Apple's Siri-powered HomePod mini smart speaker with HomeKit is now available to purchase in the Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium, in all colors.
HomePod mini is now available in Switzerland, the Netherlands and Belgium
Wireless Speaker
Apple’s discontinued Beats Pill+ Bluetooth speaker makes a comeback, sort of
Apple's Beats Pill+ speaker is making a comeback after being discontinued recently, with a new limited-edition model arriving later this week.
HomePod software 15.3 extends Siri multiuser support to additional countries
Updating your Apple wireless speaker to software version 15.3 will let you set up HomePod multiuser with Siri voice recognition in additional countries and languages.
Apple almost released a portable, battery-powered HomePod for use outdoors
Apple has allegedly prototyped (but never turned into a final product) a portable version of its HomePod speaker for outdoor use that ran on battery power.
HomePod Software version 15: Apple TV control via Siri, HomePod mini pairs, other new features
With iOS 15, HomePod gets several new features like creating a stereo pair from two HomePod minis, controlling media playback on your Apple TV with Siri on your HomePod and much more. Here's everything new, enhanced and improved in HomePod Software version 15.
How to restart your HomePod or HomePod mini when it isn’t responding normally
The HomePod lacks a screen so troubleshooting errors that might occur over time requires using your iOS or macOS device. Should your Siri-powered speaker stop responding to your requests, restarting it may help resolve the issue. Follow along with our quick tutorial in which we'll show you how to restart your HomePod or HomePod mini wireless speaker.
Servicing HomePod mini without AppleCare+ is only $20 cheaper vs. buying a new one
If you don't have optional AppleCare+ extended warranty for the HomePod mini, Apple will charge you a fee of $79 per an out-of-warranty repair of the new $99 Siri-powered speaker — which is only $20 cheaper vs. buying a new one. Apple announced the new HomePod mini a month ago in an effort to widen the addressable market for its smart speakers. The full-size HomePod wasn't updated last month and continues to retail for $299.
A smaller, lower-priced HomePod apparently on the docket for the Apple event
Aside from the new iPhone 12 family, Apple's upcoming October 13 “Hi, Speed” event will serve as a launchpad for a smaller, more affordable HomePod speaker model, according to a serial leaker who also cautioned against a second-generation update to the current model.
Sonos S2 operating system upgrade, for compatible speakers only
Sonos' wireless speaker system is receiving the Sonos S2 operating system update this month. It will bring "new features, usability updates, and more personalization moving forward... to enable higher resolution audio technologies for music and home theater." But, not all Sonos products will receive the benefit. More concerning, if you have a collection of mixed compatible speakers, you may need two apps to enjoy your hardware.
HomePod hits India, selling for below the regular US pricing
As rumored back in January, Apple's Siri-powered HomePod smart speaker has gone on sale in India, a 1.35 billion people market, where it's sold for below the regular US pricing.
Apple considering allowing third-party music apps like Spotify and Pandora on HomePod
Following criticism that Apple's in-house software products get an unfair advantage over rival choices, the company is reportedly considering giving HomePod owners the ability to run third-party music software like Spotify or Pandora directly on their Siri-powered speaker.
Sonos to nix support for older devices in May [Updated]
Smart speaker maker Sonos announced Tuesday that it is phasing out development for several of its oldest products. The company said in a blog post that it will no longer update software or add new features for original Zone Players, Connect, Connect:Amp, first-generation Play:5, CR200, and Bridge devices beginning in May.