In January 2023, Apple acquired the 2nd generation HomePod. For many users, the release of the new speaker came as a surprise because in March 2021, Apple ceased production of the 1st generation HomePod and stopped selling it.
An Apple spokesperson told TechCrunch that the company purchased the HomePod after the sale as it discovered a growing demand for powerful, good-sounding speakers.
We have indeed found a growing interest among our customers in more powerful and rich acoustics.
Apple
The company confirmed that it was not originally going to return the HomePod to the market. But then she changed her mind.
We carefully reviewed the experience of the first HomePod and HomePod mini, and discovered the new HomePod when it tested our goals.
Matthew Costello, Apple Vice President of HomePod Hardware Interface
Costello also explained why the new HomePod only supports Wi-Fi 4, although the upgraded version had Wi-Fi 5, and other Apple devices have long used the Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E standard.
HomePod is equipped with a Wi-Fi 4 module that allows us to better choose what works best across the entire system [умного дома]quick response to Siri requests, as well as a consistent experience with everything you listen to, how to set up smart home accessories, and more – all with energy efficiency in mind.
Matthew Costello, Apple Vice President of HomePod Hardware Interface
Costello takes over the HomePod development team. Previously, he was the chief operating officer of Beats before Apple bought the company. [TechCrunch]
Source: Iphones RU
