Apple 2nd generation HomePod announced for $299

Apple has announced the HomePod 2nd generation. This is the latest addition to their line of smart speakers packed with Apple innovations like Siri and the ability to manage everyday tasks and control your smart home.

A custom-engineered high-excursion woofer, powerful motor that drives the diaphragm a remarkable 20mm, built-in bass-EQ mic, and beamforming array of five tweeters around the base all work together to achieve a powerful acoustic experience. The new HomePod runs on the S7 chip and is combined with software and system-sensing technology to offer even more advanced computational audio. This allows the HomePod to deliver incredible audio quality with rich, deep bass and stunning high frequencies.

You can also create a stereo pair with two HomePod speakers in the same space. In addition to separating the left and right channels, a stereo pair plays each channel in perfect harmony, creating a wider, more immersive soundstage. Using multiroom audio with AirPlay, users can simply say “Hey Siri,” or touch and hold the top of the HomePod to play the same song on multiple HomePod speakers, play different songs on different HomePod speakers, or even use them as an intercom to broadcast messages to other rooms.

HomePod easily pairs with Apple TV 4K for a powerful home theater experience, and eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) support on Apple TV 4K enables customers to make HomePod the audio system for all devices connected to the TV. Find My on HomePod makes it possible for users to locate their Apple devices, like an iPhone, by playing a sound on the misplaced device. Using Siri, users can also ask for the location of friends or loved ones who share their location via the app.

As for the price, the Apple HomePod 2nd generation is available to order for $299 via the Apple Online store as of 18th January 2023 and will be available on 3rd February 2023. HomePod is available in white and midnight which as per Apple is made with 100 percent recycled mesh fabric and with a color-matched woven power cable.