Apple to Unveil New Full-Size HomePod 'Fairly Soon,' Says Gurman

[MacRumors]

Apple's next-generation HomePod will launch "fairly soon," according to well-connected Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman.

Apple discontinued the original HomePod in March 2021, reportedly due to lackluster sales, but the high-quality smart speaker still has many fans, and there have been rumors about the return of a new full-size HomePod for some time.

Gurman has previously said he does not expect the new HomePod to be "revolutionary," but it will have a more competitive price, an updated touch control panel on the top, and the S8 chip from the latest Apple Watch models.

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also said Apple has been working on an updated version of the HomePod that could come in the first quarter of 2023.

Gurman's latest comments came after he corroborated rumors that Apple is set to announce two new products on Tuesday. Recent rumors combined with clues found in a Canadian regulatory database suggest Apple could unveil next-generation 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models, but otherwise nothing has been confirmed.

Article Link: Apple to Unveil New Full-Size HomePod 'Fairly Soon,' Says Gurman

 

[dantracht]

As long as they suppose atmos, count me in.

 

[adammusic]

Custom wake words please

 

[sydneysider88]

Bluetooth and Line In or DOA.

 

[Realityck]

I like to use a couple as external speakers especially if the price is less.

 

[Berti10]

Today?

 

[vagos]

I don't get why speakers should be "smart". We already have assistants on our phones so why on the speaker too ?

 

[WiiDSmoker]

Day 1. Have three big HomePods and they are absolutely fantastic!!

 

[Stuipdboy1000]

Hopefully soon.

The random appearance of a HomePod handoff tutorial in the iOS 16.3 beta makes sense now if they’re anticipating a new one coming out.

 

[entropys]

If it only it was USD$199 it might have been a winner. It was a total fail at $349.

 

[the.burn]

First, Spotify has to deliver HomePod support

 

[contacos]

Does HomePod / Apple support proper Spotify integration by now (Spotify Connect) or do you still have to connect via Bluetooth? One of the reasons I am like no buy for me. I like how I can control the music on my Echos from the Spotify app while still playing whatever on the phone itself

 

[ch1ptune]

Bluetooth and Line In or DOA.

Bluetooth and Line In and DOA.

 

[kugino]

would pick up a couple for my office TV. better be more reliable than the first gen. first gen bass got lost a year into ownership...couldnʻt get repair...itʻs slow now so basically used as a homekit siri microphone

 

[WiiDSmoker]

If it only it was USD$199 it might have been a winner. It was a total fail at $349.

Got all of mine at $199. That really is the sweet spot.

 

[iBluetooth]

Does HomePod / Apple support proper Spotify integration by now (Spotify Connect) or do you still have to connect via Bluetooth? One of the reasons I am like no buy for me. I like how I can control the music on my Echos from the Spotify app while still playing whatever on the phone itself

We are all waiting on Spotify. First they said Apple didn't allow them, now they are silent as nothing is stopping them from supporting Homepods.

 

[opeter]

So this is the only thing, they will announce today? Very sad, if it is true.

 

[MacFan23]

I don't get why speakers should be "smart". We already have assistants on our phones so why on the speaker too ?

I used to think this until I started using them. The answer is convenience, for those times you don't have a device with you or your hands are otherwise occupied, you still have the means to perform simple tasks (adding something to a list, controlling a home device, finding a random fact). We're also big fans of the intercom feature.

Then there are all of the accessibility benefits for those with a variety of disabilities.

 

[ELman]

Ability to control the time zone you’re in Would be nice. My mini is always an hour ahead when I ask for the time.

 

[Michael.S]

I don't get why speakers should be "smart". We already have assistants on our phones so why on the speaker too ?

Because they want to use their old unused chips instead of scrap them.

 

[contacos]

I don't get why speakers should be "smart". We already have assistants on our phones so why on the speaker too ?

For my lights, the tv, for my air purifier, to receive a push notification when my dog is barking while i am out, to control the airflow and lights on my fish tank among other lazy but convenience things. You could say the same about many things "Why have an iPad. I already have a phone and a piece of paper"

 

[George Dawes]

Hopefully It'll have better wifi reception particularly for 5ghz

My mini spends most of the time apologising ; 'can't connect etc '

 

[foobarbaz]

I don't get why speakers should be "smart". We already have assistants on our phones so why on the speaker too ?

Depends on what you mean by "smart", I guess. Just being able to pause music or adjust the volume without taking out my phone or walking to the speaker provides a significant benefit to me. But I certainly don't need it to answer trivia questions.

 

[foobarbaz]

Hopefully It'll have better wifi reception particularly for 5ghz

My mini spends most of the time apologising ; 'can't connect etc '

If they'd be willing to charge me extra for ethernet on the power brick, I'd pay them handsomely.

 

[matsan]

When is this renaming of "MacRumors" to "The Daily Gurman Show" completed?