HomePod is back. After beingput aside by Apple in 2021, it reappeared on the shelves of the Californian this year, in a new 2nd generation version. Like a phoenix, it returns to add sound to your daily life, without a priori changing the formula too much.We have seen the few characteristicswhich differentiate the HomePod of 2017 and the HomePod of 2023, in particular the arrival of surround sound support. Aside from that though, on paper the two speakers appear like twin sisters. We were therefore impatiently awaiting the first feedback from tests in real conditions to see if there are any real improvements to be had. Here is a report on the opinions from the first hour.
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Fairly unanimous opinions
- The Verge: “The new HomePod, during the test, delivered a performance that was difficult to differentiate from that of the first model at the time.”
- The Street: “The new Apple speaker has no reason to be ashamed of competing high-end products from Sonos or Bose.”
- TechRadar: “Simply “wow”!”
- Cnet: “The most impressive moment of the demonstration was listening in a stereo situation, with two HomePods.”
- TechCrunch: “The sound is excellent. And unlike many competitors, the HomePod is above all a speaker. Its character as a home automation centralizer comes second.”
- Tom’s Guide: “The HomePod version 2023 offers remarkable sound.”
- Parade: “I confirm the excellence of the new HomePod, which offers clear and powerful sound enough to provide sound in an average-sized room. Besides, the HomePod can sound particularly loud without any impact on the quality of the mix.”
Generally speaking, the sound qualities of the new HomePod are praised. Just like its predecessor, Apple's speaker has all the cards in hand to seduce the ears of audiophiles.
Unfortunately, these first listens were often carried out within a framework dictated by Apple. The most interesting tests are still to come, these will be those which will be carried out in offices, at home and in many other various places, independently. We also look forward to reading those who will compare the two HomePod speakers side by side, version 2017 and version 2023. Which has not yet been done either.
In any case, in absolute terms,the new HomePod does not disappoint, far from it. Remember that it is sold349 €in France and that it will be delivered from the 3next February.
Editor-in-chief for iPhon.fr. Pierre is like Indiana Jones, looking for the lost iOS trick. Also a long-time Mac user, Apple devices hold no secrets for him. Contact: pierre[a]iphon.fr.
