Apple today announced the HomePod mini, its latest smart speaker product following the launch of the original HomePod in 2017. The speaker features a new circular ‘bowl’ design, available in white or black, wrapped in mesh fabric. HomePod mini will be released on November 16 for $99. Orders start November 6.
Apple said the new HomePod mini combines amazing sound with the smarts of a voice assistant. The speaker emits sound in a 360-degree array. The HomePod mini is powered by the Apple S5 chip. Alongside the hardware, Apple announced several new feature updates for Siri …
Apple said the new HomePod mini combines easy of use whilst maintaining your privacy. Like the original HomePod, the top of the product features a touch surface that lights up as a visual indicator that Siri is listening.
HomePod mini supports AirPlay 2 multi-room capabilities, so you can fill your house with multiple speakers. When two HomePod minis are close to either other, they automatically form a stereo pair.
Later this year, the U1 chip will enable a smoother Handoff experience so you can switch your music from phone to the HomePod mini seamlessly.
As far as Siri intelligence is concerned, Apple has added a daily update briefing feature. The HomePod mini can also automatically recognize the voice of different users in the home and respond appropriately. There’s also a new Intercom mode so you can send messages to different rooms in the house. Intercom will work across with HomePods, as well as iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
