Want to know what Apple has on its sleeve on the next HomePod? In this article we analyze all the details and rumors related to HomePod 2, as well as the news that Siri will donate, improve functions currently offered by the HomePod.
We will reveal the launch dates of the new HomePod, its pricing, new features and rumors about Apple's potential launch of the HomePod model.
New Home iPod: Release Date
The HomePod was announced in June 2017 coinciding with the celebration of the WWDC, but it wasn't until February 2018 that the acquisition and sale were successfully completed. It will soon be about two years for this to happen, so it is expected that the new model will arrive soon.
In fact, the event last September where Apple introduced the new iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro seemed like a good time, but in the end the introduction of the new HomePod was not made. Now, don't forget that the good news may come soon, even in early 2020.
So, it seems unlikely that Apple will implement a technological change in its new HomePod Speaker system. Also obvious and considering competitors' mobility, is that Apple can add to the family a smaller and cheaper unit that can make it called the HomePod mini.
As you know, Apple introduced this year's new AirPods 2 (see our review here), especially on March 25 last year, during the launch of the Steve Jobs Theater in Carlertino. However, there was no mention of the new HomePod, something that looks pretty closely related to the arrival of what could be the new iPhone SE 2.
If you want to know the HomePod in depth, check here our review of the speaker that plays music from iTunes and Apple Music.
HomePod mini: Rumors
If the introduction of HomePod 2 gets stronger as time goes by, the advent of a new, more refined model at a better price seems reasonable considering the movements made by competitors like Amazon and Google with the new Echo Dot and Nest Mini we recently reviewed on PCWorld.
New HomePod: Models and Prices
The first-generation HomePod, available in white or space color, currently costs 329 € Apple Store. Usually, version 2 of the Apple product is expected to cost the same, but rumors predict that it will be cheaper to even agree with what the market wants.
In this way, we think the HomePods family can be divided into the following, being price sensitive points for each of them:
- HomePod mini: € 99
- HomePod: € 199
- HomePod Max: € 299
Since Apple introduced the same product ranges earlier, for example, in the case of iPod nano, iPod mini, iPod classic and iPod touch, we think it is likely that Apple will fulfill our wishes.
New Home iPod: Design
The new HomePod 2 may be smaller than the current model, and it's also cheaper, as we expected. This way, the new device will be called a HomePod mini as the product type is often used in other product areas.
However, some media outlets are considering the possibility that Apple will use the Beats version of its speakers to associate it with the new Siri-driven product, marking the difference with regard to its HomePod model.
Keep in mind that the Beats genre has traditionally had an audience of young fans. If you want to know how to manage and manage a HomePod, check out the article here We provide a step by step guide.
Why does Apple need a HomePod mini?
Clearly, we are at the gates by 2020 and several reports indicate that by the end of 2019 there will be approximately 207.9 million smart speakers installed in homes around the world. By 2021, the number could increase beyond the number of tablets, with the introduction of 500 million units.
Apparently, here's the Apple market, and more when there are some reports like Canalys that calculate that Apple currently has only 6% of the market depending on smart speaker sales.
HomePod 2: Design and features
When the original HomePod arrived on the market, it received some criticism from users for the lack of specific functionality made by that competitor (Amazon Echo or Google Google), as well as Siri's limitations.
He software The HomePod was updated at the same time when iOS 12 was introduced late last year. The update has brought us new features of a smart speaker, which will explain:
- Make direct calls to the HomePod
- Allows you to listen to voicemails on the HomePod
- It is possible to tell HomePod to get an iPhone and play sounds
- Set more than one timer at a time
- Switch the Wi-Fi network where the HomePod is connected
- Advanced Support for Language
- Power to transmit sound to the SpaceTime team
- Search for songs by book
- Activate Siri shortcuts with the HomePod
Siri enhancements
It is expected that Siri will play an active role, especially if it is managed by different individuals or family members. In fact, managing Siri with the HomePod should be able to see multiple accounts with different reputable words.
The lack of other Siri types in different languages also suggests that Apple faces some challenges in developing its own voice assistant. This may result in your HomePods not being sold initially in all parts of the world.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities company says that if Apple wants to compete with Amazon and Google in the smart speaker market, the company should improve its voice-assisting capabilities and increase language compatibility.
Finally, another major compromise is the Siri controls used on the HomePod. In fact you have to ensure great consistency of music services internally to broadcast, something their rivals do. Although you can use AirPlay to stream from Spotify, it does not provide full support.
Multi-user support
This has undoubtedly been one of the biggest problems with the HomePod, as it fails to customize depending on who is using the home environment. With the arrival of iOS 13, it looks like this can be fixed.
If the HomePod is placed in the living room or kitchen, for example, several people can access it. This is a problem because one of the features of the HomePod is the ability to access your information, including text messages, emails and calendar.
So, you may not have anything to hide, but equally, you may not want the kids to send a message to your boss. Apple has filed a patent application for this. In one of those solutions, Siri can read your voice patterns and have a voice signal based on pronunciation and other signal-producing features.
Another solution would be the fact that the new HomePod 2 ensures when the connected iPhone can be used to accept the request. However, it seems like an additional step that can frustrate the mode of easy and quick use.
There is no doubt that HomePod 2 needs some kind of support for many users, and Apple is working on it.
Face ID
Another possibility is Face ID support, something that was predicted for a few years, but so far hasn't happened. In addition, Apple has already moved this security feature released with the iPhone to MacBook Pro computers.
Inventec Appliances president, Davie Ho stressed in recent months that engineers & # 39; s designing smart speakers that will not only come with voice recognition, but will also include things like facial recognition and image. "
These features, coupled with artificial intelligence, are designed to make life easier for people and ensure maximum benefit. Previous version of firmware at HomePod have suggested that a face ID can be used to verify one's requests.
Look here how to lock and secure notes on iPhone, iPad and Mac using the ID face function.
Gestures
Thanks to the facial recognition technology embedded in the HomePod, the device is able to detect gestures made by the user remotely. So, it is possible to tell HomePod to increase the volume or to stop playing with a single touch.
Analyst Jeff Pu of Yuanta Investment Consulting, reported last year that Apple is able to present the HomePod with 3D camera sensors. Apple acquired the company's PrimeSense in 2013, following the tracking technology used by the Xbox 360.
In this way, the user can use various sensors and cameras to communicate with the HomePod, which translates the touch it can display online. LEDs are located on the speaker and can provide visual information when responding to touch.
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