh networking protocol designed for connecting devices in a home or building. It is based on the IPv6 protocol and uses 6LoWPAN (IPv6 over Low-power Wireless Personal Area Networks) to connect devices over a low-power, low-data-rate wireless network. The Thread standard allows for devices to communicate over IP networks, and it does not specify any specific frequency or band for communication. This allows for a wide range of devices to connect to the HomePod 2nd Gen, making it the hub of a smart home.
The HomePod 2nd Gen also supports lossless audio, which is a high-fidelity audio format that preserves all the audio information from the original recording. Lossless audio provides a more accurate and detailed listening experience, allowing music lovers to hear their favorite songs as they were intended to be heard. The device also supports Dolby Atmos, which is a surround sound format that creates a more immersive listening experience. This allows music to be heard as if it is coming from all around the listener, providing a more lifelike listening experience.
The new HomePod 2nd Gen is also equipped with a touch screen on the top of the speaker, which allows for easy control of music and other features. The touch screen allows for quick access to music, podcasts, and other audio content, as well as control of the volume and other settings. The device also supports Siri, which allows for voice control of music and other features. This allows for hands-free control of the HomePod 2nd Gen, making it easy to use while doing other activities.
The HomePod 2nd Gen is available for purchase starting February 3rd 2023 and will cost 349 euros. It is an ideal device for music lovers who want to experience high-quality sound in the comfort of their own home. With its advanced features and sleek design, the HomePod 2nd Gen is sure to be a hit among tech enthusiasts. The device is also a great option for those looking to build a smart home, as it can serve as the hub of a smart home ecosystem.