Apple today introduced a new HomePod smart speaker that's both smaller in size and price.
The HomePod mini is a smaller, fabric-wrapped smart speaker with a backlit display at the top that'll light up when you interact with the Siri voice assistant. It's 3.3 inches tall, down from the full-size HomePod at 6.8 inches, and it's got got 360-degree sound and an Apple S5 chip just like in the Apple Watch Series 5.
This S5 chip will help the HomePod mini achieve what Apple calls "Computational Audio", which it says will analyze the characteristics of the music and apply tuning models to optimize loudness and dynamic range as well as control the movement of the driver and radiators.
One of the other new features of the HomePod mini is Intercom. With it, you'll be able to send a voice message to other HomePod speakers in your house. You'll also have the option of beaming your voice to your family members' iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods, and CarPlay, so you'll be sure everyone gets the message.
The HomePod mini also includes a U1 ultra wideband chip, similar to Apple's latest iPhones. This enables you to hand off your music from your HomePod mini to your iPhone or vice versa when you bring them close together.
Apple says the HomePod mini will cost $99 and will be available in Space Gray and White color options. It'll be available to order starting November 6 and will begin shipping on November 16.
