<p>Apple has introduced the second generation of HomePod, a smart speaker that delivers next-level acoustics priced at $299. Packed with Apple innovations and Siri intelligence, HomePod offers advanced computational audio for a groundbreaking listening experience, including support for immersive Spatial Audio tracks. With convenient new ways to manage everyday tasks and control the smart home, users can now create smart home automations using Siri, get notified when a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is detected in their home, and check temperature and humidity in a room — all hands-free.</p>
<p>The new HomePod is available to order online with availability beginning Friday, February 3, in <em>Australia</em>, <em>Canada</em>, <em>China</em>, <em>France</em>, <em>Germany</em>, <em>Italy</em>, <em>Japan</em>, <em>Spain</em>, the <em>UK</em>, the <em>US</em>, and 11 other countries and regions</p>
<p>“Leveraging our audio expertise and innovations, the new HomePod delivers rich, deep bass, natural mid-range, and clear, detailed highs,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “With the popularity of HomePod mini, we’ve seen growing interest in even more powerful acoustics achievable in a larger HomePod. We’re thrilled to bring the next generation of HomePod to customers around the world.”</p>
<p><strong>Refined Design</strong><br />
With a seamless, acoustically transparent mesh fabric and a backlit touch surface that illuminates from edge to edge, the new HomePod boasts a beautiful design that complements any space. HomePod is available in white and midnight, a new color made with 100 percent recycled mesh fabric, with a color-matched woven power cable.</p>
<p>HomePod delivers incredible audio quality, with rich, deep bass and stunning high frequencies. A custom-engineered high-excursion woofer, powerful motor that drives the diaphragm a remarkable 20mm, built-in bass-EQ mic, and beamforming array of five tweeters around the base all work together to achieve a powerful acoustic experience. The S7 chip is combined with software and system-sensing technology to offer even more advanced computational audio that maximizes the full potential of its acoustic system for a groundbreaking listening experience.</p>
<p>Two or more HomePod or HomePod mini speakers unlock a variety of powerful features. Using multiroom audio with AirPlay, users can simply say “Hey Siri,” or touch and hold the top of HomePod to play the same song on multiple HomePod speakers, play different songs on different HomePod speakers, or even use them as an intercom to broadcast messages to other rooms.<br />
Users can also create a stereo pair with two HomePod speakers in the same space. In addition to separating the left and right channels, a stereo pair plays each channel in perfect harmony, creating a wider, more immersive soundstage than traditional stereo speakers for a truly standout listening experience.</p>

MOUNTAIN VIEW - Intuit Inc., operator of the financial technology platform that makes Intuit TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks,…
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office has charged a Sunnyvale apartment manager with possessing…
SAN FRANCISCO -- Wispr, the voice-to-text AI that turns speech into clear, polished writing in every…
SAN FRANCISCO -- Numeric, an AI accounting automation platform, has raised a $51 million Series…
Apple has announced 45 finalists for this year’s App Store Awards, recognizing the best apps…
The University of California (UC) and the California Nurses Association (CNA) have reached a tentative…