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Apple HomePod 2 could be a modest but welcome return for under-loved speaker
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Apple could revive the larger, original-sized HomePod with a new edition next year, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
In his weeklyPower Onemail newsletter, the well-connected reporter says Apple is planning to release aHomePod 2speaker with better sound quality and a larger chassis than the currentHomePod mini.
According to the report, the new HomePod will be based off a new S8 chip that’ll also power the next Apple Watch, but probably won’t arrive until 2023.
The touch-based control panel atop the HomePod could also gain multi-touch support within the next version, which doesn’t sound as if it’ll bring too much in terms of revolution.
Gurman writes: “The HomePod, code-named B620, will run the same S8 chip coming to the watches and will be closer to the original HomePod in terms of size and audio performance rather than a new HomePod mini. The new HomePod will have an updated display on top and there’s even been some talk of multi-touch functionality.”
I always thought the original HomePod (2018) was sidelined by Applejust as it was coming to its own, following a ropey start as a rather niche speaker. I felt Apple pulled the plug too early on a great-sounding speaker that had found the groove thanks to some after-market feature additions.
It was Dolby Amtos capable, meaning they could be paired up for an immersive 360-degree sound from all of the devices connected up to your TV. It also meant spacial audio support for Apple Music. The OG HomePod (and the Mini) was also one of the few Apple devices that support the Apple Music lossless audio standard directly, without the need for a DAC go-between. Eat that, AirPods Max!
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Chris Smith is a freelance technology journalist for a host of UK tech publications, including Trusted Reviews. He’s based in South Florida, USA. …
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Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.
Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
