Apple HomePod (2nd generation) launched in India: see price here

Apple has announced the launch of its second-generation HomePod smart speaker, almost two years after discontinuing its predecessor. The new HomePod has a slightly refined design and promises incredible audio quality. It can reproduce tracks encoded with spatial audio and integrate with compatible smart home products thanks to Apple’s voice-based personal assistant Siri and the S7 processor. It’s available in white and a new Midnight color option. The second-generation HomePod is priced at Rs. 32,900 in India and is available to pre-order now through official Apple retailers. It will go on sale from February 3rd.

As for the sound quality, Apple says it engineered the HomePod’s custom high-excursion woofer to deliver remarkable bass. An array of five tweeters positioned around the device allows for immersive audio. Built-in sensors and an EQ microphone as well as Apple’s in-house S7 processor make it possible HomePod to perform its own arithmetic operations, according to Apple, to maximize its potential. The device can detect sound reflections and adjust itself according to the positioning in the room. Beamforming is used to direct ambient audio and deliver spatial audio experiences.

Like his predecessor and the smaller ones HomePod Mini (review), the new HomePod has a mesh exterior, which Apple says is made from 100 percent recycled fabric. The backlit touch surface on top of its cylindrical body can be used for activation Siri voice assistant. The HomePod can also be used as an in-home intercom system for sending messages. Two HomePods can be set up as a stereo pair, or multiple devices around the house can be synced and users can pass whatever’s playing on an iPhone to the nearest speaker. When set up with an Apple TVOne or more HomePod speakers can handle all audio output and also let users control playback with voice commands.

The second-generation HomePod is able to listen for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and notify users on their iPhones when they’re away. Built-in temperature and humidity sensors enable routine smart home integrations like switching devices based on environmental conditions. The Matter standard for smart home integration aims to enable better interoperability with a wide range of IoT products and accessories.