Apple unveiled three new Home products this week: HomeView, HomePod mini 2 and a new Apple TV 4K. While there is no new full-size HomePod launch, Apple has announced three features coming to the existing HomePod 2 via a free software update.
#1: The sound burst
If you have an Apple Intelligence compatible iPhone, your HomePod will benefit from the new Sound Glow feature which will also be available on the HomePod mini 2.
According to Apple’s web page for HomePod (2nd generation): “With Sound Glow, the top of your HomePod lights up with colors that match your album artwork, in harmony with the music.” »
The HomePod mini 2 announcement adds more details, which will hopefully be the same on the larger HomePod:
With Sound Glow, the top of HomePod mini transforms into a visual canvas that glows and vibrates in sync with the music, reacting in real time to bass and treble. Now Playing’s song album art generates a color-coordinated light experience that is unique to each song, and users can choose a soundscape like rain to trigger tailored animations for a calming atmosphere.
#2: Default Speaker for Mac
Apple has long allowed you to use a HomePod as a speaker for your Mac via AirPlay. But soon you’ll be able to set HomePod as your default Mac speaker for a more seamless and reliable connection.
Like Sound Glow, Apple announced this feature for the HomePod mini 2, but its fine print states:
Compatible with HomePod mini 2 and HomePod (2nd generation) with support on all Mac desktops and laptops equipped with Wi-Fi 6E or later.
So if you want to upgrade your Mac speaker setup with the HomePod or a stereo pair of HomePods, it will soon be easier than ever.
#3: Surround sound with four HomePods and Apple TV 4K
If you want the best all-Apple home theater experience, a new surround sound feature for HomePod and Apple TV 4K will give you that.
Exclusive to the new Apple TV 4K (4th generation), users can configure four HomePods (two as front speakers and two as rear) for a more immersive audio experience.
From Apple’s press release:
Home theater surround sound requires four HomePod mini 2 or HomePod (2nd generation) speakers in matching pairs (front and rear), paired with an Apple TV 4K (4th generation) running the latest operating system software.
Apple has not yet confirmed when these new features will launch on HomePod, but they are expected to debut with iOS 27.2 and HomePod 27.2 later this month.
Are you planning to use any of the new HomePod features? Let us know in the comments.
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