When Apple launched the HomePod in 2018, it was seen as a late start in the world of smart speakers. Both its main rivals, Amazon and Google, were already building up a healthy collection of speakers by then, and it also didn’t help that the HomePod carried a premium price. Sure, the focus was on delivering a speaker with premium audio, but the high price point prevented it from appealing to a broader range of consumers. Thankfully, Apple has learned its lesson with the announcement of the HomePod mini.
Even though the name implies some obvious aesthetic changes, the single best part about the announcement is the fact that it’s now Apple’s most affordable home hub for HomeKit-enabled smart home gadgets. That may seem like an insignificant claim, but it’s exactly what Apple needed to offer. You just couldn’t access a security camera or control a smart lock at home without a home hub. It’s a critical piece in talking with all of your HomeKit devices when you’re outside of your home’s Wi-Fi network.
Prior to today’s announcement, the cheapest home hub sold by Apple was the Apple 4K TV at $179. While you could argue that’s still pricey, it’s better than the $299 you’d need to fork over for the original HomePod — or the $329 for the iPad (8th generation). Out of the bunch, the iPad is an unreliable candidate in acting as a home hub because of the battery drain and the fact that people use them outside of the home. Naturally, this isn’t a problem for the Apple TV 4K or HomePod because they’re stationary and constantly powered.
Those higher prices have really been what has deterred consumers, which is exactly why Apple has trailed its rivals in the smart home space. You could debate how Apple missed out on a prime opportunity with the original HomePod, but now it’s about playing catchup and bridging the gap.
Another important aspect to mention is the security and privacy prowess of HomeKit. There’s actually a sophisticated system in place whenever commands are sent from your iPhone to a HomeKit device. The home hub acts as a sort of middle man that relays commands through iCloud in a secure manner. Now that the HomePod mini has a more attractive $99 cost, it spells good news for HomeKit -nabled gadgets as a whole. Sure, the audio performance may not eclipse the original, but you’re still getting all of Siri’s smarts in the home.
The impending release of the HomePod mini is an opportunity to woo even more partners and companies to develop HomeKit-compatible products. It will be interesting to trace how successful the HomePod mini may become, especially since the original HomePod was never viewed as a homerun. The lower cost by default gives this speaker a leg up, but more importantly, it’s helping to pave the way for HomeKit’s broader success in the smart home.
We’re still a decent while away before it’s released, but don’t forget about all the Apple deals happening right now for Amazon Prime Day.
Outdoor security cameras are not always practical if you live in an apartment or rental. Drilling into an exterior wall may be off-limits, while pointing a regular indoor camera through a window can create another problem once reflections start showing up after dark.
Baseus is trying to solve both issues with the new PrimeSentinel W1, a $69.99 security camera designed specifically to monitor the outdoors through glass. It mounts directly to a window without drilling and uses a 4K Starlight sensor with an F1.0 aperture for full-color monitoring during the day and at night.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.
With AI progressing so fast, it's only a matter of time before we start getting AI companions like the ones we used to see in movies like R2-D2, Wall-E, or Baymax. Now, Singapore-based OKA Technology has unveiled Mori, a cute little AI companion that looks less like a conventional home robot and more like someone turned the Pokémon Foongus into a table lamp.
Mori isn't meant to clean your house or control your smart home, but to serve as what OKA calls a "Nature Companion." It uses subtle movements, warm lighting, nature-inspired sounds, and small reactions to make its presence around the house feel calming rather than distracting. Mori can sit quietly while you read, sway along to music, welcome you when you enter a room, or encourage you to slow down for a moment without requiring a screen or a conversation.