Last month, Apple had introduced HomePod Mini, a comparatively cheaper version of its HomePod smart speaker. Today, the tech giant has officially launched it in the Chinese market and is now up for pre-orders.
In China, the Apple HomePod Mini is
available in two color options — Space Grey and White. It is priced at 749
yuan, which roughly converts to US$ 114, and will start shipping to customers from
11th December — the same day it will be available in retail stores. As for the
design, the product has a globe-like body but has a flat base to keep it steady
when placed on the surface. The top part is also flat and features a screen.
The body is wrapped around with a mesh fabric, similar to what we have seen on
Google’s Nest and Amazon’s Echo lineup of smart speakers.
Coming to the technical part, the device
packs a single unit driver and two passive radiators, and an acoustic waveguide
at the bottom. It is powered by an Apple S5 chip that is claimed to provide
“computational audio.” It comes with an Intercom feature, which is quite
similar to the Google Assistant’s Broadcast feature. So, when two HomePod Mini
are placed near each other, they will get connected and will automatically work
in Stereo mode.
The same Intercom feature can also be used
as a walky-talky, allowing users to send voice messages to the other HomePod
speakers in the house and the user at the other end will be able to reply. As
with all other smart speakers, this one too can be used to control smart home
devices as it works as a hub or controller.
