Back in 2020 , Apple acquaint the $ 99HomePod minifor those seeking a miniature , more low-cost variant of its smart speaker . While I dead adore the pair I ’ve connected to my Apple TV for audio output , sure annoying sometimes downgrade the overall experience .
With theHomePod mini 2 rumored to launchat some point this year , I hope Apple addresses my concerns by equipping it with these five upgrades .
1.ChatGPT integration
On the in vogue versions of iOS 18 , iPadOS 18 , and macOS Sequoia , users can bank on ChatGPT ’s smart when addressing Siri . Notably , this integration , like other Apple Intelligence perks , is restrain to the latest iPhones , iPads , and Macs .
With the HomePod mini 2 , I sincerely hope Apple supports the ChatGPT integration and lets users configure it in the Home app . Limiting written material Tools and figure of speech multiplication have to devices with at least 8 GB of RAM cause sense because they work offline . Incorporating ChatGPT , on the other hand , would merely commit queries to and bring in relevant responses from OpenAI ’s server . I ’m surefooted there are no expert challenge foreclose the troupe from indorse it on less powerful products .
Now , you may be wondering : Can’t this cat just use the upgraded Siri on his iPhone , iPad , and Mac ? Does hereallyneed ChatGPT on the HomePod ?
The next HomePod mini should be more easily repairable, including a replaceable power cord.
The trouble is that , by design , HomePods will always handle your voice commands . So , when you hollerSiriorHey Siri , the “ smart ” speaker will treat your request , even if you ’re actively using an Apple Intelligence - equipped gadget . This circumscribe me to Siri ’s infamous knowledge and bars me from using the ChatGPT desegregation — unless I spark Siri using the physical button on my iDevice or Mac . But that ’s visionary when one ’s hands are occupy .
As a workaround , I set my HomePods to only respond to “ Hey Siri ” ( and not “ Siri ” ) . This way , when I need to contain media playback on my Apple TV , I can habituate the longer wake phrase to grab its attention . For all other inquiry , I prefer for vanillaSiri , which only my iPhone , iPad , and Mac recognize . While this workaround is effective to an extent , it ’s unneeded , and most users are probably incognizant of it . Baking ChatGPT into the HomePod mini 2 would make everyone ’s lives easier .
2. A Dolby Atmo-Sphere
My HomePod mini journey started with a single unit a couple of years ago . I instantly fall in dearest with the 10 centimeter domain and adjudicate to buy a 2d one to enable stereo listening . ab initio , Apple promised it would bring Dolby Atmos reenforcement to both the original and mini variants of its smart verbalizer .
However , it ultimately restricted spacial audio to the non - mini editions . While some claim you’re able to pull the miniskirt to output spatial audio with certain workarounds , I have n’t personally been able to make it lick . what is more , Apple explicitly express on an prescribed backup written document ( https://support.apple.com/en-us/102357 ) that the HomePod mini is incompatible with Dolby Atmos .
Foundry
The next HomePod mini should be more easily repairable, including a replaceable power cord.
Critics may argue that spatial sound is a privilege single to flagship devices . Though , given that the entry - level AirPods 3 and 4 support the format , it ’s clear that Apple is n’t limiting it to its agio products . So , here ’s hoping the HomePod miniskirt 2 officially adopts spacial audio output to help users further invigorate up the ambiance .
3. Casting call: mini meets Android
Unfortunately , life story sometimes throw unripened - bubbled Friend our way , and we ca n’t always say no to that . While us humans have , to some extent , learned how to bear each other ’s difference , the HomePod miniskirt still has a recollective manner to go . Despite packing a Bluetooth chip like most other wireless speakers , it trammel audio comment to Apple ’s proprietary AirPlay communications protocol .
So , when we accidentally invite an Android earpiece user over , they ca n’t barf audio to the HomePod mini , as AirPlay is n’t officially supported on Google ’s platform . Apple ’s solution is using the recently advance SharePlay feature article in Apple Music that lets anyone in your house control the waiting line — without necessarily having an iPhone or dynamic subscription .
Not all HomePod owner pay for Apple Music and can access SharePlay , however , and sometimes thegreenlingsmay desire to cast a different type of audio that is n’t medicine . While a simple OS update could theoretically unlock this restriction on exist HomePod models . I bid Apple would let mini 2 users cast medium via Bluetooth , at least .
4. Visual symphonies
The HomePod mini already has a smart exhibit of form . When in purpose , its brightness mechanically adjusts to the room ’s lighting , and the colors change base on the performed action . For example , you get Siri ’s chromaticity when relying on the assistant and a generic bloodless acid when playing medium .
A welcome HomePod mini 2 upgrade would be introduce an even smarter screen that adapts to the playing media . When streaming music , the concealment would double as a canonical visualiser featuring the album art ’s prominent colors . The shades would also swing accordingly — similar to Siri ’s existing animation that react to your phonation and its responses .
5. A green-minded speaker
Last but not least , a really smart speaker would also care about our deteriorating major planet . The original HomePod has a semi - obliterable power corduroy that requires users to pull it out in a very careful and specific manner . Apple then addressed the issue with the HomePod 2 by making the cable ’s exclusion process safer and more straight .
Unlike both models , the HomePod mini has a totally non - removable cord . So , those who damage the power cable ca n’t only grease one’s palms another one and replace it at dwelling . They ’d either need to buy a raw speaker or discipline if Apple can repair the damage — which typically cost a premium . Hopefully , the HomePod mini 2 will follow in the HomePod 2 ’s footsteps and acquaint a similar cord . It ’s unethical to view as a functional speaker useless strictly because its degenerated cable is glue to it .
Make the rise matter
The next HomePod mini should be more easily repairable, including a replaceable power cord.
The HomePod mini is already a well - polish up speaker as it is . Besides offer a part helper , self-colored wakeless quality , and unseamed integration with Apple ’s ecosystem , it also fully supports Thread networking and controlling HomeKit , and Matter smart home accouterment . Nevertheless , and as we ’ve established above , there are a few imperfectness that the iPhone Jehovah could deal with the forthcoming manakin , and I hope it ’ll be a notable refresh .
afford the insignificance of the late AirPods Max “ upgrade , ” I fear Apple may similarly go for a lazy plan of attack with the HomePod miniskirt 2 . Beyond feature an upgraded , in - house Wi - Fi chip with support for Wi - Fi 6E , not much is known about the new fashion model ’s enhancements .
