Apple HomePod vs Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)
SOURCE ARTICLES
New Apple HomePod Review
www.consumerreports.org
The Apple HomePod is easy to set up and works seamlessly with Apple Music and iTunes content. However, it is not compatible with other streaming music services like Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music. The HomePod can also be used for controlling smart home devices, such as the Eve smart plug, which performed well in tasks and integrated smoothly with Apple's Home app. The built-in temperature and humidity sensors of the HomePod are also useful for automating other smart home devices.
Apple HomePod Review (Smart Speaker)
audiosciencereview.com
The Apple HomePod smart speaker has a sleek design but lacks versatility with only Airplay and Wi-Fi connectivity. The installation process was frustrating, requiring 2-step verification for the Apple account. Bluetooth needs to be enabled for autoconfiguring. The speaker's measurements were challenging due to overheating issues. The frequency response shows heavy bass emphasis and uneven response. The sound quality is decent with female vocals, but the constant bass presence becomes annoying. EQ helps improve the sound, but overall, the HomePod is not recommended.
Apple HomePod Review (2023): Old and Stale
www.wired.com
Apple HomePod Review (2023): Old and Stale
The new Apple HomePod fails to impress with minimal audio improvements and limited compatibility with popular services. It lacks drivers for audio, cannot communicate with non-Apple devices, and is incompatible with Spotify. The larger screen on top adds little value compared to competitors. The smaller HomePod Mini offers similar Siri voice control and sound quality at a lower price. The sound quality of the HomePod is not great, with heavy bass and lacking mid-range definition. The physical design is similar to the previous model, with a removable power cable and two color options. Setup is easy with an iPhone, but it only supports Apple Music and a few other services.
HomePod (2nd-gen) review: The song remains the same
The 2nd-gen HomePod has a beautiful design and great audio quality. It has a detachable power cable and the bass is less dominant compared to the previous model. However, Siri is unreliable and frustrating to use, and the speaker can be picky about suboptimal Wi-Fi. Overall, it's a good choice for Apple ecosystem users with strong Wi-Fi and patience.
Apple’s new HomePod plays it safe
The second-generation Apple HomePod is a reworked version of the original, with some new sensors and improved smart home capabilities. It still offers great sound quality, but at a higher price compared to other smart speakers. The new HomePod is similar in design to the original, with a few minor changes. It includes temperature and humidity sensors, as well as an all-new system sensor for enhanced audio adjustments. The HomePod's audio performance remains impressive, with powerful bass and clear vocals. It works best when paired with another HomePod for a stereo experience. Siri has improved as a smart home assistant, but still lags behind competitors in terms of general knowledge. The HomePod can also serve as a smart home hub and has support for the new Matter standard. Overall, the new HomePod is a solid choice for Apple users who prioritize sound quality and integration with the Apple ecosystem.
Apple HomePod 2 Review
The Apple HomePod 2nd Generation is an improved version of the discontinued HomePod. It has a similar design but with a smaller touchscreen and permanent volume buttons. The speaker layout has been redesigned with a woofer and five tweeters, and it also includes temperature and humidity sensors. The audio quality is impressive, with powerful bass and sound that fills the room. The HomePod 2 can create a stereo pair with another unit and can be used as the audio center for a home theater setup with an Apple TV. However, the full functionality of the HomePod 2 is expensive and limited to Apple devices and Apple Music.
Review: Hands-On With The 2nd Gen Apple HomePod
The second generation Apple HomePod is a smart speaker that offers high-fidelity sound and integrates well with the Apple ecosystem. It features a 360-degree sound effect with five tweeters and a powerful 4-inch woofer for satisfying bass. The speaker supports Siri voice control and Apple Music integration. It also has spatial audio capabilities and can be used for multi-room audio. However, it lacks Bluetooth, physical inputs, and a battery. Overall, the HomePod is a stylish and affordable option for Apple users looking for a smart speaker with great sound quality.
Apple HomePod 2 review
The Apple HomePod 2nd Generation, or HomePod 2, is an upgraded version of the original HomePod. It looks similar to its predecessor but offers enhancements, especially in sound quality. Priced at £299 / $299 / AU$479, it is more expensive than some alternatives but comparable to other high-quality speakers. The design remains largely unchanged, with a slightly smaller touch panel on top. The new HomePod features a woofer and five tweeters, as well as sensors and microphones for real-time performance adjustments. It supports Siri, stereo pairing, and Spatial Audio. The HomePod 2 is best suited for dedicated Apple users and Apple Music subscribers. It has impressive sound quality, with clear vocals, balanced tonal balance, and powerful bass. It also supports Dolby Atmos and can be used as part of a home cinema system. Overall, the HomePod 2 is a top choice for Apple users looking for a high-quality wireless speaker.
Apple HomePod (2023) Review: An Apple-Centric Experience with Quality Sound
Apple HomePod (2023) Review Summary
The Apple HomePod (2023) offers excellent sound quality and a compact size. It integrates well with Apple devices and services. However, it is costly and not as loud as its rivals. It requires an iOS device to set up and cannot set Spotify as the default music service. The new HomePod features upgraded speakers, spatial audio, and temperature and humidity sensors. It supports Apple's HomeKit and the new Matter standard. Overall, the HomePod is a good option for Apple users, but there are more affordable alternatives for non-Apple users.
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AI COMPARISON
Comparison Table
| Feature | Apple HomePod | Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone Count | 6 | 4 |
| Volume | 3468.208 cm³ | 3387.552 cm³ |
| Drivers Count | 8 | 6 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5 | 5 |
| Stereo Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri | Siri Only | Siri Only |
| AirPlay | Yes | Yes |
| Spotify Connect | No | No |
| Matter Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Mute Function | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple Voice Recognition | No | Yes |
| Speaker Types | Subwoofer, Dolby Atmos, Neodymium Magnet | Subwoofer, Dolby Atmos, Neodymium Magnet |
| Magnetic Shielding | Yes | No |
| Wi-Fi Standards | Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 4 | Wi-Fi 4 |
| Detachable Cable | No | Yes |
| Weight | 2500 g | 2300 g |
| Control Panel on Device | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty Period | 1 year | 1 year |
Summary
Similarities: Both models of the Apple HomePod share common features like stereo pairing, Bluetooth 5, compatibility with AirPlay and Matter, and a focus on use with Apple products. They also support the Siri voice assistant exclusively, indicating a lack of compatibility with other voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.
Differences: The original HomePod has more microphones and drivers, which may suggest a capability for more precise sound capture and output, though it is heavier and lacks a detachable cable. The second-generation HomePod has fewer microphones and drivers, but includes improvements like multiple voice recognition and a detachable cable for easier setup. It also offers reduced bass dominance in its sound profile compared to the first generation.
General Feedback: Reviews indicate that both HomePod models are best suited for users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. The original HomePod has been noted for its robust bass and sound quality, which may be overwhelming without proper equalization. The newer model, while similar in many respects, attempts to balance the sound better and addresses some usability features like the detachable cable. However, limitations with service compatibility remain, as neither model supports popular streaming services like Spotify without using AirPlay.
Recommendations
- Apple Enthusiasts: Either model will integrate well if you are already using Apple products extensively. The choice between models may come down to preference for sound profile—more bass with the original or more balanced with the 2nd Gen.
- Audio Quality Seekers: The 2nd Gen might be preferable for its adjusted audio that reduces bass dominance, offering a cleaner listening experience.
- Smart Home Integrators: While both models support Siri and Matter, the lack of broader service compatibility might limit their appeal if you use a variety of smart home products outside the Apple ecosystem.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Consider the HomePod Mini or alternative brands if cost is a concern, as both models are positioned at premium price points.
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