Apple has just announced that the HomePod (2nd generation) and HomePod mini are now available in Malaysia, starting from May 10. These smart speakers promise to deliver impressive sound quality, enhanced Siri capabilities, and a safe and secure smart home experience.
The new HomePod lineup is designed to offer stunning audio experiences for every corner of the home. Powered by advanced computational audio, HomePod (2nd generation) delivers groundbreaking acoustics with rich, deep bass and stunning high frequencies.
It features a custom-engineered high-excursion woofer, a bass-EQ mic, and a beamforming array of five tweeters for a powerful acoustic experience. The S7 chip combined with software and system-sensing technology maximizes the full potential of its acoustic system.
Meanwhile, HomePod mini offers big sound in a compact design, featuring an Apple-designed acoustic waveguide for immersive 360-degree audio. With the Apple S5 chip and advanced software, HomePod mini optimizes volume, adjusts dynamic range, and controls driver movement in real time for impressive sound quality.
Both HomePod and HomePod mini come with Siri integration, allowing users to access a wide range of music knowledge, control smart home devices, and manage everyday tasks hands-free. They also offer smart home features such as room sensing technology, sound recognition for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and built-in temperature and humidity sensors.
In terms of design, HomePod and HomePod mini feature a seamless mesh fabric and a backlit touch surface for an elegant look. HomePod comes in white and midnight colours, while HomePod mini is available in bold hues such as orange, yellow, and blue, as well as space grey and white.
Just like all Apple devices, the smart speakers seamlessly integrate with the Apple ecosystem, enabling features like handoff from iPhone, personalised song recommendations, and control of Apple TV 4K. They also support Ultra Wideband technology for easy connectivity and Find My integration for locating Apple devices.
Sound Recognition enables HomePod to listen for important alerts such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, ensuring users are promptly notified on their iPhone if such sounds are detected. This feature enhances home safety by providing timely alerts for potential hazards.
The new temperature and humidity sensor allows users to monitor indoor environments more effectively. By leveraging this sensor, users can automate actions such as closing blinds or turning on fans when specific temperature thresholds are reached in a room. This not only enhances comfort but also contributes to energy efficiency.
Activating Siri enables users to control individual devices or create scenes that trigger multiple smart home accessories simultaneously. For example, users can set up scenes like "Good Morning" to activate specific devices and settings at the start of each day. Additionally, users can create recurring automations hands-free, such as scheduling the opening of blinds every morning at a specific time.
The redesigned Home app offers intuitive navigation and organization of accessories, with categories for climate, lights, and security. Users can easily set up and control their smart home devices, view activity history, and access features like multicamera views for enhanced security monitoring.
With Matter support, HomePod and HomePod mini can connect to and control Matter-enabled accessories, allowing them to work seamlessly across different ecosystems while maintaining high levels of security. As members of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, Apple and other industry leaders uphold the Matter standard, ensuring interoperability and security for smart home products.
Good things always come in pairs (or more). For a truly immersive experience, users can pair multiple HomePod or HomePod mini speakers to create stereo pairs or multiroom audio setups. They can also connect HomePod speakers to Apple TV 4K for a powerful home theatre experience.
HomePod and HomePod mini are designed with environmental sustainability in mind, incorporating recycled materials and energy-efficient components. They consume around 75% less energy than the most stringent requirements for ENERGY STAR.
Editor
Jennifer chevron_right
Table of Contents
Price & Availability
The HomePod (2nd generation) is priced at RM1,549 and HomePod mini for RM529. You'll be able to order these devices from the Apple website, the Apple Store app, and in stores starting May 10.
Additionally, new subscribers can get Apple Music free for six months with the purchase of any HomePod or HomePod mini.