The new $149 HomePod mini 2 is finally available six years after the last model shopped. While it shows some promise, there's just not enough here yet.

On this week's episode of the Smart Home Insider podcast, your host reviews the HomePod mini 2 and breaks down the massive new Amazon home lineup.

HomePod Software 27.2 brings Sound Glow light effects to older HomePod models, plus new touch controls and better Mac speaker support.

Today is HomePod mini 2 launch day, with the first pre-orders beginning to arrive to customers and the speaker now available to purchase at most Apple Store locations around the world. In the U.S., the HomePod mini 2 is priced at $149, with two-tone pink, green, and blue color options available alongside white and midnight. Here is what is new with the HomePod mini 2: * Siri AI support is coming in a future software update, with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad required for requests involving your personal context. * S10 chip, up from the S5 chip for the previous model. Apple said the S10 chip enables "advanced computational audio," but it did not explicitly confirm if the HomePod mini 2 has improved sound quality compared to the original model. * Wi-Fi 6E support, up from Wi-Fi 4 for the previous model. * Bluetooth 6 support, up from Bluetooth 5 for the previous model. * Default audio output support on Macs with Wi-Fi 6E and later. The full-sized HomePod 2 also supports this capability with the latest software updates. * Sound Glow: the top area glows and pulses in sync with the music playing. This feature has also been added to the original HomePod mini. * Four-speaker surround sound with the new Apple TV 4K: connect four HomePod mini 2 and/or full-sized HomePod 2 speakers in front and rear pairs. A related Whole Room Audio feature is offered for parties. * Three microphones for Siri, down from four in the previous model. It is unclear if users will notice this difference. * Two-tone pink, green, and blue color options, along with white and midnight. * 3% weight reduction. Huge. The previous HomePod mini was initially $99, but it became $129 after a June price increase. As mentioned, the new model is $149.Related Roundup: HomePod mini 2Buyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: HomePod, HomeView, CarPlay – Home & Auto Tech This article, "HomePod Mini 2 Launches Today: All the New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Apples frische HomePod-Software 27.2 ermöglicht es, den Touchscreen der Smartspeaker zu deaktivieren. Das ist aus mehreren Gründen nützlich.

The new Mini is faster, quieter, and gorgeous in green, but its upgraded Mac speaker feature didn’t work for me.

Nooit meer schrikken door muziek uit het niets

今回は、2026年10月30日に発売されたAppleのスマートスピーカー「HomePod mini 2」を紹介します。 Appleさんの「HomePod min…

Apple’s HomePod mini 2 reaches store shelves with upgraded audio, new surround sound capabilities and a refreshed lineup of colors. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

At last, you can make a HomePod your Mac's default speaker. Learn the compatibility requirements and how to set it up. (It's easy.) (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

Want to add some flair to your HomePod? Sound Glow creates ambient light effects that react to your music's rhythm and color. It is off by default, so here is how to enable it: 1. Open Home app 2. Long-press HomePod > Accessory Settings 3. Toggle Sound Glow ON