HomePod 2 is exactly what I wanted – but then there’s AirPlay

I’m a long-time HomePod mini person. As quickly as Apple introduced the most cost effective model of its sensible speaker, I instantly purchased a pair to make use of with my Apple TV. Then I purchased extra pairs to unfold round my condominium. Even so, I all the time felt the necessity to have one thing with a fuller sound. Now I’ve purchased a HomePod 2, and it’s exactly what I wanted – besides as a result of there’s AirPlay 2.

HomePod 2 at a look

HomePod 2 was launched in February 2023, and it’s mainly a revised model of the unique HomePod that was launched in 2018 and discontinued in 2021.

The design is extraordinarily comparable regardless of the totally different contact display screen panel on the highest. Inside, the brand new HomePod has an association of 5 tweeters as an alternative of seven – but since I by no means had the unique HomePod, I couldn’t inform you the distinction between them. It additionally acquired the U1 chip and a temperature sensor identical to the HomePod mini, which is good.

Apple has additionally made the ability cable detachable and replaceable, which is nice information in relation to repairability (particularly since Apple doesn’t formally promote HomePods the place I reside).

For individuals who already had the unique HomePod, the second technology could not sound like an improve. But in my case, this was my first expertise with a full-sized HomePod – so preserve that in thoughts.

A fantastic sound expertise

As quickly as I heard the HomePod’s setup sound after plugging it in, I instantly knew that was the sound high quality I was searching for. And I was capable of verify this after spending hours with it enjoying totally different genres of music.

HomePod mini is decently loud, and it will get higher when you have got two of them paired collectively. I have a pair in every room of my condominium, so the expertise is fairly fascinating total after they’re all enjoying collectively. It has a transparent sound, but it’s not exactly thrilling due to the dearth of bass. This additionally makes the HomePod mini considerably disappointing for watching films and TV exhibits.

Having a pair of HomePod mini is in all probability higher than utilizing your TV’s built-in audio system, but they positively don’t sound like a correct sound system.

HomePod 2, however, brings distinctive immersiveness due to 360º sound mixed with a 4-inch woofer. The sound is noticeably richer with deeper bass, and a single HomePod is likely to be sufficient to fill a whole room with music. Listening to Lossless music with it is incredible, as I can discern particulars that I can’t with the HomePod mini.

Apple has additionally made some tweaks to cut back the bass when listening to podcasts or watching movies, in order that dialogues sound clearer.

It works (virtually) nice with HomePod mini

Since I don’t have a pair of full-size HomePods but, I put it in a nook of my front room, whereas my TV is nonetheless linked to a stereo pair of HomePod mini. And I need to say, that mixture sounds fairly first rate. I can now hear some actual bass coming from one other path due to the HomePod 2.

I may simply reside with this setup, though I’m now satisfied that I want one other HomePod 2 for a stereo pair. But there’s one factor that ruins my HomePod expertise (and I’m not even speaking about Siri).

AirPlay 2

AirPlay 2 is Apple’s know-how designed to transmit audio and video wirelessly. With AirPlay 2, customers can pair a number of audio system on the similar time, creating an immersive sound expertise for everybody. And after all, Apple’s HomePod depends 100% on this know-how.

While AirPlay 2 is nice in idea, it wants some pressing fixes. Even earlier than I purchased HomePod 2, I all the time had connectivity points with my HomePods. They randomly cease enjoying songs, the audio from a stereo pair turns into mono, and typically the sound will get uneven. And I’m not the one one complaining about this, as you will discover experiences of different individuals having comparable points.

Sometimes my HomePods merely cease responding within the Home app and lose web connection. In one other dangerous instance, the multi-room audio will get out of sync between the HomePods. I hoped that HomePod 2 could be higher on this case, but I nonetheless face the identical points – which corroborates that the issue is AirPlay.

For a product designed to work wirelessly with AirPlay 2, HomePod is fairly unreliable on this respect.

A request for the long run

HomePod Software 17 (which can be out there quickly together with iOS 17) doesn’t carry any important new options. But I do hope that Apple is engaged on a brand new, extra dependable model of AirPlay. At the identical time, I’d additionally like an actual Home Theater mode the place you may create multi-channel audio utilizing three or extra HomePods.

And, after all, I’m nonetheless hoping that Siri will get higher ultimately – or that Apple will substitute it with one thing higher (no, I by no means meant to say that Apple ought to kill Siri with no correct substitute). Because I’m bored with asking Siri to play a music and having it name somebody as an alternative.

Wrap up

Yes, the HomePod 2 is spectacular. And though it’s a bit dear (every prices $300 within the US), you’ll positively get the very best sound expertise to your Apple gadgets. Unfortunately, that tremendous sound expertise comes paired with dangerous software program, so it’s as much as you to just accept that or search for some good options like Sonos.

What about your experiences with HomePod and AirPlay? Let me know within the feedback beneath.