Apple Resurrects Full-size HomePod Speaker

Apple has announced the resurrection of their full-size HomePod smart speaker. The second generation of the HomePod features several notable updates, including Apple's home-baked S7 silicon, which is also used to power the latest generation of the Apple Watch. Apple has reduced the price from the original, making it a more attractive value proposition. The speaker is now available for pre-order (in most territories) and will ship from Feb 3.

The Cupertino company claims to have fully reworked the already impressive audio abilities of the new speaker, with a focus on "rich, deep bass and stunning high frequencies."

On the hardware front, the HomePod features a 20mm woofer coupled with five beam-forming tweeters. The tweeter array is used to create an immersive sound field, and surround sound for Apple Spatial Audio encoded content.

Two HomePod Gen 2's can be paired for stereo audio and can be linked with Apple TV 4K for an excellent soundbar alternative. Smart home perks include support for the new cross-platform standard Matter, and can act as a home hub, allowing remote device access when away from home.

The speaker also has built-in temperature and humidity sensors that can be used to control home automation - such as controlling smart AC systems. Sound Recognition uses the built-in microphone to monitor alarm signals from smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, sending notifications directly to linked iPhones.