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Watch: HomePod Mini Reviews, Sound Quality Tests, and Unboxing Videos

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Apple's embargo has lifted on reviews for the HomePod mini ahead of the speaker launching on Monday. In addition to our in-depth HomePod mini reviews roundup, we've gathered a collection of unboxing videos and sound quality tests below.

homepod-mini-event-shot.jpg

As its name implies, the HomePod mini is a smaller version of the standard HomePod, standing just 3.3 inches tall. However, despite its more compact, spherical design, Apple says the HomePod mini still delivers "amazing sound" using "computational audio." The speaker is equipped with the same S5 chip as the Apple Watch Series 5, allowing the speaker to optimize loudness, adjust the dynamic range, and more.

Like the standard HomePod, the HomePod mini offers HomeKit smart home capabilities, handing off of audio from an iPhone, multi-user detection, ambient sounds, and compatibility with Apple's new Intercom feature for sending voice messages — from one HomePod to another, or to an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, or vehicle with CarPlay.

Videos











HomePod mini is priced at $99 in the United States. Pre-orders began Friday, November 6, with the first deliveries to customers and in-store availability set to begin Monday, November 16. In addition to the United States, launch day countries include Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Spain, and the UK.

Article Link: Watch: HomePod Mini Reviews, Sound Quality Tests, and Unboxing Videos
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2020/11/12/homepod-mini-unboxing-videos/
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RFolk said:
HomePod Mini seems to be good enough for what it is , but for $150 you can get Echo Studio , which sounds fantastic IMHO
Click to expand...
My issue is with Amazon and their business model there being one that benefits from serving ads for junk you can buy in their store. I have had Alexa suggest many times things I can buy from the store many times after asking for the news, etc.
 
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Snagging a handful of these for the holidays...hopefully. Yes, it sucks they are tethered to the power outlet, but most of the use cases that friends/family or I have for these wont be affected by that limitation.
 
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averagenerd81 said:
My issue is with Amazon and their business model there being one that benefits from serving ads for junk you can buy in their store. I have had Alexa suggest many times things I can buy from the store many times after asking for the news, etc.
Click to expand...
You are not alone in this. However I do enjoy music via the line in jack from an obsolete iPod . :)
 
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averagenerd81 said:
My issue is with Amazon and their business model there being one that benefits from serving ads for junk you can buy in their store. I have had Alexa suggest many times things I can buy from the store many times after asking for the news, etc.
Click to expand...
Settings > Notifications > Amazon Shopping (also Things To Try)

toggle off whatever you don’t want Alexa to offer you
 
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Wondering how you configure these with a fixed IP address, don’t use dhcp on my intranet. :rolleyes:
 
JosephAW said:
Wondering how you configure these with a fixed IP address, don’t use dhcp on my intranet. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
No differently than any other device you configure. You set the IP you want to assign the MAC in your router and when the device connects it's given the assigned IP address. Can always allow it to connect DHCP first to get the MAC more easily and then set the static IP.

Not sure why you wouldn't bother using DHCP unless you have a very specific use case for a specific device. Setting a static IP for a HomePod mini doesn't seem to have any benefit.
 
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My old Echo+ needed to be replaced had it years. Decided to go with the Homepod and see how it went and then add minis elsewhere at home.

My new Echo is actually being delivered today at some point and the Homepod will be going on Ebay.

The sound from the Homepod is amazing but Siri is just unusable for me. So going back to Echo which worked amazingly well as a voice assistant, the sound is good enough for my needs.
 
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Why do all the reviews talk about the handoff music as if it’s a new feature for this HomePod... I literally use it daily on my OG HomePod?
 
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I feel Apple is a day late and a dollar short with HomePod. At least for me, and those who’ve grown attached to their Alexa and Google smart speakers.

I already have 7 Alexa devices (4 Echo Dots, 3 full-sized Echos) throughout my home that cost me less than $200 (Amazon basically gives away their Echo Dots). They deliver sound that’s beyond “good enough” and use Alexa, which is light years ahead of Siri, in my opinion.

Apple has an uphill climb ahead of them if they are attempting to seduce people like me.
 
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Does anyone know how you would compare the sound of this homepod mini to this ...

www.amazon.com

DOSS SoundBox XL Bluetooth Speaker with Subwoofer, 32W Loud Sound with Booming Bass, Dual DSP Technologies, 10H Playtime, USB-C, TWS, 2.1 Sound Channel Home Speaker for Indoor, and Office-Upgraded

DOSS Bluetooth Speaker, SoundBox XL Home Speaker with Subwoofer, 32W Loud Sound with Booming Bass, DSP Technology, Wireless Stereo Pairing,10H Playtime, Speaker for Home, Indoor, and Office
www.amazon.com

My friend has that and it sounds absolutely incredible.

Apple never releases specs which is super annoying. I don't care about siri and the home stuff. I just want a great speaker for music.
 
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