Apple HomePod mini 2 launched in India at Rs 18,900 with Siri AI and enhanced audio

Apple on Tuesday announced the HomePod mini 2 featuring an upgraded Siri AI assistant enhanced audio capabilities and new colour options with preorders opening on October 13 and retail availability starting October 30The new smart speaker will be available in pink green blue white and midnight Priced at Rs 18900 in India the HomePod mini 2 will receive Siri AI through a future software update bringing improved conversational abilities personal context understanding and more advanced music discoveryApple said the updated Siri will be powered by its latestgeneration Foundation Models enabling users to ask questions across a wider range of topics access uptodate information from the web and carry out tasks using personal context from supported appsHomePod mini 2 gets upgraded Siri AIWhen paired with an Apple Intelligenceenabled iPhone or iPad the HomePod mini 2 will be able to use personal context to help users find information and complete tasks These include locating a song recommended in a message setting reminders linked to calendar events or locations finding recipes in emails and adding ingredients to grocery listsThe speaker can recognise up to six household members by their voices and connect securely with their devices Apple said users will also be able to engage in more natural backandforth conversations with SiriEven users without an Apple Intelligenceenabled iPhone or iPad will be able to access Siri AIrsquos broader world knowledge conversational capabilities and improved music discovery once the feature is enabled on a supported HomePod mini speakerSiri AI will initially support English in India the US Australia Canada New Zealand Singapore South Africa and the UK through a future software updateEnhanced audio and fourspeaker home theatreThe HomePod mini 2 delivers 360degree sound from its compact design and can be used as a standalone speaker in a stereo pair or as part of a multiroom audio setupPowered by Applersquos S10 chip and computational audio technology the speaker analyses music in real time to optimise dynamic range loudness and acoustic performanceWhen paired with the fourthgeneration Apple TV 4K four HomePod mini 2 speakers can create a surroundsound home theatre setup The system identifies the speakersrsquo positions and automatically calibrates audio timing and levels to suit the roomThe speaker can also be used with a Mac for audio during movies gaming FaceTime and video callsSound Glow adds musicsynchronised lightingApple has introduced Sound Glow a feature that turns the top of the HomePod mini 2 into a light display that pulses in sync with music responding to bass and treble in real timeThe feature can also generate lighting effects inspired by the album artwork of the track being played Users can select soundscapes such as rain to create ambient animationsSmart home controls and security featuresThe HomePod mini 2 allows users to control compatible smart home accessories through voice commands including locking doors closing garage doors adjusting thermostats lowering blinds and switching off lightsThrough the Home app users can automate accessories and create scenes that control multiple devices The speaker can also function as a home hub allowing users to manage compatible accessories securely from an iPhone whether they are at home or awaySound Recognition can detect the sounds of smoke or carbon monoxide alarms and send notifications to a userrsquos iPhone iPad and Apple Watch Users can also use the Home app to check in on their homes and listen or speak to someone through the speakerApple said the HomePod mini 2 will work with compatible smart home accessories including Apple Home Collection video doorbells and cameras Face Recognition can announce who is at the door when supported features are enabledApple highlights privacy and recycled materialsApple said Siri requests on the HomePod mini 2 can be processed ondevice or through Private Cloud Compute According to the company data processed through Private Cloud Compute is not stored or made accessible to Apple or other partiesThe company also highlighted the speakerrsquos environmental features including 100 per cent recycled rare earth elements in its magnets and recycled copper gold plating and tin solder in Appledesigned printed circuit boards Its paper packaging is also entirely fibrebased and designed to be recycledHomePod mini 2 price and availability in IndiaThe HomePod mini 2 is priced at Rs 18900 in India Preorders begin on October 13 with availability in stores starting October 30Siri AI will arrive through a free future software update Apple said the feature requires the owner of the home in the Home app to have an Apple Intelligenceenabled iPhone or iPad running the latest software with Siri AI enabled and set to a supported languageThe fourspeaker home theatre feature requires four HomePod mini 2 or secondgeneration HomePod speakers in matching pairs alongside a fourthgeneration Apple TV 4K running the latest operating system software Some features and accessories may not be available in all regions