The world has long been captivated by wireless audio equipment presented by various brands. So, Apple is unlikely to surprise anyone here. Wireless speakers can be purchased in different price ranges. They differ in power, functionality, battery life, and sound quality. Nevertheless, the number one brand has released the Apple HomePod mini. Plus, a wired system. It’s hard to imagine the speaker’s productivity given its small size. But the manufacturer managed to break the mold and create something perfect.
Apple HomePod mini: what is it
It’s best to start with the fact that Apple is a lifestyle. Accordingly, any new products offered by the American manufacturer are perfect (at the time of release). See an ad, place an order, pay, and receive. That’s exactly how it works. A priori, Apple does not produce bad or unpopular technology. This applies to the Apple HomePod mini as well.
Affordable price, even compared to other interesting solutions from competitors. For example, JBL. Excellent design and ergonomics. Great sound, even from a tiny speaker. Simple and convenient controls. And most importantly, the gadget is not designed for long-term use. A year, at most two, and a more advanced audio system will replace it. This is the principle of operation of the engine called APPLE.
Apple HomePod mini: review
It’s hard to call a speaker the size of an apple or an orange an acoustic system. Even in closed headphones, the speaker would be larger. But that’s at first glance. Reproducing volume with the Apple HomePod mini is unlikely to be matched by any gadget of the same size. In general, it’s even interesting – if you don’t know where the acoustics are installed, it’s difficult to find them quickly. It’s like a Hi-End class subwoofer. There is sound, but where it comes from is unclear.
The design of the speaker is very interesting, as is the decorative exterior. In real life, the gadget is as attractive as it appears in the presentation. It’s pleasing that Apple made a video without special effects. The only concern is the fabric base that surrounds the electronic components. Dust is clearly visible on a black or white speaker. And the question arises – how to clean the Apple HomePod mini from dust. You can’t wash it, and wet wipes only smear dirt. Only a vacuum cleaner can help. But you need to reduce the motor power to avoid pulling out the microchips from their place.
Ease of control of the Apple HomePod mini
Control is carried out through the corresponding Apple app. The setup is fully identical to AirPods, which is very pleasing. The main feature of the smart Apple HomePod mini is its ability to integrate with other devices. For example, you can connect the HomePod, Sonos SL, and Samsung TV. And all of this will sound in unison.
The only question is about the processor in the Apple HomePod mini. It uses the same chip as in the Apple Watch – S5. It was not possible to make the speaker hang during connection or playback. But the thought that some glitch might occur in the future does not leave.
Apple HomePod mini: impressions and reviews
The device has only one speaker that covers the audible human frequency range completely. Of course, the Apple HomePod mini is supplemented with chips for filtering, processing, and redistributing sound signals. And to prevent these boards from overheating, they are cooled very effectively with passive radiators.
And the acoustic system also has a set of functions that no competitor can boast:
- Apple U Wireless interface similar to Bluetooth, helping to exchange data between all devices with such a chip. While this is not fully implemented on other devices, it is very interesting for the “smart home” system. By the way, we are eagerly awaiting the release of Apple Tag – the manufacturer promises this chip, which will help us find keys, watches, phones – the Apple HomePod mini speaker.
- Intercom. A kind of communication hub that allows remote broadcasting of some information through the speaker. For example, to motivate subordinates to work if cameras show they are resting or sleeping. Or invite everyone to the kitchen table if family members are watching football or playing on the computer.
But the reviews from owners of the Apple HomePod mini are contradictory. Some users find the bass lacking – others assure that the low frequencies are very deep. During testing, it was found that the sound quality of different frequencies is heavily influenced by the surface material. On a wooden table, the speaker produces excellent bass. On plastic and soft sofa coverings, the sound is disappointing.
However, there is not a single review claiming that the Apple HomePod mini smart speaker sounds quiet. The enormous power reserve for such a small speaker looks very impressive. And if you place two speakers side by side to create a Stereo pair, you can enjoy high-quality and loud sound of any composition. And that’s great. Because this is exactly the kind of solution we always expect from Apple products. You want to buy, turn on, and not worry about anything.
