Apple Introduces New HomePod Mini With Smart Pairing, Only $99

In its latest event, Apple introduced a new version of its smart speaker HomePod, called HomePod Mini – a smaller and more affordable version compared to the first generation.

Just like the original HomePod, the HomePod mini still sports a distinguished mesh fabric finish in both white and black. At the top, there is a small screen that houses the Siri logo and volume control buttons.

However, the new device is in the shape of a sphere instead of the first generation’s cylindrical design. The HomePod Mini has a main driver and two passive radiators. On the bottom is an “acoustic waveguide.”

Just like other products of Apple, the new HomePod Mini comes with the company’s chip, the Apple S5. This chip can deliver “compute audio” processing that adjusts your music volume 180 times per second.

When being paired and placed in the same room, multiple HomePod Mini can synchronize and play music together to create stereo sound. The device also has the U1 chip which was introduced last year for a better Handoff experience.

According to Apple, the device will support third-party music apps like Amazon Music, Pandora, and iHeartRadio. Unfortunately, for Spotify users, the app isn’t in the list.

“Intercom” is an interesting feature of the HomePod Mini. It allows multiple HomePod devices placed in different rooms in the same house to communicate with each other. The Intercom messages also show up on connected Apple devices including iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches.

However, the most significant change is the device’s selling price. Its price tag of $99 is much more affordable than the original HomePod’s $349 price tag. Because of its high price, the device couldn’t compete with other competitors like Google Home and Amazon’s Echo.

Consumers can start pre-order the HomePod Mini on November 6, Deliveries will start from November 16.

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