Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2 hands-on: A look at the audio updates and Siri AI
Listening to Apple's new sound features with Siri as our binge-watching companion.
Apple's hardware event brought updated versions of the HomePod mini speaker and Apple TV 4K. Testing out the HomePod mini 2's revamped home theater features revealed Siri AI in action on Apple's streaming box. Testing a pair of the new speakers connected to an iMac as part of an enhanced desktop audio setup confirmed the new colors match up nicely with the company's all-in-one computer.
Apple TV 4K's Siri overhaul
The main upgrades on the Apple TV 4K bring Siri AI to the living room, primarily for content discovery. Thanks to the assistant's ability to pull in context from places like Messages, users can ask it to perform tasks like pulling up specific recommended shows. The new Apple TV 4K features built-in far field microphones, enabling a hands-free Siri experience from across the room.
Siri AI can also answer contextual questions about content without interrupting playback. Responses are tucked quietly into the corner of the TV screen as text only, preventing the assistant from speaking over the audio of whatever show or movie is currently playing.
Another upgrade for the Apple TV 4K is an overhauled remote control. While the exterior design remains familiar, internal hardware now allows the remote to play a locating sound when requested via Siri, functioning similarly to tracking lost AirPods.
Audio updates on the HomePod mini 2
The HomePod mini 2 has also been updated to support future Siri AI features. The speaker is powered by the S10 chip, representing a significant hardware jump over the S5 processor found in the original 2020 model. Apple notes that advanced AI features for the speaker will roll out via a later software update.
Immediate additions include Sound Glow and expanded surround sound functionality. Sound Glow mirrors album artwork on the speaker's backlit touch panel to visualize soundscapes. Furthermore, users can now connect up to four HomePod speakers to the new Apple TV 4K for home theater audio configurations.
Audio configurations using two standard HomePods in the front and two HomePod mini 2 speakers in the rear offer enhanced bass and a wider soundstage. However, utilizing a four-speaker setup requires a substantial hardware investment for a living room environment.
Additionally, a pair of HomePod mini 2 speakers can sync with any Mac over AirPlay to function as dedicated desktop speakers. This setup provides an immediate upgrade over built-in computer speakers, offering solid directional audio for everyday media consumption.
