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Apple Announces New HomePod for $299 With Full-Size Design, S7 Chip, and More
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I didnt even think about how expensive it is to ship these.
They probably save tons of money by it being lighter by the pallet: 5.5 lbs vs now 5.16 lbs. The retail packaging will probably be less hearty too.
Don’t need any new ones yet, but I’m so happy this is an option again for when I do. We have one original and three minis total in the house and they’re all alive and kicking for now. 🤞🤞
The OG and Mini both have the temp/humidity sensor, it’s just not enabled.
Apple updated Siri with iOS 14.5 to allow you to set a default third party music service. From my understanding this applies to HomePod's software and Siri as well.
Those who are old enough to remember the Maxell cassette tape advertisement will appreciate this scene from the HomePod announcement video.
No thanks, I'd like to use my current HomePods but I can't due to the HomeKit fiasco.
Not at all. Was rather meant that we immediately thought of the same pricing model/ strategy.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
Why? The AppleTV portion would be obsolete long before the rest. This would be another "throw baby out with the bathwater" device because one part ages much faster than the rest.
An embedded FaceTime camera would give you only 1 or 2 spots where you could place it (directly above or below your TV).
A corporation would be choosing the size of the soundbar for you.
Not everyone wants a soundbar setup, so this would be limited to a segment of people who can be happy with soundbars.
ATMOS in a soundbar mostly misses the point of ATMOS. It's faux ATMOS at best. Soundbars are also not surround sound speakers either, just faux surround sound.
A variation of this Frankenstein device would put a router inside too. Also why? For some, a router immediately above or below their television might be a good spot, but for many the router is not ideal there. Merged into Frankenstein, there would be no position choices as the FaceTime camera demands placement in only 1 of 2 spots.
IMO, it seems much better to keep these as separate pieces. Refresh the AppleTV part every few years, else tvOS will obsolete the entire Frankenstein much too early. Place a router where it delivers optimal signals instead of a corporation deciding for you.
Maybe hope Apple brings Continuity Camera to tvOS for FaceTime via AppleTV? That would allow AppleTV to be located ANYWHERE while the camera could be optimally positioned for effective FaceTime.
ATMOS begs for individual speakers placed around the room and in the ceiling. To get it at home means buying various speakers and a good receiver to drive those speakers. Part of such a setup would involve getting a great center channel speaker, which would go where the typical soundbar is placed. This would deliver real ATMOS and much better sound.
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If you don't like the product, don't buy it. Nobody is forcing you. Seems a lot of people think they have to buy this and are genuinely angry it exists.
Until these devices work with services such as Sirius XM and other popular 3rd party services it is a fail in my book.
So did the old version. Basically less sound due to 2 less tweeters, same basic features with some new questionably useful additions for most people, same price. Let's pretend the old one never existed so everyone thinks this is an amazing new innovative product. 🙄
The new HomePod has 4 microphones and 5 tweeters.
The original HomePod had 6 microphones and 7 tweeters.
New one weighs 5.1 pounds vs. 5.5 pounds previously.
The original HomePod had 6 microphones and 7 tweeters.
New one weighs 5.1 pounds vs. 5.5 pounds previously.
Apple's great recycling program continues!
I expect complaining with Apple’s trade-in rates. 🤪
$299 = £299, but $1999 MBP = £2149, so inflation/exchange rates didn’t effect the new HomePod I see
I apologize if I missed it. Anyone know yet if you can pair this with minis? I already have a pair of minis, would hate to see them go to waste.
You sure you understand the “.1” part of your comment? 😅 I don’t think that’s possible right now.
Wow, classic Tim Apple move. I guess he doesn't know the definition of insanity.
Is this a glued together unrepairable mess like the original?