HomePod 2 reviews: Great sound but some irks

New smart speaker sounds fantastic, but there are a few caveats.

Author

Lewis Wallace
January 31, 2023

Regarding the new HomePod, I only care about one thing: How does it sound?

The first reviews of the new smart speaker are in, and they all more or less agree on that one important point: The second-gen HomePod sounds excellent.

There are, however, other limitations that you might want to know about before getting one. Hit our top post for details.

Also in today's newsletter:

  • There’s a new eight-port USB hub for iPad, and it looks pretty spiffy.

  • If you’re planning any travel this year, learn how Holafly will make it easier (and less costly) with an unlimited-data eSIM.

  • If you’ve ever launched Safari and your “secret” private browsing session was automatically reopened, you should familiarize yourself with the tip below.

  • And in honor of the new HomePod, install the speaker-themed wallpaper you’ll find in the Tweetz section.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

HomePod 2 review roundup: Great sound but no giant leap forward

With improved audio and new smart-home features, Apple upgraded the new smart speaker in several ways.

Dual-purpose new iPad stand is also a USB-C hub

The Plugable USB-C Stand Dock goes beyond just holding up an iPad so the display can be seen -- it's also an eight-port hub.

1Password 8 for iOS is about to get much better

A slew of improvements, including universal search, will enhance the password manager’s existing feature set.

A message from Holafly

It's no exaggeration to say eSIM is the future of cellular. With iPhone 14, Apple went "all in" on eSIM, and you should, too. Find out how you can get unlimited data for your international travels from Holafly.

‘Periscope’ camera might remain iPhone 16 Pro Max exclusive

iPhone 16 Pro buyers reportedly won't get the high-end upgrade that previous rumors suggested. Sounds like it will stay restricted to the larger model.

Apple’s super-expensive Pro Display XDR gets a $300 discount

Looking to buy Apple's 32-inch pro monitor? Amazon is offering a whopping $300 off the stunning display.

You can already listen to your Apple Music Replay 2023 playlist

In case you want to give your own personal top-of-the-charts tracks another spin.

Today in Apple history: Mac clone-maker closes shop

On January 31, 1998, Power Computing shut down for good, bringing an ignominious end to the formerly high-flying maker of Mac clones.

Keep your Private Browsing secret with this one smart Safari move [Pro Tip]

Don't suffer from an embarrassing browser faux pas. iOS on Safari offers a foolproof way to avoid reopening a Private Browsing mode session.

Tweetz 'o the day

One more thing...

❝

You just make the best product you can, and you don't put it out until you feel it's right. But no matter what you think intellectually, your heart is beating pretty fast right before people see what you've produced.

One more, one more thing…

Have you ever reopened Safari and all your "private" porn tabs were automatically reloaded?

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