Apple - HomePod mini - White

I’ve been using Apple products for a good portion of my life. My first college computer was an iMac. About a year ago, I finally made the transition from Android to iOS. From there, I’ve slowly integrated myself into the Apple ecosystem. As an I.T. Technician, I personally enjoy utilizing home automation. However, the cheaper cost of the Google devices lead me to build around them. With increasing security concerns with the likes of Google and Amazon, this HomePod Mini couldn’t have come at a better time. Not only does it sound amazing for its size, it is the perfect product to begin the transition to Apple’s HomeKit. If you are someone dedicated to using Apple devices and are on a budget, like myself. I can’t recommend the Apple HomePod Mini enough.

Improvement from the Google mini to Apple HomePod mini. It has better sound and packs a decent punch. While I don’t really like I lost my YouTube music from switching platforms, I can mitigate that by redirecting a YouTube video to the HomePod. I do WISH that Siri was smarter. She compared to Google assistant is farther away in terms of “assisting” than Google. The design is good and non intrusive. It’s a bit bigger than my Google home mini and about the size of a medium to large lemon. Another wish from Apple is that their algorithm (?) is smarter on Apple Music. I keep getting music I don’t typically listen to or enjoy. Which was something Google got right as well. I am hoping we’ll see Spotify on the HomePod mini soon. The cable comes attach and uses USB- type C to power itself. It comes with the power brick as well. One thing to add is while the set up for the HomePod is pretty quick, it can be a challenge to get the first initial pop up to well ..pop up. Do NOT get this if you have anything other than Apple product with you. It’s just not worth it and it won’t set up without a phone or iPad. If you’re well into the ecosystem, I’d say why not. Overall I do like my new HomePod mini, it has mainly the basics down and I like the improved sound. I think it’s a little overprice at $99. I think it should be either $90 or $85 Oh and too add, Bestbuy handled my item well and I was able to pick it up quick. So an added star for them.

Having purchased a pair of Home Pods on on launch day from Best Buy (at the $349 price) I've been a long-time fan of the smart speaker category. It wasn't long before my Google Home and Amazon Echos became paperweights. This HomePod mini at a $99 price point makes for the perfect stocking stuffer or even primary gift. In fact it does some things even better than the original. Sound quality is amazing, particular when paired with another for left/right Stereo. Even solo, they produce surprisingly full volume from a small sphere. Siri still trails the other smart assistance, and sends me to my phone more than I care to admit, but the utility of these are amazing. Adding them to rooms in your house makes your abode that much more accessible. Also cool is the ability to schedule or add events to play specific music or playlist based on a trigger (Wake up event, bed time chime, sunrise, sunset, etc. ). We used an Eve outlet to turn on Christmas tree, so "Siri, Christmas time" turned it on, dimmed other (Lutron Caseta) lights, and started playing Christmas Music throughout the house. My wife and I purchased a dozen of these between BB and Apple, mostly as gifts. The responses have been overwhelmingly positive, especially among those who's only other Apple device is an iPhone, thus making this an excellent gateway entry expanding usage on the ecosystem. The new to iOS 14 feature for HomePod mini has to be the INTERCOM. With it you can use your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or other HomePod to communicate with Mini's in other rooms. "Hey Siri, intercom, We're starting the movie", or "has anyone taken the dogs out?". Your voice is then played either through the HomePods and mini's in every room, specific rooms, or just a floor (based on the room and floor you select upon setup) Family members then "reply, I did, got it" or whatever. This sure beats the 70s built-in wall units of yesteryear. Additionally the new Mini sports Thread Mesh Networking protocol, so the more Thread devices you add, the more redundant, and wider your mesh network becomes. We're also starting to see other manufactures support Thread, namely $20 Nanoleaf interactive color light bulbs. PROS +compact cute WAF wife-acceptance factor +surprising sound quality +cool factor adds tech to every room +Whole-house (floor, or room) Intercom is great +Thread Mesh Networking future proofs expanded functionality +magic price point +Apple Music and playlist integration CONS -only big brother model sports Dolby Atmos -would love to see a $179 / 2-pack for stereo CONCLUSION This product might be one of Apple's more successful sleeper hits, if the Reddit /Homepod forum is to be believed. Countless new users RAVE about sound quality, and then are later ingratiated with other features they didn't know it could do. Recommend : BUY !!

Great speaker. I would have given it a 4.5 if I could have because it isn’t wireless. That being said, I needed a small speaker with quality sound for my Peloton workouts. The sound quality on the Peloton isn’t great and the sound from the HomePod mini is a definite upgrade. I didn’t want a large portable speaker and this was a perfect fit. Apple states you can pair the speakers to create left and right channels. I just may do that...

Great sound-super easy to hook up. I have 3 now! Even one in the bathroom to listen to audiobooks with! Can also text and make calls which is convenient. The family intercom freaks out my mom but is useful too. The handoff to and from iPhone works like a charm. I’ll be getting ready for work listening to a podcast and switch to my phone. Plug it right in to CarPlay and I’m back in business! Great product!

I presently own a Alexa speaker and wanted to add a better one for music and also back speakers for my sound bar... I purchased 2 of them so they may sink up with one another. Must say very easy set-up and work with all my apple devices with out a issue... I also use it for my apple tv as its primary speaker for all my shows and app's much clearer the TV it self... Went out and bout another two for bedroom (also has a announcement feature). If your looking for a small stereo like sound I would get two

A great value. It may not do as much as Alexa or Google Assistant, but what it does within the Apple ecosystem it does great. I never wanted to spend $299 on the HomePod, but $99 is a reasonable price. I love using it as a Bluetooth speaker to answer calls, send text messages, and create reminders and notes. Definitely has a place in my office.

If you're within the apple eco system already and are in the market for a product of this variety this is your go-to. It delivers BIG sound for such a small device. The integration with Siri is seemless and the set up is so simple. Truly a one of a kind experience.