Rumours claim a new Apple HomePod is coming

Source: MacRumors

Apple has already discontinued the original HomePod, but it might be launching a new version of it. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the new HomePod will feature a new display on top with touch support. Size and audio quality will reportedly be similar to the original, but it will be powered by the future Apple Watch Series 8 chip, the S8. This S8 processor will have the same specs as the S7 and S6 chips. But it will be an upgrade from the current HomePod mini, which runs on the S5 chip. Are you one of those people waiting for the HomePod to come back? 

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Apple Music's Lossless audio will come to the HomePod in a software update

Apple

A future update will bring Apple Music's Lossless audio to both the HomePod and HomePod mini. According to a newly published Apple Support document, the speakers won't get the feature at launch. Still, they will get Spatial Audio at launch, a Dolby Atmos feature that offers an immersive, three-dimensional experience that makes it seem like music is all around the listener. 

Apple Music Lossless will come in two tiers and will be free for subscribers. The "Standard" Lossless tier has audio up to 48kHz, while the "Hi-Ress Lossless" has audio between 48kHz and 192kHz. The latter requires external equipment like a USB digital-to-analog converter. 

Source: MacRumors

Deezer gets Apple HomePod and HomePod mini integration

Photo by James Yarema on Unsplash

Deezer subscribers who own Apple HomePod or HomePod mini speakers can now connect their smart speakers to the streaming service and make it the default player, too. Now, you can take advantage of Siri's voice controls to navigate your playlists on Deezer. 

You will need to be a paying Deezer subscriber for this feature to work. If you are, head to the Deezer app on your iOS device that's running iOS 14.3 or later. Head to the settings cog in the top right corner and then scroll down and tap on "Connect with HomePod." And if you mainly use this streaming service to listen to your tune, you can make it your default player. Head to the Home Settings in the top left corner of the Apple Home app. Tap on your face under the People section and then head to Default Service, where you can choose Deezer.

Source: The Verge

Apple HomePod is now discontinued

Apple has officially discontinued the big and pricey HomePod. The company is choosing to shift its focus to the smaller and newer HomePod mini. But the company promises to provide HomePod customers access to software updates, service, and support through Apple Care.

Here's a statement from the company: "HomePod mini has been a hit since its debut last fall, offering customers amazing sound, an intelligent assistant, and smart home control all for just $99. We are focusing our efforts on HomePod mini. We are discontinuing the original HomePod, it will continue to be available while supplies last through the Apple Online Store, Apple Retail Stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple will provide HomePod customers with software updates and service and support through Apple Care."

Source: TechCrunch