Apple HomePod mini launched

Apple has announced that HomePod mini is available in the Netherlands from today for € 109. HomePod mini, according to Apple, delivers impressive sound, has the intelligence of Siri and forms the basis of a smart home in which you can easily provide comfort and convenience. HomePod mini is less than 8.5cm high and is packed with innovative technologies and advanced software that combine with computational audio to deliver 360º audio that sounds fantastic from all angles. HomePod mini is available in white, space gray, blue, orange and yellow. It also has matching color details, such as the mesh fabric, touch surface, volume buttons and a fabric power cable.

Audio from a compact design
HomePod mini uses computational audio for detailed acoustics and optimal performance. For the sound from such a compact design, the Apple S5 chip uses advanced software to analyze the characteristics of the music. Using complex sound models, HomePod mini can optimize volume, adjust dynamic range, and control the movement of the driver and passive radiators in real time. HomePod mini’s full-range driver, high-quality neodymium magnet and two passive force-cancelling radiators deliver deep bass and clear highs.
In addition, it features an Apple-developed acoustic waveguide that directs the sound flow in the speaker down and out, so that it sounds like you are in the middle of the sound. This design not only provides rich and clear sound, but you can also place the HomePod mini anywhere in a room and enjoy beautiful sound from every angle. If you place HomePod mini speakers in multiple rooms, you can simultaneously play the same music throughout the house, or a different song in each room. By placing two HomePod mini speakers in the same room, you create a stereo pair that makes the sound even better. Three microphones listen for someone to say “Hey Siri”. And when music is playing simultaneously, a fourth inward-facing microphone shields the sound from the speaker for better voice pick-up.

Apple Music on HomePod mini
HomePod mini is designed to work with Apple Music (1), Apple Podcasts, thousands of radio stations (including the award-winning Apple Music station, and popular music services like Deezer. So everyone in the house has something to choose from (2). Apple Music gives you access to over 90 million songs selected by connoisseurs around the world, thousands of curated playlists and over 25,000 exclusive radio episodes and other original content.

Home entertainment with Apple TV
You can pair HomePod mini with Apple TV 4K for long-range sound. HomePod mini analyzes the sound with computational audio and adjusts it to make dialogue sound crystal clear. Use Siri and HomePod mini to control your Apple TV in new ways. With Siri, for example, you can turn on Apple TV, start a movie or series, and control it hands-free.

Smart speaker with an iPhone
Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or taking a phone call, you can transfer audio effortlessly by holding your iPhone near HomePod mini. The visual, audible and haptic effects make it seem as if the devices are physically connected, while the sound flows from one device to another. If nothing is playing on HomePod mini, you will automatically get personalized suggestions on your iPhone when it’s near the speaker. You can also operate it without unlocking your iPhone.

Intelligent assistant
With the intelligence of Siri, HomePod mini provides iPhone users with a personalized and integrated experience. Siri recognizes the voices of up to six people in the same household, and can tailor music and podcasts to everyone’s preference. Siri also responds to personal requests, such as reading messages, reminders, notes and calendar appointments, or making and answering phone calls (3). Siri can also give users a quick overview of everything that happens in a day. All you have to do is ask “Hey Siri, what’s my day like?” and you get an overview of the latest news, weather forecast, traffic information, your reminders and your calendar appointments.

Operate smart home
HomePod mini makes it easier to control your smart home accessories with simple Siri voice commands. For example, you can turn off the lights, adjust the temperature, lock doors, start a scene or operate other devices. With the intercom, family members can quickly talk to each other at home. Someone can send an intercom message from one HomePod mini to another, for example to a HomePod mini in another room, in a specific area of ​​the house, or to multiple rooms in the house. The audio message will then automatically play on the desired HomePod mini. Intercom works with iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods and CarPlay, so every family member can receive and send intercom messages anywhere, even from the garden, on the way home or when you’re out.

Security and privacy protection built in as standard
Security and privacy are two pillars under all Apple hardware, software and services. Only after “Hey Siri” is recognized locally on the device or if a user manually activates Siri, information is sent from HomePod mini to Apple servers. Requests are not associated with the user’s Apple ID and no personal information is sold to advertisers or other organizations. HomePod mini, along with iPhone, makes requests for messages and notes on the device, without disclosing that information to Apple.

Other new features
• Siri Auto Volume: Siri automatically adjusts the voice volume on the HomePod mini based on the user’s space and volume.
• Fun Sounds: On HomePod mini, you can ask Siri what sounds certain animals, instruments, or vehicles make. Siri then answers with a nice and full sound.
• Find My: On your HomePod mini, you can ask Siri to help locate your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or AirTag by playing a sound.

HomePod mini and the environment
HomePod mini has been designed with the environment in mind as part of Apple’s intention to achieve zero emissions across the board by 2030, from manufacturing by our suppliers to when our products reach the market. come to the end of their life cycle. HomePod mini uses 99 percent recycled rare earth metals, and the neodymium magnet in the speaker driver is 100 percent recycled material. The seamless mesh is made of over 90 percent recycled plastic, and the wood fibers in the cardboard packaging come from responsibly managed forests or recycled material. HomePod mini also does not contain mercury, brominated flame retardants, PVC and beryllium.
HomePod mini includes energy-efficient components and software that can automatically turn these components off during periods of inactivity. For example, through optimized power management features and a high-efficiency power supply, HomePod mini is economical in the Energy-Saving Mode, where it is most of the time. As a result, HomePod mini uses 75 percent less energy than the strictest ENERGY STAR requirements.

Prices and availability
• HomePod mini is available for €109 in white, space gray, blue, orange and yellow, and is available to order at apple.com/nl/store, in the Apple Store app and in more than 19 countries and regions . HomePod mini is also available in Apple Stores and through Apple Authorized Resellers and select carriers (prices may vary).
• HomePod mini is compatible with iPhone SE, iPhone 6s or later or iPod touch (7th generation) with iOS 15, as well as iPad Pro, iPad (5th generation or later), iPad Air 2 or later or iPad mini 4 or later with iPad OS 15.

(1) New subscribers get 6 months of Apple Music for free with the purchase of a HomePod mini.
(2) Streaming services may require a subscription.
(3) Multi-user features require iOS 15.4 and HomePod software version 15.4.