AppleInsider Staff
Following up on Tuesday's HomePod mini announcement, The Loop's Jim Dalrymple answers a key question about pairing the device with its older and larger brother.
Like HomePod, the new HomePod mini is able to detect and pair with a second HomePod mini to create a stereo pair. What Apple didn't mention, however, is whether the pint-sized smart speaker can do the same with HomePod.
According to Dalrymple, users are unable to mix and match HomePod models when pairing. That means a HomePod mini and HomePod can't be combined to make a stereo pair.
That said, multiple HomePod mini and HomePod units can be linked to form a connected whole-house system. Users can ask Siri to play different songs in each room or play one song throughout the home, with sound synchronized across all speakers.
The limitation makes sense considering HomePod is a much more capable device and boasts a sound signature that is likely impossible to reproduce with the single-driver HomePod mini. The full-size version packs in seven horn-loaded tweeters, each with its own amplifier, for directional output, and a high-excursion woofer to create room-filling, high-fidelity sound. HomePod mini, on the other hand, features one driver and two passive radiators.
Apple claims the small speaker's design and smart computational audio afford the full sound of a much larger speaker, but algorithms can only go so far.
Dalrymple goes on to say that an upcoming update will deliver 5.1 surround, 7.1 surround, and Dolby Atmos support to HomePods connected to an Apple TV 4K. HomePod's directional audio is required for the simulated surround sound feature to work, so those looking to replace their home theater system will have to spring for the more expensive model. HomePod and HomePod mini can't be connected to an Apple TV at the same time, though two HomePod mini units can be paired to achieve stereo sound.
In addition, the update will bring today's announced intercom feature, Maps continuity, multiuser support for Podcasts, and support for third-party music services, the report said.
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23 Comments
Dalrymple goes on to say that an upcoming update will deliver 5.1 surround, 7.1 surround, and Dolby Atmos support to HomePods connected to an Apple TV 4K.
I missed this in the event, that’s awesome news. Wonder if it’s simulated, I thought you needed upwards firing speakers for Atmos.
Next up, the homebar with Dolby Atmos support. $799. Sonos arc equivalent.
can be expanded by linking with HomePods and HomePod minis.
That's a shame I was hoping to have my large HomePod play music in one part of the room and the mini HomePod at the other side.
Stereo pairs should always be matching speakers.
However with two HomePods as main speakers, the minis should be good enough as surround speakers for a center and rear channels, provided Apple does it.
certainly the minis should be ok for kitchen, bath, or near field desktop speakers...
Apple is soooo late to the game with this product. Many of us have already found similar non-Apple solutions that work very well.