I’ll be honest I am not worried about this style of Homepod, one with a screen that you can use for FaceTime calls in and out and controlling my home would appeal though
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Unreleased HomePod With LCD Display Allegedly Shown in Images [Update]
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I agree. That said, I just tried the Gen two as I wanted to see if Apple had made it anymore useful as a Home Automation Hub because it includes Matter. I just retuned it, still useless.
Having 3 Minis in the house, two acting as a stereo pair with my Apple TV… I wish I’d just kept the money or went with “dumb” Bluetooth speakers.
Even when Siri commands do work, the functionality is somewhat underwhelming. However, good 20-40% of time (depending on luck, humidity levels, and star alignment) it doesn’t work - either can’t find Internet, can’t understand me, “can’t do that right now”, or just flashes the light but doesn’t do anything.
Playing music seems to be especially problematic and finicky, with problems ranging from failing to play at all, to playing on the Living Room pair even though I clearly said “Bedroom”.
Every month or so the pair loses Apple TV connection and I end up just resetting it and adding as a new pair.
The intercom functionality is absolutely useless. The name is misleading, it’s not designed for two HomePods to communicate in turns - too many steps and delays.
And finally, the sound quality is mediocre.
So, I’d stay away from any new Apple branded smart speakers.
Even when Siri commands do work, the functionality is somewhat underwhelming. However, good 20-40% of time (depending on luck, humidity levels, and star alignment) it doesn’t work - either can’t find Internet, can’t understand me, “can’t do that right now”, or just flashes the light but doesn’t do anything.
Playing music seems to be especially problematic and finicky, with problems ranging from failing to play at all, to playing on the Living Room pair even though I clearly said “Bedroom”.
Every month or so the pair loses Apple TV connection and I end up just resetting it and adding as a new pair.
The intercom functionality is absolutely useless. The name is misleading, it’s not designed for two HomePods to communicate in turns - too many steps and delays.
And finally, the sound quality is mediocre.
So, I’d stay away from any new Apple branded smart speakers.