H OTS T U F F

It feels like a lifetime ago that Apple first

introduced the HomePod – its expensive,

hamstrung but sonically rather brilliant

smart speaker. In fact it’s only been three

years, but it would appear Apple has spent

that time fixing a few of the issues we had

with the original.

For starters, the new Mini model will work

with streaming services other than Apple

Music, although Spotify is conspicuous

by its absence. Behind its acoustically

transparent mesh are one full-range driver

and dual passive radiators, which should

make it sound much bigger than its 84mm

height. Stick two together in a room and

they’ll automatically team up to make a

stereo pair, while three mics are on hand

to pick up voice commands.

It’s powered by an Apple S5 chip, which

gives it enough oomph to adjust how your

music sounds up to 180 times a second,

but also means it can recognise up to six

different voices and be used as an intercom

to talk to other Apple devices inside and

outside your home. Not bad for something

that looks like a futuristic grapefruit.

As hot as... Siri’s naughtiest secrets

£99 / apple.com

THE POD OF

SMALL THINGS

Apple HomePod Mini

HOT

FIVE

Can I play
with magnets?
Forget the long-awaited
AirPower charger – there’s
now a range of MagSafe
accessories that’ll cling to the
back of your new phone,
from wireless chargers
to cases.