HomePod
The HomePod is a series of smart speakers developed by Apple Inc. Designed to work with the Apple Music subscription service, the HomePod incorporates beamforming and eight speakers and is sold in two colors: white and midnight.[3][4] It is sold alongside the HomePod Mini, a smaller and less expensive variant introduced in 2020.
The first-generation HomePod was announced on June 5, 2017, at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference.[5][6] Its planned December launch was delayed:[6][7] Apple began taking orders on January 26, 2018, and released it on February 9, 2018.[8] The HomePod received mixed reviews: it was praised for its design and sound quality compared to other speakers of its price, and criticized for lack of third-party support and high price compared to other smart speakers. The first-generation HomePod sold an estimated 1 to 3 million units through August 2018. It was discontinued on March 12, 2021.[9]
The second-generation HomePod was announced on January 18, 2023, and released on February 3.[10]
Second generation[edit]
On January 18, 2023, Apple announced the second-generation HomePod in a video announcement. It runs on an Apple S7 system-in-package, first used in the Apple Watch Series 7, and includes an Apple U1 chip for ultra-wideband support,[34] which is used for haptic and visual feedback when handing off music from an iPhone to a HomePod.[35] Compared to the first-generation model, it has two fewer tweeters and microphones, and only supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) while the original supported Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).[36][37] It also supports the Thread network protocol.[34] An April 2023 software update added sound detection for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.[38] Externally, the second-generation model is similar to the first but slightly shorter at 6.6 inches (168 mm), and lighter at 5.16 lb (2.3 kg), and has a larger recessed touch screen panel at the top of the unit with the volume adjustment buttons permanently etched in.[39] It can only create a stereo pair with another second-generation model.[40]
According to YouTuber Marques Brownlee's testing, the second-generation HomePod can still leave white rings on wooden surfaces, though the issue is less pronounced than with the first-generation model.[41]