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"Can Be Used as Apple TV Speaker Starting This Fall".
I don't get this, I'm already using a stereo pair of minis as an appletv speaker. Works great. so what is really coming, or why did they mention
Likely they will need to be upgraded to WiFi 6 in the fall, as the current version is 802.11n and based on my ATV4K with HomePod set up as default speakers (WiFi 5), WiFi bandwidth is key as the peer to peer method used to connect everything seems to greatly degradate wifi speed on the ATV/HomePod.
 
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Likely they will need to be upgraded to WiFi 6 in the fall, as the current version is 802.11n and based on my ATV4K with HomePod set up as default speakers (WiFi 5), WiFi bandwidth is key as the peer to peer method used to connect everything seems to greatly degradate wifi speed on the ATV/HomePod.
You don’t need a ton of bandwidth for this application and wifi6 won’t be necessary. I’ve had two minis working in stereo pairing on my appletv on my 5 network for awhile with no issue with degraded wifi speeds to other devices.
 
Hm, I think they'd make sense as computer speakers when you have your laptop in clamshell mode, but I'm curious the quality at higher volumes when trying to fill a room. It's tempting to buy a HomePod, but with the older processor and bluetooth/WiFi I'm afraid it won't work as seamlessly in a few years.

If Apple decided to update (or at least indicated that they plan to update) the HomePod then I'd be willing to wait for that. Ultimately, however, I think the $200 would likely be better spent towards an actual sound bar / surround system, perhaps one that supports Bluetooth/AirPlay.
 
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Would really like them to go all in on this idea and make it possible to link 4 or 6 minis for a true surround sound experience. Esp with eArc now enabled on the latest ATV. I guess I would like a subwoofer link somehow too.

I guess I am going to have to stick with an AVR and a grip of cables.
 
You don’t need a ton of bandwidth for this application and wifi6 won’t be necessary. I’ve had two minis working in stereo pairing on my appletv on my 5 network for awhile with no issue with degraded wifi speeds to other devices.
I agree that for normal stereo pairing over AirPlay bandwidth needs are minimal, but the Atmos overhead seems to consume a large amount by comparison. Example, switching to TV speakers I get about 400dn/100up on Speedtest, selecting Paired Homepods with “Atmos available” serves up 190dn/48up. While performance is fine, I’m not sure 11n would be sufficient. I agree WiFi 6 is probably overkill, but as all recent Apple products are going with 6, is seems likely HPMini would too.

I have seen discussions on Apple’s support pages about the degradation and offered this as a possible reason why HPMini won’t get Atmos until the fall.
 
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Apple will want you to upgrade to the mini for this ha
OR Apple already made it possible on those in iOS 14.2 last November, so they didn't need to mention it today, as it's not new for those, just new for the HomePod Minis..... 😂😂😂😂
 
ahem:

“Apple's website does indicate that the HomePod will support Spatial Audio, but it's unclear if this includes the HomePod mini.
Seeing as they discontinued the HomePod, you'd think they'd include the Mini, especially since that's getting Lossless. Would be weird if it couldn't.

AppleInsider's article says differently to MR...

Normally, Spatial Audio would be reserved for devices with head-tracking capabilities, but some reports say that HomePod and HomePod mini will have Spatial Audio with music as well. This assertion may be confusing Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos support since the HomePods could easily simulate multi-channel audio.

 
So the HomePod mini will also work with e-arc on the new Apple TV ? So will they be able to output sound from external sources like bd players , consoles, etc?

I know the old regular HomePods could do that after the update , and after the new tv is, will it work the same on the HomePod mini’ s?
 
Yeah, it is because of Siri coverage I presume and priorities. But I bought two minis in Sweden from Warehouse204 recently. Using them with English language as all our other Apple devices anyway.
I'm considering buying one from CDON!
 
I'm considering buying one from CDON!
I got two HomePod minis from FNAC in France delivered to my doorstep in Sweden a few days after Apple released them and a OG HomePod from the Lufthansa on-line store a month ago. A second OG HomePod is on its way, should be here in a week or two.
 
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