Apple has expanded its smart home product lineup by launching the HomePod mini 2 and the Apple TV 4K in India. Alongside these devices, the company also introduced its new HomeView smart display. The HomePod mini 2 offers improved sound quality, new color options, and enhanced control over smart home devices. Meanwhile, the Apple TV 4K features the powerful A19 chip and an upgraded Siri voice assistant for easier content search.
Pricing and Availability
The HomePod mini 2 is priced at ₹18,900 and will be available in five colors: Pink, Green, Blue, White, and Midnight. Pre-orders for this smart speaker have already started, with availability beginning on October 30. The device is powered by Apple’s S10 chip and delivers 360-degree sound from its compact design. Users can enjoy music from a single speaker or pair two for stereo sound, and multiple speakers across different rooms can be linked to play music simultaneously.
Pre-orders for the new Apple TV 4K will open on October 13, with sales starting on November 13. This model is priced at ₹39,900. Notably, the HomePod mini 2 can be integrated with the Apple TV 4K to create a four-speaker surround sound system for an immersive audio experience.
Smart Features and Siri AI Integration
The HomePod mini 2 will support Siri AI through future software updates, designed to better understand user needs and conversations. This upgrade will make it easier to find songs and perform voice commands. When paired with an iPhone or iPad that supports Apple Intelligence, Siri AI can access information from different apps to enhance functionality. For example, it can help find songs mentioned in messages, look up recipes in emails, or set reminders based on calendar events.
The smart speaker can recognize the voices of up to six people in a household and tailor music and responses to individual preferences. It also features Sound Glow, a lighting effect on the top of the speaker that syncs with the music’s bass and treble. Additionally, users can select ambient soundscapes like rain, which accompany soft lighting to enhance room ambiance.
HomePod mini 2 users can control smart home devices such as lights, blinds, thermostats, and door locks with voice commands. Acting as a home hub, the speaker allows remote control of connected devices via the Home app. It can also detect alarms like smoke or carbon monoxide and send notifications to linked Apple devices in case of emergencies.
Apple TV 4K Enhancements
The newly launched Apple TV 4K is equipped with the A19 chip, which Apple claims delivers up to 50% faster CPU performance and twice the GPU speed compared to the previous generation. It includes an AV1 decoder that improves video streaming efficiency. The device has three microphones placed around it, enabling users to issue voice commands without needing the Siri Remote in hand. Commands like searching shows, playing, or stopping videos are now simpler and hands-free.
Siri AI on the Apple TV can display a full-screen interface for content search. Viewers can ask questions about movies or shows while watching, such as which awards a film has won, shooting locations, or age-appropriateness for children. The updated Siri Remote supports Find My and Precision Finding features, allowing users to locate a lost remote by sound or location. The remote is available for separate purchase and is compatible with both Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models.
