Remember: In 2018, Apple entered the HomePod-connected speaker market. Designed for music lovers, the speaker was sold for €349 when it was launched in France. Despite its strengths, the HomePod did not achieve the expected success, forcing Apple to lower the price of the accessory to €329. What remains a relatively high price compared to the competition.
Determined to compete with the two leaders of the smart speaker industry, Google and Amazon, Apple has developed a more affordable version of its HomePod. baptized HomePod Mini, the speaker aims to entice users who were impressed by the high price of the original HomePod. The Californian brand leveraged the iPhone 12 presentation keynote to reveal this new version of its HomePod.
New features of HomePod Mini
On the design side, Apple prefers a spherical structure that resembles rival Amazon’s latest Echo Dot speakers. Among the main new features of the HomePod Mini, it is clear that Apple is working on sound reproduction with the help of the integration of the S5 chip. Thanks to this component, HomePod Mini can adjust volume 180 times per secondto offer better listening comfort.
The device can be paired with other HomePods in the home, so it can play a single song anywhere in the house. It also has a new feature that allows all users of a home to communicate with each other. Called “intercom”, this function provides a good way to send messages to all people in a single household. The message also appears on iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches on the network. On these devices, on the other hand, they are not immediately read aloud so that everyone can keep their peace of mind.
On the voice assistant side, we find frankly Siri to accompany us in all our daily work. As for services, Apple assures that its accessory will support music services such as: Amazon Music, Pandora and iHeartRadio, but these will arrive later in the year. Note that Spotify and Deezer seem to be two major shortcomings from the services supported by the HomePod Mini.
Release date and price
Apple will open pre-orders From HomePod Mini November 6for estimated delivery date 16 November 2020. Sold at box price $99. The price in euros is not yet known. It’s a really affordable price point that puts the tiny connected speaker on par or almost on par with the competition.
