New HomePod Can't Be Stereo Paired With First-Generation HomePod

[MacRumors]

Following Apple's new full-size HomePod announcement, many owners of the original HomePod are wondering if it's possible to pair the new HomePod with the first-generation smart speaker of the same name. The short answer is no.

Creating a stereo pair with the new HomePod requires another second-generation HomePod. In the footnotes from Apple's press release:

Creating a HomePod stereo pair requires two of the same model HomePod speakers, such as two HomePod mini, two HomePod (2nd generation), or two HomePod (1st generation).

That's not to say the two devices can't be used together at all. If you have a new HomePod and first-generation ‌HomePod in the home, they can be used to play your music in different rooms, and features like Intercom will work across both devices.

In another notable development, a software update appears to be on the way for the HomePod mini that will add two key features currently exclusive to the new HomePod – temperature and humidity sensing in indoor environments.

The new ‌HomePod ‌costs $299 and is available in both white and midnight color options. In-store availability and deliveries to customers will begin Friday, February 3 in select countries.

Article Link: New HomePod Can't Be Stereo Paired With First-Generation HomePod

 

[gmarm]

I expected nothing less 😂

 

[NavySilver]

I don't think Apple realized that, rather than making me buy two, this news means I will be buying zero of them...

 

[jaysapple]

I can’t wait for this to fail. Expensive stereo system that has a terrible virtual assistant and glitches 24/7. Trillion dollar company that can’t get it right. Embarrassing

 

[TSE]

This has to be the most baffling product release ever from Apple.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

That's dumb! First-Gen HomePod is Outdated!
Apple wants you to get the latest HomePod. It's back from the dead ya'll. Still pricey tho.

 

[macsplusmacs]

No! YOU CAN"T BE PAIRED WITH A FIRST GEN HOMEPOD.

 

[sjsharksfan12]

I don't think Apple realized that, rather than making me buy two, this news means I will be buying zero of them...

So they discontinued the original, bring out a new one, and there is already a big limitation on it. Why would I buy the new one again?

 

[A418t81]

Can’t wait to pick another full size one up on sale for nearly half off.…again 😬

 

[Lampekap]

Isn't it amazing how only Apple can make your current hardware obsolete? Is there a single Apple product that is either not repairable or chip /OS version dependant, meaning not supported after they no longer want it to be supported?

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

This has to be the most baffling product release ever from Apple.

I thought it was the iconic Apple Polishing Cloth for many people. You can't top that.

Apple Releases Polishing Cloth for $19

Apple today released a microfiber Polishing Cloth accessory, designed for cleaning the screens of Apple devices, for $19. Although today's...

www.macrumors.com

 

[DMG35]

I thought it was the Apple Polishing Cloth. You can't top that.

Now wait a minute, you bought like 10 of them.

 

[MrRom92]

I was gonna rip on this, but the humidity sensor feature coming to HomePod mini is actually pretty cool considering one of mine is in the bathroom. Maybe I can set up automations for the exhaust fan.

 

[Rob__Mac]

What's frustrating is there's been no option to add a second First Gen HomePod for so long now. I'm in no mood to buy a set of 2nd gens, I wouldn't mind a route to purchasing a second first-gen...

 

[sjsharksfan12]

I thought it was the Apple Polishing Cloth. You can't top that.

Apple Releases Polishing Cloth for $19

Apple today released a microfiber Polishing Cloth accessory, designed for cleaning the screens of Apple devices, for $19. Although today's...

www.macrumors.com

You've been hyping up the polishing cloth for months though. For that reason alone there is still use for it.

Personally, I think apple should go further with the Cloth idea and just bring out an Apple Roumba. You can control it with the Iphone and it will do all your cleaning for you.

 

[Eldaerenth Faexidor]

Aaaand the grift continues. Lol.

 

[Felis]

Has 5 tweeters instead of 7 of the original HP! 😂

 

[TSE]

I thought it was the iconic Apple Polishing Cloth. You can't top that.

Apple Releases Polishing Cloth for $19

Apple today released a microfiber Polishing Cloth accessory, designed for cleaning the screens of Apple devices, for $19. Although today's...

www.macrumors.com

Nah. I have it and it's actually quite nice. Is it $20 nice? No. But it's nice and I can see it being an impulse purchase for customers at the store.

Homepod 1.5 is worse.

 

[vorkosigan1]

Frustrating headline. What you mean is:

New HomePod Can't Be Stereo-Paired with First-Generation HomePod​

As written, it sounds like neither the new nor the old can be stereo-paired at all.

Following Apple's new full-size HomePod announcement, many owners of the original HomePod are wondering if it's possible to pair the new HomePod with the first-generation smart speaker of the same name. The short answer is no.

Creating a stereo pair with the new HomePod requires another second-generation HomePod. In the footnotes from Apple's press release:
That's not to say the two devices can't be used together at all. If you have a new HomePod and first-generation ‌HomePod in the home, they can be used to play your music in different rooms, and features like Intercom will work across both devices.

In another notable development, a software update appears to be on the way for the HomePod mini that will add two key features currently exclusive to the new HomePod – temperature and humidity sensing in indoor environments.

The new ‌HomePod ‌costs $299 and is available in both white and midnight color options. In-store availability and deliveries to customers will begin Friday, February 3 in select countries.

Article Link: New HomePod and First-Generation HomePod Can't Be Stereo Paired

 

[SmugMaverick]

Aaaand the grift continues. Lol.

Its like they're some desperate company in need of the cash, I could almost forgive them if that were the case.

The disgusting little things they do to screw over their customers is bordering hilarious now.

 

[ratspg]

Now the real question…. What’s the trade-in value of the OG HomePod? 😂 jk.

 

[the future]

In (quality) stereo audio, it is absolutely mandatory to use two identical speakers. So even if pairing gen 1 and 2 would be possible, it would still be a bad idea.

That being said, I‘m very curious how the sound of these will compare. I‘m using a pair of first gen HomePods every day and they still sound awesome, especially for the size (and price).

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Isn't it amazing how only Apple can make your current hardware obsolete? Is there a single Apple product that is either not repairable or chip /OS version dependant, meaning not supported after they no longer want it to be supported?

Socks & Cloth.

Basically, if there's a proprietary chip or software in it, Apple decides when it's time for replacements.

 

[rgwebb]

Already ordered one...

I was going to by one for the nearly-finished nursery next month anyway but this will just allow me to move around minis until we get the color my wife wants in there on the glider side table.

 

[rm5]

Ok. I'm never gonna buy this HomePod, because I already have a set of studio monitors that are already in a stereo pair! I get it, the HomPod's nice for hooking up to an iPhone/iPad/Apple TV, but I don't use those enough to justify buying a $299 speaker for them. (I don't even have an Apple TV...)