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Tag: HomePod mini

  • Apple HomePod mini up to date with new colors, Siri integration for Music

    Apple added three new colors – orange, yellow and blue – to the HomePod mini line-up together with the prevailing white and house gray finishes within the newest replace for compact sensible speaker. The Cupertino tech large additionally introduced integrating its voice assistant Siri to its Apple Music service with the brand new Voice Plan value ₹49 monthly. All this might be out there in November, Apple stated throughout its Unleashed occasion on Monday, the place it launched the next-generation MacBook Pro with M1 Pro and M1 Max chipsets and the third-generation AirPods with spatial audio and design overhaul.

    Apple HomePod mini comes with the Intercom facility which permits folks to speak with members of the family in the home by means of a community of the sensible speaker. It additionally works with iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and CarPlay, everybody within the family can obtain and ship Intercom messages if they’re shut to those units.

    Later this 12 months, multi-user voice recognition by means of Siri will likely be out there in all areas the place HomePod mini is on the market so everybody within the dwelling can take pleasure in music curated particularly for them, entry private playlists, use Personal Requests, and extra.

    Siri may also robotically regulate the talking quantity on HomePod mini primarily based on the room surroundings and quantity of the consumer. Siri may also help various voice choices for English audio system within the US, so customers can select the voice that speaks to them proper from the beginning once they arrange their gadget.

    Multi-room audio with AirPlay 2 will give customers the choice to play totally different content material in several rooms of the home. This will want a number of HomePod units or AirPlay 2 suitable audio system, although.

    Meanwhile, the Voice plan will combine Siri with the Apple Music subscription, which can permit the voice assistant to curate playlists in actual time as per the consumer’s demand.

    The HomePod Mini and Apple Music Voice plan will likely be out there in India and different areas later within the 12 months. The HomePod mini will likely be out there at ₹9,900.

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  • Apple’s HomePod Mini has a hidden function the corporate by no means disclosed

    Apple Inc.’s HomePod mini speaker launched final November with new options comparable to a house intercom system. But one a part of the gadget has remained secret: a sensor that measures temperature and humidity. 

    The Cupertino, California-based know-how big by no means disclosed this element and the gadget presently lacks consumer-facing options that use it. The firm has internally mentioned utilizing the sensor to find out a room’s temperature and humidity so internet-connected thermostats can alter totally different components of a house primarily based on present circumstances, based on individuals acquainted with the state of affairs. The {hardware} may additionally let the HomePod mini mechanically set off different actions, say turning a fan on or off, relying on the temperature.

    If Apple finally allows the sensor, it will bolster a smart-home technique that has generally lacked focus and trailed these of rivals. Amazon.com Inc.’s newest Echo audio system have temperature sensors, whereas Google’s Nest sells sensors that may be positioned round properties and connect with its thermostats to regulate the temperature of every room. 

    The new capabilities could be a specific boon to an Apple software program system known as HomeKit that controls thermostats, lights, locks, plugs and different gadgets within the dwelling. HomeKit works with fewer devices than comparable software program from Amazon and Google and Apple doesn’t make its personal smart-home {hardware} past the HomePod and Apple TV streaming field. However, there are about 40 thermostats featured on Apple’s web site which can be suitable with HomeKit. 

    The sensor, measuring 1.5 by 1.5 millimeters, is buried within the backside fringe of the HomePod mini’s plastic, fabric-wrapped case close to its energy cable. The element’s location was confirmed by iFixit, which took aside one of many audio system after an inquiry from Bloomberg News. The sensor is made by Texas Instruments Inc. and is known as the HDC2010 Humidity and Temperature Digital Sensor, based on TechInsights, a agency that analyses elements within electronics.

    The half is located comparatively far from the gadget’s primary inside elements, which means it’s designed to measure the exterior atmosphere quite than the temperature of the speaker’s different electronics. Many cell gadgets embody sensors that may set off the gadget to gradual efficiency or disable options to cease elements overheating.  

    While uncommon, this isn’t the primary time Apple has slipped a dormant piece of know-how into its gadgets. The 2008 iPod contact had a Bluetooth chip, however help for Bluetooth connectivity was enabled the next 12 months by way of software program. Apple sometimes releases main HomePod software program updates yearly within the fall. It’s unclear if or when Apple will swap on the temperature sensor, however its presence in HomePod mini models which have already offered means that that is only a matter of time. An Apple spokeswoman declined to remark.

    Apple didn’t have a critical providing within the smart-home market till 2018 with the unique HomePod. That gadget was discontinued not too long ago after lackluster gross sales. Some determination makers on the firm fear it might be too late for Apple to make a robust entry within the sector, particularly because it focuses on different new classes comparable to digital and augmented-reality headsets and electrical autonomous automobiles. Others consider the corporate can take its time and clients will nonetheless have an interest. 

    Some insiders blame the dearth of progress so far within the dwelling on Siri, Apple’s voice-recognition service that, whereas bettering, continues to be thought of behind Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa. Whatever the rationale, no unifying technique has emerged to date, one of many individuals acquainted with the state of affairs stated. The individuals requested to not be recognized discussing delicate points. This comes after Apple sought to revamp its good dwelling efforts with a brand new crew it started forming in 2019.  

    Apple continues to chip away at this chance by way of updates to particular person gadgets. Before the discontinuation of the bigger HomePod, the firm had been engaged on an up to date model for launch in 2022. It has additionally been creating new audio system with screens and cameras, however such a launch isn’t imminent. Apple is additionally engaged on an replace to the Apple TV set-top field. Until that point comes, Apple will probably attempt to unlock probably the most performance from the HomePod mini. 

    This story has been printed from a wire company feed with out modifications to the textual content. Only the headline has been modified. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a sound e mail * Thank you for subscribing to our publication.

  • Apple to discontinue unique HomePod 4 years after launch: Report

    Apple has discontinued the unique HomePod virtually 4 years after the corporate launched the sensible speaker. The Cupertino big had launched the HomePod mini, a smaller model of the speaker. Apple is reportedly shifting its focus from the bigger unique HomePod to HomePod mini. Apple will cease the manufacturing of the unique HomePod. However, a report by TechCrunch claimed that the corporate can be promoting the larger speaker until the shares final. The firm advised the publication that they are going to be shifting the main focus utterly to HomePod mini which is priced at $99. The assertion stated, “HomePod mini has been a success since its debut final fall, providing prospects wonderful sound, an clever assistant, and sensible house management all for simply $99. We are focusing our efforts on HomePod mini. We are discontinuing the unique HomePod, it is going to proceed to be obtainable whereas provides final by way of the Apple Online Store, Apple Retail Stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple will present HomePod prospects with software program updates and repair and help by way of Apple Care.” The Apple HomePod was launched at a worth of $349. The primary rivals of the sensible speaker, Google Home, Amazon’s Echo have been priced way more competitively. Apple diminished the value of the HomePod to $299. However, the gross sales didn’t take off as the corporate anticipated. The lower-priced HomePod mini, quite the opposite, has been accepted effectively as a result of $99 price ticket. In India, the HomePod has been priced at ₹19,990. However, restricted inventory could preserve patrons from getting the older speaker. The HomePod mini has been priced at ₹9,900 and is at the moment obtainable on the official Apple web site. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a legitimate electronic mail * Thank you for subscribing to our publication.

  • How to make use of HomePod mini’s game-changing music Handoff characteristic

    When Apple introduced the HomePod mini final yr, the corporate stated it was engaged on a brand new characteristic that will enable “hand-off” music playback out of your iPhone to the sensible speaker. The new characteristic is now reside with the discharge of HomePod software program 14.4.
    For these of you who should not conscious, the HomePod mini has a built-in Apple’s U1 chip, which offers the machine with ultra-wideband capabilities to detect close by gadgets. The new U1 chip first launched with the iPhone 11 is a radio communication know-how that dramatically modifications how the gadgets talk with one another sooner or later. You are learn extra in regards to the U1 chip right here.

    How the HomePod mini’s Handoff characteristic works
    If you’re listening to music on the iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 however when you convey the machine near the HomePod mini, the music or podcast at present being performed begins enjoying on the sensible speaker. Previously, customers must maintain their iPhones close to the highest of a HomePod to switch the music to or from the machine. The Handoff characteristic, compared, is a greater choice to switch music playback out of your iPhone to the HomePod. In truth, transferring the music from the iPhone to the HomePod is faster. The new visible and haptic results when transferring sound between gadgets makes the whole lot easy. Interestingly, when the iPhone is close by the HomePod mini, you’re going to get customized listening solutions and tune suggestions.
    To use the HomePod mini’s Handoff performance, you clearly want the HomePod mini and an iPhone 11 or later fashions. The Handoff doesn’t work with the unique HomePod, because it lacks the U1 chip.
    You can “hand-off” music playback out of your iPhone to the HomePod mini. (Image credit score: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
    How to activate Handoff between iPhone and HomePod
    To use the Handoff performance, you want to allow Handoff between iPhone and HomePod mini.
    1.) Open Settings in your iPhone.
    2.) Tap General
    3.)Tap AirPlay & Handoff.
    4.)Tap the change for Transfer to HomePod.
    How to switch audio out of your iPhone to your HomePod
    Transferring audio out of your iPhone to your HomePod is straightforward. All you want to play any audio file on the iPhone and faucet your iPhone to the touchpad of the HomePod.

  • Best devices of the pandemic yr

    The yr 2020 has been like none different earlier than. As the Covid-19 pandemic took its grip on each nation, devices turned the best way for individuals to attach with the remainder of the world, proceed working and keep related within the altering financial eventualities. After a number of months through which most firms misplaced their entry to prospects due to stringent lockdowns, the pent up demand of individuals attempting to improve their gadgets for the brand new necessities of do business from home resulted in an unprecedented spurt in gross sales of every part from smartphones to reasonably priced laptops and private audio gadgets.

    iPhone 12 mini
    This yr Apple shocked everybody by launching the iPhone 12 mini. The small type issue of the iPhone 12 mini can be appreciated by those that thought the iPhones had grow to be too huge. Priced at Rs 69,900, the iPhone 12 mini does precisely look the identical because the iPhone 12, however the 5.4-inch display makes this iPhone nearly invisible within the pocket. But don’t name the iPhone 12 mini “cheap”. It is a flagship iPhone with only a smaller type issue. So you aren’t lacking on the options like the brand new MagSafe charging, Face ID, and improved twin cameras. The iPhone 12 mini has its market, and Apple must be credited for taking a threat and bringing the compact flagship again to the market. You can’t go improper with the iPhone 12 mini. Read our assessment of the iPhone 12 mini right here
    HomePod Mini. (Image credit score: Apple)
    HomePod mini
    The arrival of the HomePod mini was anticipated however Apple shocked shoppers with the audio high quality coming from the tiny speaker. The HomePod mini can get actually loud with out muddling sound high quality, and that makes Apple’s Rs 9,900 audio system pretty first rate. Although many would argue that the Amazon 4th-gen Echo or the Google Nest Audio can be higher good audio system, the actual fact stays that the HomePod mini is designed to work greatest with the Apple ecosystem. Siri has grow to be higher through the years and it’s only a matter of time the voice-based digital assistant turns into as responsive and polished because the Alexa or Google Assistant. Where the HomePod mini actually triumphs the competitors is within the audio division and it shouldn’t be taken frivolously. Read our assessment of the HomePod mini right here.
    GoPro Hero 9 Black. (Image credit score: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
    GoPro Hero 9 Black
    When GoPro launched the Hero 9 Black, it was dismissed as yet one more motion digital camera. But individuals, particularly content material creators and Vloggers, quickly turned satisfied with the GoPro Hero 9. It would possibly look an identical to its predecessor, however the presence of a forward-facing color LCD display transforms the Hero 9 right into a instrument for content material creation. So now it’s simple to see what you might be taking pictures when framing selfie-style photographs. But GoPro didn’t cease there. The Hero 9 Black has higher battery life, is waterproof as much as 33 ft, can shoot 5K video with 20MP stills, has an ultra-wide removable lens choice, and the motion digital camera can be utilized as a webcam. All of those options make the GoPro Hero 9 Black the go-to motion digital camera for content material creators, lovers in addition to adventurers. Despite its hefty value of Rs 49,500, the GoPro Hero 9 impresses. Read our assessment of the GoPro Hero Black right here.
    iPhone 12 Pro Max. (Image credit score: Nandagopal Rajan/Indian Express)
    iPhone 12 Pro Max
    The greatest cellphone of the yr was, no doubt, the iPhone 12 Pro Max, taking each processing energy and digital camera capabilities to an entire totally different degree. With the brand new software program tweaks and the added LiDar scanner, the Apple flagship is now the killer flagship that has left the flagship killers far behind. Read our assessment of the iPhone 12 Pro Max right here.
    Apple Watch Series 6. (Image credit score: Nandagopal Rajan/Indian Express)
    Apple Watch Series 6
    The Apple Watch Series 6 has solely gotten higher within the few months since its launch. But given the pandemic fears, we’re all battling, the watch added the power to learn blood oxygen after which topped it up with cardio health measurement capabilities. The smartwatch from Apple is now a whole wellness machine. Read our assessment of the Apple Watch Series 6 right here.
    Apple MacBook Air M1. (Image credit score: Nandagopal Rajan/Indian Express)
    Apple MacBook Air M1
    The Apple MacBook Air was at all times a much-loved laptop computer, particularly for these on the transfer. Now, the MacBook Air has the facility of Apple’s all-new M1 silicon, which supplies it the facility to tackle high-end photograph and video enhancing if wanted. The Apple MacBook Air has simply grow to be extra related to much more customers. Read our assessment of the MacBook Air M1 right here.
    Samsung Galaxy M51. (Image credit score: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
    Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
    The flagship smartphone market bought a brand new contender this yr within the type of the Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition). It had all of the elements of being the good smartphone in its value vary and even challenged the OnePlus 8 and different telephones. What made the Galaxy S20 FE acquainted but so distinctive the best way it was positioned. Like different telephones within the Galaxy S20 vary, the FE had a 120Hz show, a top-notch digital camera system, a big capability 4500mAh battery, IP68 mud/water resistance, and the newest Exynos processor. Even although it lacked a premium glass again, it was nonetheless a well-made smartphone. Read our assessment of the Galaxy S20 FE right here.
    Samsung Galaxy M51. (Image credit score: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
    Samsung Galaxy M51
    Samsung’s Galaxy M51 wasn’t its top-of-the-line Galaxy smartphone, however regardless of that, the cellphone delivered a variety of worth. It had a large 7000mAh battery that stored its gigantic 6.7-inch display going for days. Although a mid-range smartphone, the Galaxy M51 had managed to strike the appropriate steadiness of construct high quality, efficiency, and digital camera. Yes, the Galaxy M51 adopted a really tried-and-tested formulation however the finish outcome was a cellphone that mattered to lots of people. Read our assessment of the Galaxy M51 right here.
    Pixel 4a. (Image credit score: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
    Google Pixel 4a
    The Google Pixel 4a was removed from being the right smartphone however it did make the Pixel model much more accessible in India. Knowing Google can’t compete with Chinese smartphone distributors, the corporate centered on its core competencies. The Pixel 4a’s digital camera, although a single one, was manner above the competitors. Google’s experience in picture processing in software program labored wonders for the Pixel 4a. Sure the Pixel 4a didn’t have the high-refresh-rate display or the quickest processor. However, what labored in favour of the Pixel 4a was the compact dimension and smaller price ticket. Read our assessment of the Pixel 4a right here.
    Magic Keyboard. (Image credit score: Nandagopal Rajan/Indian Express)
    Magic keyboard by Apple
    The new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro and iPad Air impresses, not as a result of it’s the most helpful accent one should buy, however merely because of the truth that it transforms your pill near a laptop computer. The full-sized keyboard magnetically attaches to your iPad, and its adjustable angles mean you can place the pill at a cushty viewing angle. Not to overlook the Magic keyboard additionally comes with a built-in trackpad, which is sort of similar to what you get on a MacBook. Sure the Magic Keyboard isn’t low cost however Apple does make an effort in making a pill closest to a laptop computer.
    OnePlus Nord. (Image credit score: Nandagopal Rajan/Indian Express)
    OnePlus Nord
    OnePlus broke away from its set schedule of smartphone launches by developing with a extra reasonably priced machine in the course of the yr. The Nord sub-brand has made a great debut with a smartphone that ticks on the packing containers and emerges as a flagship within the Rs 25,000 vary. It has an excellent digital camera, good show and a processor that may do most duties nicely. Read our assessment of the OnePlus Nord right here.
    (Image credit score: Express photograph)
     
    Xiaomi Redmi Note 9
    Time and once more, Xiaomi has proved that no different mid-range smartphone is as profitable because the Redmi Note machine. In truth, it wouldn’t be improper to name the Redmi Note collection the one which redefined the mid-range smartphone market in India. Despite strain coming from the rivals, the Redmi Note 9 helped Xiaomi’s market domination this yr. The cellphone got here with a big show, acceptable efficiency, stellar battery life, and first rate cameras. Xiaomi as soon as once more tried to make a cellphone that’s well worth the value, and that made the Redmi Note 9 a right away hit. Read our assessment of the Redmi Note 9 right here.
    Dell XPS 13. (Image credit score: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
    Dell XPS 13
    If there was one premium Windows pocket book that actually shined in 2020, then it must be the Dell XPS 13. Dell as soon as once more improved the formulation of the extremely thin-and-lightweight pocket book, and delivered a tool that emerged because the top-of-the-line laptop computer. The design, construct, look, show, and keyboard of the laptop computer had been nice. It had loads of energy for doing every part one might anticipate from a compact 13-inch pocket book. Read our assessment of the Dell XPS 13 right here.
    Mi Notebook 14 e-learning Edition. (Image credit score: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
    Mi Notebook 14 e-learning Edition
    The Mi Notebook 4 e-Learning Edition shocked us for its sheer worth and greater than that, the efficiency it managed to ship. The reasonably priced laptop computer had a variety of issues proper like a Full HD 14-inch show with slim bezels throughout, an all-metal design, a improbable keyboard, and lengthy battery life. Aimed at college students, this was a Windows machine that redefined how entry-level laptops must be made. The Mi Notebook 14 e-Learning Edition delivered good efficiency at an honest value. Read our assessment of the Mi Notebook 14 e-Learning version right here.
    iPad Air (2020). (Image credit score: Nandagopal Rajan/Indian Express)
    iPad Air 2020
    The iPad Air modified the move of the iPad collection in a manner. The iPad Air model of 2020, powered by the A14 Bionic processor, made it in a manner essentially the most highly effective pill on supply from Apple. Despite the smaller dimension, the iPad Air pushed the envelope on what one might anticipate from a pill, particularly one that doesn’t include Pro within the identify. The magic keyboard folio helped the iPad Air 2020 bridge the hole with a full-fledged laptop and the Apple Pencil made it a great choice for artistic customers. Read our assessment of the iPad Air 2020 right here.
    Shure Aonic 50. (Image credit score: Nandagopal Rajan/Indian Express)
    Shure Aonic 50
    The yr offered an attention-grabbing array of very succesful headphones. But essentially the most spectacular in our books was the Shure Aonic 50, a model that isn’t that well-known in India however is common among the many professionals. The audio profile of the earphone was higher than what we had heard a lot of the yr and it additionally has a mode quotient that places it a notch above the remaining. Read our assessment of the Shure Aonic 50 right here.
    Lypertek Tevi. (Image credit score: Nandagopal Rajan/Indian Express)
    Best really wi-fi earphones: Lypertek Tevi
    With thousands and thousands of individuals working from residence with no avenues for leisure, the really wi-fi earphones turned an necessary a part of many lives. While there have been many good choices throughout value factors, the Lypertek Tevi stood out for its audio high quality regardless of its reasonably priced price ticket. The Tevi had a classy design with a cloth end, contact panels on the earpods, and a really pure sounding audio profile. Read oure assessment of the Lypertek Tevi right here.
    Sony Bravia 55X9000H. (Image credit score: Nandagopal Rajan/Indian Express)
    Best tv: Sony Bravia 55X9000H
    There had been some superb televisions all year long, from consultants like Samsung and even upstarts like OnePlus, however the most effective one in my books was the Sony Bravia 55X9000H. This premium mannequin from Bravia of a shocking display that may go as much as 120Hz making it an important choice for these planning to purchase the PS5, and the software program that provides a smotting expertise that places it a notch above the remaining. Read our assessment of the Sony Bravia 55X9000H right here.
    Canon EOS R5. (Image credit score: Canon)
    Canon EOS R5
    2020 was definitely an odd yr to be investing in cameras, provided that there wasn’t a lot to shoot inside our houses after some extent. But the Canon EOS R5 stood out for taking professional-grade pictures to mirrorless cameras with 8K video recording a bunch of high of the road options. Canon is lastly taking over the problem from Sony within the skilled house with a digital camera that packs a punch. Read our assessment of the Canon EOS R5 right here.
    Special mentions
    Amazfit Blip U
    The Amazfit Blip U was among the many many smartwatches launched in 2020 with a really reasonably priced value level. In truth, at Rs 3,499 smartwatches just like the Bip U make the good band section look misplaced. The skinny Bip U was handy to put on, had good battery life and measures every part from sleep to emphasize, making it a really related machine for the pandemic yr. Read our assessment of the Amazfit Blip U right here.
    Samsung Q800T
    In 2020, with the cinemas shut, individuals had been making the most effective of their residence leisure choices. As individuals began investing in higher audio for the tv given how the return to film theatres looks like a distant dream, the Samsung Q800T soundbar emerged as an important choice with Dolby Atmos and very good music playback. Read our assessment of the Samsung Q800T right here.
    Milagrow iMap 1.0. (Image credit score: Nandagopal Rajan/Indian Express)

    Milagrow iMap 1.0
    At a time when something that helps with home tasks is turning into extra related for individuals in India, the Milagrow suite of residence cleansing robots have gotten common. While there are various fashions, the iMap 1.0 was particular as a result of it had some intelligence built-in and will additionally mop the ground after vacuuming it. Read our assessment of the Milagrow iMap 1.0 right here.
    LG Gram 17
    One of essentially the most modern gadgets of the yr needed to be the LG Gram, providing a big display for work, a shocking 17-inch show, and a full-fledged keyboard all with a weight of simply 1.35 kg. The weight of the machine, or the shortage of it, has the potential to make this laptop computer a favorite for many who need to be on the transfer with their work. Read our assessment of the LG Gram 17 right here.