HomePod 2 is precisely what I wished – however then there’s AirPlay

I’m a long-time HomePod mini consumer. As quickly as Apple introduced the most cost effective model of its good 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 at all times felt the necessity to have one thing with a fuller sound. Now I’ve purchased a HomePod 2, and it’s precisely what I wished – besides as a result of there’s AirPlay 2.

HomePod 2 at a look

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

The design is extraordinarily related 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 – however since I by no means had the unique HomePod, I couldn’t let you know the distinction between them. It additionally obtained the U1 chip and a temperature sensor similar to the HomePod mini, which is sweet.

Apple has additionally made the facility cable detachable and replaceable, which is nice information in terms of repairability (particularly since Apple doesn’t formally promote HomePods the place I stay).

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

An awesome 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 used to be on the lookout for. And I used to be capable of verify this after spending hours with it taking part in totally different genres of music.

HomePod mini is decently loud, and it will get higher when you’ve gotten two of them paired collectively. I’ve a pair in every room of my condominium, so the expertise is kind of attention-grabbing general once they’re all taking part in collectively. It has a transparent sound, however it’s not precisely thrilling due to the dearth of bass. This additionally makes the HomePod mini considerably disappointing for watching motion pictures and TV reveals.

Having a pair of HomePod mini might be higher than utilizing your TV’s built-in audio system, however they positively don’t sound like a correct sound system.

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

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

It really 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 lounge, whereas my TV continues to be linked to a stereo pair of HomePod mini. And I’ve to say, that mixture sounds fairly first rate. I can now hear some actual bass coming from one other course because of the HomePod 2.

I might simply stay with this setup, though I’m now satisfied that I would like one other HomePod 2 for a stereo pair. However there’s one factor that ruins my HomePod expertise (and I’m not even speaking about Siri).

AirPlay 2

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

Whereas AirPlay 2 is nice in concept, it wants some pressing fixes. Even earlier than I purchased HomePod 2, I at all times had connectivity points with my HomePods. They randomly cease taking part in songs, the audio from a stereo pair turns into mono, and generally the sound will get uneven. And I’m not the one one complaining about this, as you’ll find reviews of different folks having related points.

Typically my HomePods merely cease responding within the Dwelling 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 can be higher on this case, however 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 kind of unreliable on this respect.

A request for the longer term

HomePod Software program 17 (which might be accessible quickly together with iOS 17) doesn’t convey any vital new options. However I do hope that Apple is engaged on a brand new, extra dependable model of AirPlay. On the identical time, I’d additionally like an actual Dwelling Theater mode the place you’ll be able to create multi-channel audio utilizing three or extra HomePods.

And, in fact, I’m nonetheless hoping that Siri will get higher finally – or that Apple will exchange it with one thing higher (no, I by no means meant to say that Apple ought to kill Siri with out a correct alternative). As a result of I’m bored with asking Siri to play a tune and having it name somebody as an alternative.

Wrap up

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

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