Apple nixed its answer to the Amazon Echo smart speaker a few years ago, but now there’s a surprising overhaul that brings Siri to every corner of your home and bedroom.
HomePod Mini review: Big sound, small package!
The second-generation HomePod smart speaker comes a whopping five years after the original, but for some, the wait will be worth it because this thing is packed with features. What features? An upgraded version of the S7 chip found in the Apple Watch Series 7 models.
The new HomePod supports the Thread wireless protocol and the Matter smart home standard, allowing the speaker to control a wide range of compatible accessories and smart devices. There are plenty of microphones (five) and speakers (six) on the device for maximum immersion.
The new HomePod also includes built-in temperature and humidity sensors, which your average Echo speaker doesn’t have. These can not only provide useful data about the conditions in your home, but can also work to trigger smart home automations. For example, the temperature sensor can automatically turn on the air conditioning or heat.
