New HomePod Reviews Offer Hands-On Look at Sound Quality, Siri, and More

[ghanwani]

Can’t believe they didn’t address the furniture stain problem.

 

[B4rbelith]

The biggest problem which is the same problem that the HomePod Mini has and why I haven't gotten a second one to use it as a stereo pair is that you can't use the speakers for anything non-Apple like an Xbox or PlayStation. I think if they did that both of them would do much better.

You can if you have an Apple TV.

 

[B4rbelith]

I'd like a homepod but i don't want to pay that much. It doesn't NEED to be that high-quality a speaker and build. Alexa holds the market because they're cheap, not because they sound good.

So get a HomePod mini.

 

[michaeldlord]

I love my 1st gen HomePods!! In saying that, I lost my first HomePod to software bricking with 16.3. My biggest fear in buying into the second gens is the lack of a USB-C port or a clear path to restore. Once that warranty expires, it's a crapshoot as to whether Apple is going to replace the device or ask you to pay for a replacement at a "reduced" rate.

Considering Apple's push to be green, I find it funny that HomePods are treated as disposable items. ...And all because of a software update.

 

[Dionte]

Main thing I was hoping for is a usb c port to be able to restore the software if it crashes during an update. They know it was happening but still didn’t add one?

 

[B4rbelith]

How's the lag?

My problem is I use a projector and the Homepod (now sold) and HomePod Mini only work with other sources via eARC (try finding a projector with eARC).

I ended up with a Bluetooth speaker.

My setup:

Apple TV and Wii U
Connected to HDMI splitter - the optical out is connected to a Sennheiser Bluetooth Transmitter (Aptx-ll).
Speaker (I switch between a Bose Cinemate GS II and Cambridge Audio Minx TV - Both in comparison to the HomePods, well, no comparison, there is bass, and stereo separation and both sound a million times better).

In the future, if Apple release a soundbar with Bluetooth, I am in

Until then, for speakers at least, I am out of the eco system.

XGIMI projectors have eArc. I’d really like to get the elfin one, because that looks like an amazing little piece of kit.

Edit: Has only one HDMI input unfortunately, so wouldn’t work anyway.

 

[trip1ex]

Quoting the article: “When playing back music, the HomePod’s top will glow in colors that resemble the album artwork of what you’re listening to”

I don’t think this is accurate. Only one review claims this, and all the videos show just the white glow while playing.

he was probably listening to the White Album.

 

[Gator5000e]

The Digital Trends review is very interesting. He says you shouldn't buy just one speaker as there are better choices for a smart speaker, but he then adds that if you buy two, it creates a pretty amazing set of speakers for the Apple TV, especially with spatial sound tracks for TV shows and movies. I'd like to hear a demo of that myself.

 

[Ianblackburn]

For a sound focussed review, WhatHiFi (not listed in the article) is good. https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/apple-homepod-2. They are impressed: "sounds even better. Tighter, more solid, and better organised both spatially and rhythmically, it’s altogether more engaging, exciting and enjoyable to listen to"

 

[trip1ex]

Apple missed the mark big time here. Why discontinue the HomePod to just rehash it at the same price with no meaningful new features.

They had an opportunity to innovate and actually compete in the home theater market or portable speaker area but failed once again to effectively compete in either.

The screen up top is useless, make an upfiring speaker for better atmos, and allow pairing of 4 for actual surround sound. Alternatively (or additionally) they could have offered portability to compete with Sonos by having a battery and wireless or mag safe charging but didn’t.

Instead they removed speakers, microphones and downgraded wifi to offer the same exact subpar experience that doesn’t target any specific market and will flop once again.

I was lookin for any excuse to buy these, but they didn’t provide a single one. The addition of a temperature and humidity sensor is relatively worthless too since most people have nests or smart thermostats that already provide this information…

I had high hopes given Apple seemed to actually be listening to customers and offering better products lately, but this HomePod rehash just leaves me scratching my head wondering why?

It sounds like you're looking for excuses not to buy it.

 

[Student of Life]

The lack of an Apple sticker does hurt. It’s something that shouldnt impact there bottom line but man come on why take away the sticker.

 

[Rogifan]

I think what you're missing here is that surround systems do not involve any computer chips or processing. That's why they need so many different specialized speakers: all they do is project sound. There's no sound cancelling going on like the HomePods do in order to optimize how the sound waves reflect and interact within the room. Apple wants to use their chip technology in ways that enhance the experience, not just produce standard speakers.

So Apple can’t make a sound bar that utilizes their chip technology? It would only work in a cylindrical speaker?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1620422803748175872

 

[jbachandouris]

Clicking could be cause by 'dirty' electricity too. Or it simply was defective; you could have exchange it under warranty.
Hopefully the 2nd Gen will work better for you. If you still get the clicking, try getting a filter like this one (the least expensive I could find, the others go for about $ 75.00):

Digital Energy EMI Sound Filter/Noise Reducer - 15 Foot Long 14/3 Cable - 6 Outlet Metal Body Surge Protector Power Strip | 1200 Joule, Heavy Duty Construction

At DE World, we believe in enhancing your digital life and overall product experience, by incorporating style and quality into our line. Digital Energy World is a leading provider of consumer electronics and accessories. With a passion for technology and innovation since 1999, DE has developed a ...

www.amazon.com

Or you could find the source of the clicking. It could be a refrigerator or an A/C unit (when they start), or any other equipment that uses motors. Or a lose AC outlet or circuit breaker in your panel (sparking).

Try again. Many others have experienced that and it has nothing to do with the electrical system. It’s a design flaw. Google the problem. It’s been mentioned here too.

 

[GtrDude]

They say it still sounds the same.
That means I'm out.
It always sounded horrible to begin with and if nothing has changed I'm definitely not getting this.
Sonos for me I guess...

 

[w5jck]

Apple usually knows how to do more with less...

Not really. Apple knows how to market though, and how to convince card carrying Fan Club members that they can do more with less even though that is usually merely smoke and mirrors. Some people are really easy to convince, others are more apt to say prove it by showing me, not by listening to bias YouStupiders trying to make money.

 

[lazyrighteye]

So the power cable is finally detachable... But not for the main reason people (or at least this person) wanted a detachable power cable: wireless BT speaker functionality! Dangit Apple...

I know they do this to ensure Siri functionality when HomePod is in use and removing it from a wireless network would hamper said functionality. Got it. But... If one is at the park and wants to shoot music from their iPhone to a BT speaker, currently, that speak is not Apple-branded. Seems a lot of money is being left on the table. Wireless BT speakers is a segment that's pretty established and no one is doing anything overly awesome. Seems Apple could drop some wireless BT options and dominate that segment based almost solely on their iPhone user base. Speaking for myself, and an owner of a UA Boom, I would happily grab an Apple-branded wireless BT speaker for it's likely more seamless connectivity and solid sound quality.

So fine, leave HomePod intended, as its name suggests, for the home. But ffs, give us an Apple-branded wireless BT speaker please. It would outsell HomePod and HomePod mini combined. They can even have a whole line of BT speakers: GoPod, GoPod mini, GoPod Pro, etc. They could be implemented to boost iPhone sales. Idk... Seems easy money, if you ask me.

 

[tollickd]

I have two of the minis and so tempted to get one. But I have to admit I don’t really utilize the ones I have fully. Will the bigger give better sound?

 

[nrose101]

A few YouTubers who got bribed with a free speaker saying such speaker is not worse than the predecessor despite being worse should outrage someone? These reviews are worthless, do a double blind test with a decent number of people involved and if the two speakers are indeed on par then I’ll be interested. Otherwise it’s just cheap marketing and just a fool would fall for it.

The Wall Street Journal is a YouTuber? Hahahahaha

 

[yabeweb]

A few YouTubers who got bribed with a free speaker saying such speaker is not worse than the predecessor despite being worse should outrage someone? These reviews are worthless, do a double blind test with a decent number of people involved and if the two speakers are indeed on par then I’ll be interested. Otherwise it’s just cheap marketing and just a fool would fall for it.

I am still amazed how people believe YouTubers, sure there are a few unbiased, but for the most part, reviews ( not only on YouTube) are definitely not reliable.

 

[B4rbelith]

So the power cable is finally detachable... But not for the main reason people (or at least this person) wanted a detachable power cable: wireless BT speaker functionality! Dangit Apple...

I know they do this to ensure Siri functionality when HomePod is in use and removing it from a wireless network would hamper said functionality. Got it. But... If one is at the park and wants to shoot music from their iPhone to a BT speaker, currently, that speak is not Apple-branded. Seems a lot of money is being left on the table. Wireless BT speakers is a segment that's pretty established and no one is doing anything overly awesome. Seems Apple could drop some wireless BT options and dominate that segment based almost solely on their iPhone user base. Speaking for myself, and an owner of a UA Boom, I would happily grab an Apple-branded wireless BT speaker for it's likely more seamless connectivity and solid sound quality.

So fine, leave HomePod intended, as its name suggests, for the home. But ffs, give us an Apple-branded wireless BT speaker please. It would outsell HomePod and HomePod mini combined. They can even have a whole line of BT speakers: GoPod, GoPod mini, GoPod Pro, etc. They could be implemented to boost iPhone sales. Idk... Seems easy money, if you ask me.

What’s the point? There’s so many Bluetooth speakers on the market, why would Apple enter that space?

 

[nrose101]

I'd like a homepod but i don't want to pay that much. It doesn't NEED to be that high-quality a speaker and build. Alexa holds the market because they're cheap, not because they sound good.

Why would you want a speaker that doesn't sound good. It is it's core functionality..Just like a phone is ...gasp....making calls.

 

[Tozovac]

Like the AirPods Max this seems like a product that doesn’t have a market. Audiophiles will want something better and everyone else will go for something cheaper, especially if the voice assistant is better. I’m a little surprised Apple didn’t replace this with a soundbar, and maybe one that integrated Apple TV. This is what Apple should be targeting:

Roku® Streambar® SE | Roku Soundbar & 4K streaming | Roku

Roku® Streambar® SE upgrades any TV with powerful streaming & premium sound. A 4K streaming soundbar that lets you hear every detail.

www.roku.com

View attachment 2151142

Yup. Ironically I got this in January just before the announcement of the return of the HP. I almost returned them but kept them (added a subwoofer) and I'm pretty happy with the Roku set-up. Having airplay was the clincher; now can use the Roku system upstairs and the (soon to arrive) two HP2's with my existing HP mini's in my office. Looking forward to it.

 

[Simmias]

I'm tempted to order a pair. The lack of home theater functionality was the reason that I held off on the first gen. I have a Sonos Playbar ($700 back in 2017) in my apartment and wanted speakers that could replace that device by both playing music and working as TV speakers. HomePod can now deliver that in a $600 pair that's a bit cheaper than my Sonos and probably delivers better sound.

The only reason I'm holding back is that my neighbors recently complained about my Sonos sound bar when I watching a movie at medium volume 😬. I'm worried HomePod would lead to more noise complaints (unless there's a way to turn the bass way down)!

 

[Tozovac]

What’s the point? There’s so many Bluetooth speakers on the market, why would Apple enter that space?

A similar thing could have been said for AirPods but I'm glad they did enter that particular space.

 

[Naraxus]

Surprise surprise. The spiritual successor to Rene Richie & Jim Dalrymple - iJustine - gushes over a free, prerelease bribe, er "review unit" from Apple.

I'll wait for more objective reviews thanks.