Apple Releases a New Full-Size HomePod

Apple has announced a new full-size, HomePod. The new HomePod has improved smart home features, temperature and humidity sensors, and more, and the starting price is $299. It is available to order today and will start arriving at homes on February 2nd.

---

New Features

The design of the new HomePod is similar to the previous model. The only outside change is the touch surface on the top of the HomePod now illuminates like the HomePod Mini. There’s also a built-in sensor for temperature and humidity.

---

Specifications

The new HomePod has five tweeters, down from the seven in the original full-size HomePod. It’s powered by the S7 chip, compared to the A8 chip in the original HomePod and the S5 in the HomePod mini. The microphone array has also gone from six microphones down to four microphones.

HomePod delivers incredible audio quality, with rich, deep bass and stunning high frequencies. 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 S7 chip is combined with software and system-sensing technology to offer even more advanced computational audio that maximizes the full potential of its acoustic system for a groundbreaking listening experience.

~Apple

---

Safety

The new HomePod also supports Sound Recognition. This feature can listen for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and notify you if a sound is recognized. This feature is coming in an update later this spring.

---

Smart Home

This HomePod includes support for Matter, the latest standard.

HomePod connects to and controls Matter-enabled accessories, and serves as an essential home hub, giving users access when away from home.

~Apple

You can find more information in Apple’s press release.