Apple has now unveiled the HomePod mini, a smaller and more affordable smart speaker derived from its original HomePod that first released in 2018. HomePad mini was officially announced during the company's October 13 event, and will be available in stores and online starting November 16, with pre-orders being taken from November 6. Whereas the HomePad first sold at $349, the mini will only cost $99, which is likely to make it one the year's highest sought-after gifts.
With Apple offering a budget-friendly HomePod, the company has put itself in a position to compete with Amazon and its varied family of smart speakers, including the company's beefiest Echo yet, Echo Studio. Amazon first released the original Echo in 2014, and after a few generations, the company developed its first "XL" version, designed to offer a better sound experience compared to smaller Echo products. The Echo Studio was priced at $199 at launch, only a $20 bump compared to the original Echo years before.
For many consumers, it could be challenging to decide on which of these two smart speakers to buy. Even though their technologies greatly differ from one another, they both appear to be impressive in their own ways. As far as their similarities go, the Echo Studio and HomePod mini can both amplify audio and music beautifully, support various music-streaming services like iHeartRadio, offer smart home control, and come with digital assistants - Alexa and Siri, respectively. They can also be paired with speakers of the same brand to either complete an entertainment experience or serve as intercoms in separate rooms of the home.
HomePod mini & Echo Studio: Differences
The most obvious of difference between the two smart speakers is the design. The HomePod mini has a spherical shape and is 3.3 inches tall. The Echo Studio has more of a traditional cylinder shape, and is a towering 8.1 inches in height. The size might be off-putting to some consumers, but it can rival a number of home speakers. Whereas the Echo Studio only comes in black, the HomePod mini will be available in either white or black (labelled "Space Gray"). In regards to unique features, the HomePod Mini can connect with an iPhone for handing off music and taking phone calls. The HomePad mini can also play ambient sounds, such as a crackling fireplace for relaxing or studying. As for the Echo Studio, there are more devices and products that support Alexa than Siri currently. Thus, with the exception of loyal Apple customers, the typical consumer will find it easier to start up a smart home network with an Echo Studio.
The choice of smart speaker should ultimately depend on what the consumer would like it to do for them. For those looking to add to, or put together, a home automation network, an Echo Studio can really help. While Apple is looking to evolve Siri to compete in the digital assistant realm, Alexa is simply compatible with more devices and products that one might already own. The HomePod mini, however, does have some advantages over Echo Studio. If a family wants to set up a sound or intercom system for cheap, in addition to a few other nice bonuses, they can easily choose Apple's new smart speaker. Either Apple's HomePod mini or Amazon's Echo Studio will serve most consumers well, but the best option will be the one most suited to the other devices in the same home.
Source: Apple