HomePod Do we think a new HomePod is in the works?

[satchmo]

The old one was expensive (to me) and probably ill-timed when other speakers offered more for less $$.

The HomePod mini is fine, but certainly lack the fuller sound that comes from larger speakers.

Regardless, do we think Apple has a successor to the HomePod in the works?

 

[Itinj24]

The old one was expensive (to me) and probably ill-timed when other speakers offered more for less $$.

The HomePod mini is fine, but certainly lack the fuller sound that comes from larger speakers.

Regardless, do we think Apple has a successor to the HomePod in the works?

Not until they kill off every OG HomePod out in the wild. Kidding, not kidding but it’s pretty concerning how many of these are dying at the two year mark and immediately following a software update. I have nine of them and everyday I have to check their pulses to make sure they didn’t die in their sleep.

Latest rumors pointed towards a mid size HomePod and a HomePod AppleTV combo of sorts, which have died down over the months. Also, there was recently a job listing for HomeOS from Apple.

Keeping the Mini monicker would indicate something in the works, but then again, it was announced while the OG was still alive and kicking. Anything at this point is pure speculation. I personally hope they have something planned. I currently have six Minis, but they don’t cut it for me. They’re only sprinkled in areas where an OG would be overkill.

 

[Brien]

I would love to see an AppleTV/HomePod soundbar fusion device ala Sonos. And a OG v2.

 

[BobRey77]

I am hopeful that a successor is in the works. Apple has continued to add features to the HomePod since it was discontinued, a couple of which aren't supported on the mini, so that really points to a new HomePod in the future. I don't know if the reported problems with the OG HomePod were a factor leading to its discontinuance but I doubt it.

 

[acrakes]

There’s a patent for a version with a kind of “cap” to bring the screen around onto the sides.. https://www.patentlyapple.com/paten...r-homepod-by-expanding-its-light-display.html

My pitch is some kind of circular screen, either like a vertical turntable with a (smaller) vinyl record sized display attached to the existing cylindrical base -

Doesn’t even have to be entirely free of the speaker, could be a half circle like this:

Or the disc-screen on some sort of arm, almost like a gramophone

The point is to have a distinctive design which keeps the acoustics and look of the original “pod” intact but adds a substantive full-service touchscreen - for a smart home/assistant/app/music/
Apple TV interface.

Having no design skill or sense whatsoever I can only imagine “everything I just said but an elegant, stylish, Apple version”

 

[bobjonesco]

Hope so. Love my OG HomePods - the mini just doesn't cut it for music.

 

[NPG]

They should get back to function then design with this and Apple Watch now that Ive is gone..the whole remote software updating from an iPhone or iPad is flaky..maybe a micro USB 3/C port on the bottom. Also they should allow some sort hi res lossless audio input port on the next HomePod / HomePod Pro..

 

[Deliro]

I’m constantly checking eBay for deals. I wish I would’ve bought 2 before they were discontinued. Especially after hearing my friends HomePod home theatre with atmos in action. Makes my 3.1 sound bar sound anemic.

I find it hard to buy one used for 300+ or new at 500.

 

[Kenny99]

I am hoping Apple will develop something similar for under $150. A AirPlay2-compatible, standalone subwoofer, "Lithe Audio Wireless Micro Sub Woofer." It’s not cheap at $450."
This would solve a lot of problems for Home Theater setups.

 

[Itinj24]

I’m not even sure Apple has any business being in the audio market to be honest. It seems all their hardware faces some kind of issues. AirPods Pro with the snap crackle and pop. HomePod OGs are dropping like flies after a couple years. Plenty of HomePod Mini issues going around.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Mark Gurman at Bloomberg said earlier this year that he believes Apple are working on a competitor to an Amazon echo show or google nest.

Apple Working on Combined TV Box, Speaker to Revive Home Efforts

Apple Inc. has been a laggard in the smart-home space, but a versatile new device in early development could change that.

www.bloomberg.com

However this was some months ago and I‘ve not really heard anything since.

 

[Shanghaichica]

I’m not even sure Apple has any business being in the audio market to be honest. It seems all their hardware faces some kind of issues. AirPods Pro with the snap crackle and pop. HomePod OGs are dropping like flies after a couple years. Plenty of HomePod Mini issues going around.

Yes their devices are not perfect. Neither are their competitors but they are charging up to three times more than their competitors. It’s easy to give the echo devices and google home devices a pass because they are cheap and what they bring to the table is already remarkable for the price you pay. Apple devices are more expensive so you’d hope to get a significantly better experience. Ah the joys of being locked into the Apple ecosystem means we have to put up even if we don’t shut up.

 

[satchmo]

Mark Gurman at Bloomberg said earlier this year that he believes Apple are working on a competitor to an Amazon echo show or google nest.

Apple Working on Combined TV Box, Speaker to Revive Home Efforts

Apple Inc. has been a laggard in the smart-home space, but a versatile new device in early development could change that.

www.bloomberg.com

However this was some months ago and I‘ve not really heard anything since.

I'd rather they just focus on a larger standalone speaker. It wasn't that the OG HomePod was bad, it was just too expensive. Why can't they do a HomePod 'regular' for $199?

 

[Itinj24]

Yes their devices are not perfect. Neither are their competitors but they are charging up to three times more than their competitors. It’s easy to give the echo devices and google home devices a pass because they are cheap and what they bring to the table is already remarkable for the price you pay. Apple devices are more expensive so you’d hope to get a significantly better experience. Ah the joys of being locked into the Apple ecosystem means we have to put up even if we don’t shut up.

They’re releasing crappy matching software to boot now too.

 

[ouimetnick]

I'd rather they just focus on a larger standalone speaker. It wasn't that the OG HomePod was bad, it was just too expensive. Why can't they do a HomePod 'regular' for $199?

The original HomePod wasn’t exactly cheap to manufacture. I’m pretty sure that when they were on sale for $199, that was below cost. Even at $299, that’s a thinner than normal margin for them. There’s a lot of complex and expensive hardware in the original, so for them to make one for $199, they’d have to remove some features and hardware from it. I’d like to see them do another HomePod, but only if they can build something reliable and durable. Units shouldn’t be failing after sitting stationary for 3.5 years.

 

[acrakes]

Mark Gurman at Bloomberg said earlier this year that he believes Apple are working on a competitor to an Amazon echo show or google nest.

Apple Working on Combined TV Box, Speaker to Revive Home Efforts

Apple Inc. has been a laggard in the smart-home space, but a versatile new device in early development could change that.

www.bloomberg.com

However this was some months ago and I‘ve not really heard anything since.

Makes sense.. but hard to imagine it having a remotely pleasing design, even if they ditch the cylindrical speaker base.. Amazon and Google just don't care. The Echo Show 10 is too ugly for Apple..

Doubling down on a version of the "gramophone"/vinyl record idea.. on a more elegantly stylized arm than the Echo.. you could put a rectangular screen within a circular body and round the corners of the display in software.. hard to imagine the right proportions for the speaker cylinder and the screen, but.. it would be distinctive

 

[pup]

They’re releasing crappy matching software to boot now too.

It will be OK. Remember the mantra, timcookisanoperationalgenius... timcookisanoperationalgenius... timcookisonpermanentgoodwilltour... wait.

 

[TsMkLg068426]

Just got the HomePod Mini sound is good but lacks a lot of features with other competing wireless speakers. Truly it is not wireless, you cannot move the speakers without plugging it to an electric out. As for sound quality, it is good but not great. The fact this was released around the time Apple decided to bring Lossless, Hi-Res and Spatial for Apple Music you would expect to be able to stream music Dolby Atmos Spatial but only available for the discontinued HomePods.

I am still trying to understand why Apple decided to discontinue original HomePods other than the minis are much cheaper. This is not the first time Apple discontinued speakers they did the same for the iPod dock connector system.

The best thing for me now is to return HomePod Mini go for a better brand of speakers as much I like to Apple products to keep them in their same eco system. Who knows when will be the next HomePod hardware upgrade but all I know is not going to be anytime soon or in 2022.

 

[satchmo]

Just got the HomePod Mini sound is good but lacks a lot of features with other competing wireless speakers. Truly it is not wireless, you cannot move the speakers without plugging it to an electric out. As for sound quality, it is good but not great. The fact this was released around the time Apple decided to bring Lossless, Hi-Res and Spatial for Apple Music you would expect to be able to stream music Dolby Atmos Spatial but only available for the discontinued HomePods.

I am still trying to understand why Apple decided to discontinue original HomePods other than the minis are much cheaper. This is not the first time Apple discontinued speakers they did the same for the iPod dock connector system.

The best thing for me now is to return HomePod Mini go for a better brand of speakers as much I like to Apple products to keep them in their same eco system. Who knows when will be the next HomePod hardware upgrade but all I know is not going to be anytime soon or in 2022.

It's already a year and a half since the the current HomePod mini was launched. I would think they're due for another HomePod or HomePod with display, sometime next year.

 

[TsMkLg068426]

It's already a year and a half since the the current HomePod mini was launched. I would think they're due for another HomePod or HomePod with display, sometime next year.

Yes, but needs more than just a screen, it should be completely wireless with rechargeable batteries and support spatial music. Apple is far behind when it comes to smart speakers, they have a lot to catch up with.

Wonder why Beats is not involved with this. When it is part of Apple you would think they would get Beats department working on smart speakers.

 

[pup]

I think Beats is just a brand, which Apple bought really just for the industry contacts. There isn't and never was anything special about the hardware.

 

[BobRey77]

You are confusing wireless with portable. Portability is a special requirement that comes at a cost and there is no need to burden any device with a battery and charger unless portability is a requirement. HomePods are wireless speakers but they are not portable and aren't intended to be. This is not to say that Apple should never offer portability in a HomePod model like Sonos does with their Move and Roam speakers and that may well happen at some point.

 

[satchmo]

You are confusing wireless with portable. Portability is a special requirement that comes at a cost and there is no need to burden any device with a battery and charger unless portability is a requirement. HomePods are wireless speakers but they are not portable and aren't intended to be. This is not to say that Apple should never offer portability in a HomePod model like Sonos does with their Move and Roam speakers and that may well happen at some point.

How are HomePods considered wireless speakers?
They are more portable than they are wireless.

 

[BobRey77]

Well, to me a portable speaker is one that is battery powered and can be operated without being plugged in. By this definition a HomePod is not portable (even though it's small enough to be easily moved). Wireless usually just means no speaker wires and external amplifier are needed. It doesn't mean the device has no power cord. That's my understanding of the terms. If you count the power cord then a HomePod is neither wireless nor portable. Same would be true of most smart speakers from Sonos, Google and Amazon. The Sonos Move and Roam are portable speakers meaning they have chargeable batteries and are both portable and completely wireless in operation (no power cord).

 

[satchmo]

To me, wireless means without wire. Portable simply means it can easily be moved.

The HomePod obviously has a power cord and as you mentioned, most other smart speakers. I consider them all as portable wired speakers.

Nevertheless, I'd love to see a larger HomePod not unlike the original iPod Hi-Fi which was portable and wireless. Sonos and Sony and many other brands have products that are just that. It's just whether or not Apple wants to go down that route. Short of that, I'd take a HomePod Regular, wired or otherwise.