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New Version of Original HomePod to Return Next Year

So if anything, this HomePod will become e-waste once the software support runs out. I can’t see a single possibility that this rumoured new homepod can be used as a generic speaker after software support is ceased by Apple. And that cable is not going to be detachable isn’t it?
 
Since I picked up my 2nd OG HomePod, and paired them both with my newest Apple TV, I rarely ever turn on my full surround sound system anymore. The audio quality is really great for music / TV and is immersive enough for most cases. I only really activate the surround system when I really want to have a theater experience, or when listening to LPs.

Looking forward to an upgrade option, especially if they can do true surround, and perhaps up the audio quality again.
 
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JustinCymbal said:
Awesome!!

I use my HomePod every day

I do notice a significant difference though in processing speed between AirPlaying music and podcasts to my HomePod mini vs. my HomePod

My HomePod is definitely slower in getting AirPlay to start versus when I AirPlay to my HomePod mini so having a newer chip would indeed be a welcome update!
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Totally. I just want the sound quality of the full-sized HomePod and the responsiveness of the Mini.
 
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Would be fantastic if it came with previously mentioned Matter support and and U1 chip etc… but would it be possible to add an IR blaster function to it to enable older devices that aren’t smart (eg air conditioners, TVs etc) to be controlled and added to HomeKit?
 
Stewie said:
That's on you and your network. I have 3 OG HomePods, 1 mini and 2 Apple TV's and no issues, well an occasional issue, but no worse then smart things or google home when I ran them recently.
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Maybe, maybe not. Honestly, I don't know. 🤷🏻
But I have had issues with HomeKit from the very beginning. With all those years, I lived in 3 different locations, 3 different routers, 3 different Apple TV models, 5 different iPhones (including my gf's), 3 different iPads, different setups. Pretty much always the latest technology.

Right now, I have a 500 CAD Wi-Fi 6 router from Linksys, an A12Z iPad Pro, the latest Apple TV which is plugged directly in the router with Ethernet and my 1st-gen HomePod is obviously Wi-Fi but right next to the router. I don't know what more I could do at this point.
My Internet is 120 Mbps DL / 30 Mbps UL. I know it's not the fastest, but Home Automation transfers negligible amounts of data, so it should be plenty.
 
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A device that combines the original homepod + an ipad-like screen mounted above is such an obvious product for Apple to make. Would be great for kitchens, offices, Kids' rooms, etc. That seems more of a worthwhile upgrade rather than just bringing back the OG homepod and adding in a few new features like Matter. It will take some sort of substantial improvements to convince OG homepod owners to upgrade.
 
iSayuSay said:
Have you ever seen an Apple product lineup being discontinued only to be evolved afterwards? I honestly can't remember any. Probably iPod HiFi --> OG HomePod, but that's not exactly the same category.

Why discontinued the old one if Apple is going to renew it in just 2 years? Doesn't make sense. If anything, Apple is not interested making another HomePod in a foreseeable future.
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The iPhone SE lineup sort of fits that description. It's only one variant of iPhone that was discontinued, but the same applies to the HomePod.
 
This is great, but it does beg the question: Why?

I mean, we here all love it, but we're die-hard fans. Clearly the original flopped or it wouldn't have been pulled, and the production numbers on the final units wouldn't have been over a year old. What's changed in the market that means it'll be viable this time?

Also a marketing point of "It's got Siri" isn't exactly going to sell it when it seems like the Siri dev team consists of one guy who works part time these days. It's so damn far behind everyone else that it's not even funny anymore.
 
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kiranmk2 said:
If Siri and Homekit haven't improved then Apple will have learned nothing. It's a shame, as I hear that the Homepod sounded really good as a speaker. Matter should help things be more interoperable but I get the feeling that it isn't as good as many are proclaiming - sort of how the Amazon Echo can control Hue lights by being a smarthub but can only do the basic things like on/off, dimming and colours - all the more funky things still need the Hue bridge (and app).
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Simply moving it to an A12 or A13 (A13 Seems to be their go to for embedded stuff now) will dramatically improve its performance. On-device Siri requires at least an A12.
 
chkay said:
This is great, but it does beg the question: Why?

I mean, we here all love it, but we're die-hard fans. Clearly the original flopped or it wouldn't have been pulled, and the production numbers on the final units wouldn't have been over a year old. What's changed in the market that means it'll be viable this time?

Also a marketing point of "It's got Siri" isn't exactly going to sell it when it seems like the Siri dev team consists of one guy who works part time these days. It's so damn far behind everyone else that it's not even funny anymore.
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I think it will simply be cheaper. The S-series chips are probably cheaper than A or M series, so that'll be potential for saving.

Siri have one of the largest engineering teams at Apple BTW.
 
Shirasaki said:
So if anything, this HomePod will become e-waste once the software support runs out. I can’t see a single possibility that this rumoured new homepod can be used as a generic speaker after software support is ceased by Apple. And that cable is not going to be detachable isn’t it?
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Not having aux-in or basic Bluetooth audio support pretty much doomed these to being temporary accessories. Not having “dumb speaker” mode was the only reason I didn’t buy these and I’m a pretty diehard Apple consumer.
 
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SayuSay said:
Have you ever seen an Apple product lineup being discontinued only to be evolved afterwards? I honestly can't remember any. Probably iPod HiFi --> OG HomePod, but that's not exactly the same category.

Why discontinued the old one if Apple is going to renew it in just 2 years? Doesn't make sense. If anything, Apple is not interested making another HomePod in a foreseeable future.
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But the HomePod product didn’t go away. Just the large product. They continue to sell a HomePod Mini. There were a couple years when you could only buy an iPad Air or Mini. There was no “iPad” from the 3rd quarter 2014 until 2nd quarter 2017.
 
All I want is for Apple and the BBC to crack their heads together and have direct support forBBC Sounds.
 
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AndrewWx said:
I really wonder why Apple Engineers can't figure out a way to make the Apple TV communicate with 4 home pods for a decent surround sound experience.
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That would be too niche a market. Enthusiasts will stick with an AVR, dedicated speakers (including center speaker) and subwoofer, while most casual users won’t want to pay for and place four HomePods with power cords around their room, and instead will prefer an unobtrusive soundbar with virtual surround.
 
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