Abstract:
Apple launches HomePod mini 2, adding pink and green colors while retaining the compact spherical appearance of the previous generation. The original blue, midnight and white colors are also continued to be available. AppleInsider said that the new internal processor has been upgraded from the original S5 to S10; Apple's official website currently confirms that the new machine is 3.3 inches tall and lists features such as full-range drive unit, dual passive radiators, 360-degree sound field, temperature and humidity sensor, Thread network and ultra-wideband chip. The U.S. price is US$149, and pre-orders are now open and will go on sale on October 30. Compared with the US$99 price of the first generation when it was launched, the price of the new model has increased by US$50.
An important change in the new model is the support for building a home theater surround sound system through multiple HomePod mini 2 and Apple TV 4K. Apple's official website explains that users need four HomePod mini 2 or second-generation HomePod, and form matching speaker pairs according to front and rear, and use them with the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K and the latest version of the system. Two HomePod mini 2s of the same model and generation can also be paired with a stereo combination. Apple's previous support page still states that HomePod mini does not support Dolby Atmos 5.1 or 7.1 channels, so the "surround sound experience" mentioned on the new page should not be directly equated to support for these specific audio formats.
Apple also emphasized that the new model can provide multi-room audio, smart home hub control and a top lighting effect called Sound Glow, which can change the color of the album cover and flash with the rhythm of the music. The new version of Siri AI will also be available on HomePod mini 2, but Apple notes that this feature requires a future software update, the launch time has not yet been announced, and its use may be subject to quota restrictions. Siri AI relies on an iPhone or iPad that supports Apple Intelligence, and Apple said this feature will not be available on iOS or iPadOS in the EU initially.
HomePod mini 2 continues to support device control and automation in Apple's home ecosystem, can be used as a home hub for HomeKit and Matter accessories, and has built-in temperature and humidity sensors. Apple said that the new model can work with the newly launched Apple Home Collection accessories; Home Collection accessories require an iPhone running the latest system to complete pairing through NFC, and some functions also require a compatible home hub.
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