Wired
Apple launched the second-generation HomePod early last year, emphasizing leaps in sound quality. It uses the S7 chip and combines software and system sensing technology to provide more advanced computing audio. The price is 9,300 yuan. (Photo/Provided by Apple)
It has been previously reported that Apple is developing a new generation of HomePod smart speakers, internally codenamed B720. The appearance will undergo a major redesign. One of the most eye-catching highlights is that the top of the speaker may be equipped with a seven-inch LCD. The circular touch screen brings a new control experience through system integration of software and hardware, and demands better sound quality playback effects.
In view of the fact that the first generation (discontinued in 2022) and second generation (launched last year) HomePod smart speakers do not have a touch screen configuration, but use an LED array display. In this regard, foreign media MacRumors reported that the rumored new generation of HomePod, which is the first to feature a touch screen, is still very limited. It is speculated that the revised model may be positioned as a “high-end flagship” as market appeal. , In addition, we do not rule out the possibility of completely replacing the second-generation HomePod. As for the main upgraded functions and the release time, foreign media compiled previous analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and recent rumors to take stock of three highlights worth looking forward to:
1. The new generation HomePod is the first to be equipped with a seven-inch touch screen. It is expected that through the integration of software and hardware, when playing music, the touch screen will be able to display an animation playback effect similar to the color style of the album cover. In addition, if the iPhone receives an important notification message, it may also be displayed simultaneously on the speaker screen.
2. The second-generation HomePod smart phone with slightly revised specifications was launched early last year, equipped with an S7 chip. In order for HomePod to exert more powerful computing performance, the built-in chip will inevitably be further upgraded. It is still unknown whether it will be directly upgraded to be equipped with the S9 chip (the same level as last year’s ninth-generation Apple Watch), or switch to other specific models of chips.
3. The control interface designed with the first touch screen will help to integrate more deeply with Apple’s other hardware products. In terms of additional functions, it may be expected that the UWB ultra-wideband chip that has been upgraded to the U2 version will be able to connect in series with the iPhone 15 series mobile phones more quickly and have synchronous wireless transmission capabilities with lower latency.
Regarding the release time, it is currently estimated that the March spring conference in the first half of this year or the WWDC developer conference event in June are the most likely.
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