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HomePod Are we going to see a HomePod 2 coming soon
- Thread starter auzzuro
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No offence to you, but there are literally hundreds of posts asking the exact same thing. The answer is no.
If Apples moves faster with their U1 / UWB tech than they have so far, I would expect one somewhere around next year actually if Apple keeps a similar hardware design and simply plonks in the UWB capability, perhaps with some small added goodies.
The full size HomePod has a very very small sales share in the smart speaker market. Adding additional hardware to it, like a U1 chip, which currently has no compelling features, will thusly increase the price. Not sure how that’s gonna help move more units when the market has already spoken to the HomePod and its current price.
IMO, it will be at least another year before Apple even considers a HomePod 2. Have to see how the Mini sells. FWIW, I think it’s gonna sell like hot cakes and I also believe there will be an increase in full size HomePod sales from people dabbling in the Mini. How much that increase is will probably be the determining factor.
But what do I know...
IMO, it will be at least another year before Apple even considers a HomePod 2. Have to see how the Mini sells. FWIW, I think it’s gonna sell like hot cakes and I also believe there will be an increase in full size HomePod sales from people dabbling in the Mini. How much that increase is will probably be the determining factor.
But what do I know...
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At $300 and no Spotify, it wasn't worth it in the least.
At $106 (including tax) and Spotify, it's a no brainer day-1 purchase for me.
I suspect Apple will look at usage metrics and realize that a substantial number of users simply avoided it because it was tied to Apple music, and therefore useless as a speaker. Heck, maybe that will open gates to allowing Bluetooth audio streaming through too.
I currently have seven HomePods now and will definitely be picking up a bunch of Minis to fill voids where a full size is overkill.
Im pretty sure Apple is well aware of the demand for native third party music streaming on the HomePod and Bluetooth support. They may have gotten greedy with Apple Music though and were hoping more people made the switch. They’re probably at the point where they’re not seeing many new Apple Music subscriptions so decided to open it up. That may change with AppleOne though.
I would wager that there is no incoming HomePod 2 soon. Absolutely no chance IMO.
Apple TV 4K was released few months before HomePod. Apple TV 4K's successor is likely due in March 2021, and I wouldn't be surprised if HomePod is updated at the same time. However, I expect only very minor change, such as newer processor with U1 ultra wideband. Given lack of any meaningful rumors, however, I presume it would go unchanged.
It’s a shame Apple didn’t update the HomePod with the release of the HomePod mini. I just bought 2 minis and am drawn to get a couple HomePods for the home theatre, but struggle with it because they’re nearly 3 years old (from the time announced).
Based on the mini, it appears the HomePod 2 will have an improved screen and the u1 chip, which should improve the often discussed inconsistent Handoff feature. Who knows that else it includes, but I’m sure there will be other improvements.
I wish they just updated the HomePod like the iPhones... all models are updated at once. I really struggle buying a premium HomePod at 3x the price that’s missing features found in the cheaper version.
Based on the mini, it appears the HomePod 2 will have an improved screen and the u1 chip, which should improve the often discussed inconsistent Handoff feature. Who knows that else it includes, but I’m sure there will be other improvements.
I wish they just updated the HomePod like the iPhones... all models are updated at once. I really struggle buying a premium HomePod at 3x the price that’s missing features found in the cheaper version.
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Where did you hear a HomePod 2 will have an improved screen and a U1 chip among other things you did say.
I understand that but who’s to say there will even be a HomePod 2? The HomePod 1 or whatever didn’t sell that well.
They’re continually adding software features to the HomePod and added another product to the line.
I’m pretty sure they’ll continue with the product, especially since it has additional feature not included in the mini.
Ok so you’re speculating that there will be a HomePod 2... that’s all I was wondering. Thought you knew something I didn’t.
Do you think people will start ponying up 300 bux+ (add the U1 chip) when they really weren’t without the U1 chip for 300 bux? Most average consumers have no clue what a U1 chip is.
Not really sure the screen is improved. They appear to function the same to me.
Ah gotcha.
Im guessing the mini is selling well, and with that comes reduced cost of parts. I’m guessing the mini screen will be used in the updated HomePod and the u1 probably costs next to nothing for apple, so these additions won’t add to the price. If anything, I’d guess Apple would try to reduce the price a bit.
Consumers won’t know about the U1 chip until features are released that utilize it. One thing consumers will likely notice is improved Handoff performance... which doesn’t seem to work well for many.
Pic attached comparing the screens. The image in the mini goes to the edge of the screen.
Attachments
I'm thinking a mid-cycle refresh on HomePod is likely. I may be wrong, but I think Apple recently changed the name of the HomePod to "HomePod (2018)" (https://www.apple.com/homepod-2018/)
I don't think any new ones are being made. That may not be a bad thing since there are scattered reports of them developing premature hardware failures. My hope is that the next refresh will sound as good, be better designed, perhaps a little less complex, and retail for $199
I don't think any new ones are being made. That may not be a bad thing since there are scattered reports of them developing premature hardware failures. My hope is that the next refresh will sound as good, be better designed, perhaps a little less complex, and retail for $199
Improved screen is a matter of opinion I guess. Edge to edge doesn’t make it an improvement in this case, for me, like it would on a phone for example. All that glowing color hides the + - when compared to the full size HomePod or they’re not even glowing on the mini. Prefer the OG HomePod screen with just the + - when it’s doing something.
Awesome how many features have been added over the past 2 years through software updates: multiuser, handoff and Dolby atmos!