Apple says the HomePod mini 2 can recognize up to six people by voice, connect with their devices for features such as messages and timers, and control smart-home devices.
AI-powered Siri is planned for a future software update, but no release timeline has been announced.
The speaker costs $149; Apple also announced a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K at $299.
The HomePod mini 2 is the first refresh of the small speaker since 2020 and will cost $149. The original model cost $99. Apple says the new speaker is designed to offer 360-degree sound, but it didn't provide details about the changes to the sound.
According to Apple, the HomePod mini 2 can recognize up to six people by their voices and connect to their devices to support features like messages and timers. Siri will also be able to leverage information from apps on iPhone and iPad. For example, it will be able to find a song that is referenced in a message, reminder, or recipe, and add ingredients to a shopping list.
Siri with AI on HomePod mini 2 will be available in English to users in the US, Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and the UK.
HomePod mini 2 can also be used to control smart home devices with your voice. Users can also control them from within the Apple Home app.
The new fourth-generation Apple TV 4K will cost $299. The previous model was originally priced at $129, but its price was raised to $199 in June due to memory shortages. The device was last updated in 2022.
Unlike the HomePod mini 2, the Apple TV 4K will support Siri with AI from launch. Users will be able to control it with their voice, without using the remote. Apple also says the device will be faster to respond and stream high-quality video using less data.
The remote will support Find My, which can make it make a sound to help users locate it. The Apple TV 4K can also control smart home devices and use Fitness+ and Apple Arcade services.
Apple says up to four HomePod mini 2s can be connected to the Apple TV 4K for surround sound. Both products are available for pre-order on Apple.com. The HomePod mini 2 is available on October 30th and the Apple TV 4K on November 13th.
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