★ Initial Thoughts on This Week’s New Apple TV 4K (4th Generation) and HomePod Mini 2
At the old pre-June prices, you could buy a 128 GB Apple TV and a pair of HomePod Minis for $350 ($150 + $100 + $100). Four short months later, with today’s new models, that combination would cost $600 ($300 + $150 + $150).
Initial reactions to the release of Apple's 4th generation Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini 2 reveal mixed opinions. The new Apple TV boasts improved performance with its A19 chip, offering up to 50% faster CPU performance and 2x faster GPU performance. It also introduces a dedicated AV1 decoder for efficient streaming and lower bandwidth usage.
The updated Siri Remote, while retaining its familiar look, now has Find My support and Precision Finding to help locate the device. The addition of three far-field microphones enables hands-free control and better Siri recognition, although the existing 2nd-gen HomePods' far-field design already provides similar functionality. The new Apple TV 4K supports a four-speaker surround sound setup when paired with HomePod Mini 2, allowing users to create an immersive audio experience.
However, the high price point of $300 for the Apple TV 4K, coupled with a $150 increase for the HomePod Mini 2, leaves some questioning if the new features justify the cost. The former price of $130 for the 3rd-generation Apple TV was considered too expensive compared to competitors, and the $150 price for the HomePod Mini 2 represents a significant jump from the $99 it cost earlier in the year.
Despite these concerns, the overall improvements in performance and audio capabilities may still be appealing to some consumers.
Written by urgent.news from Daring Fireball's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
