18:18Machine-translated from Azerbaijani by AIRead in Azerbaijani
Apple Unveils HomePod mini 2 Smart Speaker After 6 Years
Apple unveiled the HomePod mini 2 smart speaker on October 13. This is the model’s first major update in 6 years. The device will sell for $149 (approximately 250 manats). This price is $20 higher than the previous version. Preorders are already open, and shipping will begin on October 30.
The new model retains the rounded shape of the previous version. It will be available in pink, green, blue, white, and black. The speaker delivers 360-degree sound, but there are no major changes to the audio hardware. The new Sound Glow feature changes the LED lights on top to match the rhythm of the music and the colors of the album artwork. The lighting effect also works with background sounds such as rain, forests, and the ocean. The S10 chip inside is the main upgrade. This processor was previously used in the Apple Watch Series 10. The chip will support more responsive AI-powered Siri AI features. However, those features will not be ready when sales begin, and Apple will add them in a later software update. An Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone 15 Pro or newer model will be required to activate the features.
Siri AI will understand everyday conversational language and be able to access information on the internet, calendars, and messages. For example, the assistant will be able to find a song sent in a message and create a reminder for a birthday on the calendar. The updated assistant will handle multistep commands more easily. It will also protect personal information by recognizing the user’s voice. Current HomePod mini models will not receive this update.
The HomePod mini 2 can now serve as the main speaker for a Mac computer and maintain a permanent AirPlay connection. This requires a model that supports Wi-Fi 6E or newer connectivity. Up to 4 speakers can be connected to the new Apple TV 4K to create a surround-sound home theater. It is also possible to use 2 mini speakers with a pair of 2nd-generation full-size HomePod speakers. The system determines where the speakers are located in the room and automatically adjusts the volume and latency. The $299 (approximately 510 manats) HomeView smart display was also shown at the presentation. The 4th-generation Apple TV 4K will also be sold at the same price. Prices for smart home devices developed jointly with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric start at $199 (approximately 340 manats). The previous HomePod mini is being discontinued and will be replaced by the new model.
The new model retains the rounded shape of the previous version. It will be available in pink, green, blue, white, and black. The speaker delivers 360-degree sound, but there are no major changes to the audio hardware. The new Sound Glow feature changes the LED lights on top to match the rhythm of the music and the colors of the album artwork. The lighting effect also works with background sounds such as rain, forests, and the ocean. The S10 chip inside is the main upgrade. This processor was previously used in the Apple Watch Series 10. The chip will support more responsive AI-powered Siri AI features. However, those features will not be ready when sales begin, and Apple will add them in a later software update. An Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone 15 Pro or newer model will be required to activate the features. Siri AI will understand everyday conversational language and be able to access information on the internet, calendars, and messages. For example, the assistant will be able to find a song sent in a message and create a reminder for a birthday on the calendar. The updated assistant will handle multistep commands more easily. It will also protect personal information by recognizing the user’s voice. Current HomePod mini models will not receive this update. The HomePod mini 2 can now serve as the main speaker for a Mac computer and maintain a permanent AirPlay connection. This requires a model that supports Wi-Fi 6E or newer connectivity. Up to 4 speakers can be connected to the new Apple TV 4K to create a surround-sound home theater. It is also possible to use 2 mini speakers with a pair of 2nd-generation full-size HomePod speakers. The system determines where the speakers are located in the room and automatically adjusts the volume and latency. The $299 (approximately 510 manats) HomeView smart display was also shown at the presentation. The 4th-generation Apple TV 4K will also be sold at the same price. Prices for smart home devices developed jointly with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric start at $199 (approximately 340 manats). The previous HomePod mini is being discontinued and will be replaced by the new model.