Apple introduces a new larger HomePod

There's a new larger HomePod in town. And if you feel like you're having deja vu, it's because it has the same design as the discontinued 2021 model. But it gets upgraded audio, an S7 chip, improved smart home capabilities, and a lower $399 price. This HomePod gets a custom-made woofer, diaphragm motor, bass EQ mic, and a group of five tweeters. According to Apple, you can expect "rich, deep bass and stunning high frequencies."

With the help of its S7 chip and its software, the HomePod makes the most of its audio setup. It has room sensing tech so it can read sound reflections to determine its position in a room and adjust audio in real-time. This HomePod supports Spatial Audio via Apple Music. And it has a new smart home feature called Sound Recognition, which can monitor for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and send an alert to your iPhone if it hears it. This feature isn't launching with the speaker but is coming via a software update "later this spring." Apple also warns again only relying on the HomePod for emergencies.

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HomePod, HomePod mini now supports Swedish and Norwegian languages

The latest software version for the Apple HomePod and HomePod mini (version 15.6) suggests the speakers will make their way to new markets. It adds support for Siri in Swedish and Norwegian, hinting the mini might make its way to Sweden and Norway in the coming months. 

If you want to change the default language on your HomePod or HomePod mini, open the Home app on your iPhone. Long press on the white card for the HomePod you want to update. Scroll down and tap on the Settings gear icon. Tap on Language, then select your preferred language. 

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Rumours claim a new Apple HomePod is coming

Source: MacRumors

Apple has already discontinued the original HomePod, but it might be launching a new version of it. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the new HomePod will feature a new display on top with touch support. Size and audio quality will reportedly be similar to the original, but it will be powered by the future Apple Watch Series 8 chip, the S8. This S8 processor will have the same specs as the S7 and S6 chips. But it will be an upgrade from the current HomePod mini, which runs on the S5 chip. Are you one of those people waiting for the HomePod to come back? 

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Apple Music's Lossless audio will come to the HomePod in a software update

Apple

A future update will bring Apple Music's Lossless audio to both the HomePod and HomePod mini. According to a newly published Apple Support document, the speakers won't get the feature at launch. Still, they will get Spatial Audio at launch, a Dolby Atmos feature that offers an immersive, three-dimensional experience that makes it seem like music is all around the listener. 

Apple Music Lossless will come in two tiers and will be free for subscribers. The "Standard" Lossless tier has audio up to 48kHz, while the "Hi-Ress Lossless" has audio between 48kHz and 192kHz. The latter requires external equipment like a USB digital-to-analog converter. 

Source: MacRumors