The new HomePod mini 2 can be used as a default speaker on all Mac models with Wi-Fi 6E or later, according to Apple. You can use a single HomePod, or a pair for stereo sound.

The previous-generation HomePod mini can also be used as a Mac's speaker via AirPlay, but it cannot be set as the default audio output. AirPlay can also introduce audio latency.
This article, "HomePod Mini 2 Works as Default Speaker With Select Macs" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The new Apple TV 4K and updated Siri Remote unveiled today have quite a few new features, as outlined in our all-in-one summary below.


Here are 11 changes coming with the new Apple TV:

• A19 chip, for up to 50% faster CPU performance and up to twice as fast graphics performance compared to the previous model with the A15 chip.


• 8GB of RAM is very likely, up from 4GB of RAM in the previous model. However, this spec still needs to be confirmed.


• Siri AI support, with an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad required for questions involving a user's personal context. Siri AI will also be available on the second-generation and third-generation Apple TV 4K models released in 2021 and 2022 on tvOS 27.2 and later, according to Apple.


• Three built-in far-field microphones for hands-free Siri AI voice control, but you can continue to use the Siri Remote if you prefer.


• Surround sound functionality with four HomePods — either four HomePod mini 2 speakers or matching front and rear pairs of HomePod mini 2 and full-sized HomePod 2 speakers. All previous models remain limited to two HomePods.


• Wi-Fi 7 support, up from Wi-Fi 6 for the previous model.


• Bluetooth 6 support, up from Bluetooth 5 for the previous model.


• AV1 and VP9 video support.


• There is now only a single 128GB configuration with an Ethernet port. The previous model also had a 64GB/Wi-Fi-only model.


• The white status light has been centered on the front edge of the Apple TV 4K.


• The new model is around 1% heavier than the previous model. (Hey, it counts).

Here are three changes coming with the new Siri Remote:

• Find My and Precision Finding support, making it easier to find the remote if it is misplaced. Precision Finding support for the Siri Remote requires an iPhone 17 or newer (excluding the iPhone 17e), iPhone Air, or iPhone Duo.


• A built-in speaker that can play a sound to help you locate it.


• The new remote is around 6% heavier than the previous version.

The new Apple TV 4K and Siri Remote can both be pre-ordered starting today and launch Friday, November 13. In the U.S., the new Apple TV is priced at $299 and includes the new Siri Remote. The updated remote is also available separately for $59 and is compatible with all Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD models released since 2015.
This article, "New Apple TV 4K and Siri Remote Have These 14 New Features" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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MacRumors was first to reveal the name "HomeView" last week, after discovering a trademark filing from a secretive shell company that we correctly suspected was linked to Apple.

Apple was likely behind a "homeOS" trademark filing as well, but the company ultimately decided to stick with generic "HomeView software" naming, just like it refers to the HomePod's operating system as "HomePod software." For example, the device will ship with "HomeView software version 27.2."
This article, "RIP, homeOS" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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As was rumored prior to today's announcements, the new Apple TV 4K can connect to up to four HomePods in front-left, front-right, rear-left, and rear-right positions, enabling an all-Apple surround sound system for home theater setups.


You can connect four of the new HomePod mini 2 speakers to the new Apple TV 4K, or you can mix and match pairs of HomePod mini 2 and full-sized HomePod 2 speakers, so long as the front and rear pairs of speakers match. For example, you can have two full-sized HomePod 2 speakers up front and two HomePod mini 2 speakers in the rear.

Apple is relying on computational audio. The company says the four HomePods and the new Apple TV 4K can "intelligently recognize each speaker's position in the room, so audio timing and levels are automatically calibrated to the space."

All previous Apple TV 4K models remain limited to two HomePods for stereo sound.

The new Apple TV 4K is available to pre-order starting today and launches Friday, November 13. In the U.S., pricing is set at $299, with only a single configuration with 128GB of storage, Wi-Fi 7 support, and an Ethernet port available.
This article, "New Apple TV 4K Supports Surround Sound via Four HomePods" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Siri AI support on the new HomePod mini 2 will be "available later" as part of a "future software update," according to Apple. In other words, do not expect Siri AI to be available on the speaker when it launches on Friday, October 30.

Siri AI on the HomePod mini 2 will require an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone or iPad for requests involving personal context.
This article, "Apple Says HomePod Mini 2 Won't Support Siri AI Right Away" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The new Siri Remote unveiled today is compatible with all Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K models released since 2015, according to Apple.


The fourth-generation Siri Remote released today is available to order on Apple's online store for November 13 delivery, with U.S. pricing set at $59.

The full list of compatible models:

• Apple TV 4K (4th generation)


• Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)


• Apple TV 4K (2nd generation)


• Apple TV 4K (1st generation)


• Apple TV HD

The key change with the new Siri Remote is full support for the Find My app and the Precision Finding feature, allowing you to find the exact location of the remote if it goes missing by following the on-screen directional arrows on a compatible iPhone. The remote now has a speaker that can play a sound to help you locate it.

Apple says Precision Finding support for the new Siri Remote requires an iPhone Duo, iPhone Air, or an iPhone 17 or later (excluding the iPhone 17e).

The remote has the same overall design, buttons, and USB-C charging port.
This article, "New Siri Remote is $59 and Compatible With These Apple TV Models" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today announced that ADT will offer professional in-home installation of its all-new wall-mounted HomeView smart home hub, confirming our scoop.


ADT technicians will be able to install the wall-mounted version of the HomeView, the new collection of related Apple Home Collection smart home accessories from LG and Schneider Home, and other eligible smart home accessories in "most areas" of the U.S., according to Apple's website. More details are available on ADT's website.

The wall-mounted HomeView is available in space gray and silver. It has the same 7-inch display as the tabletop version, and there are speaker holes on the bottom edge. It can be attached to a wall using three purpose-built mounts from Schneider Home, with options for self-installation or professional installation for an additional charge.

Apple said ADT installation services will be available in the U.S. "starting this fall."

In the U.S., both the tabletop and wall-mounted HomeView models are priced at $299.
This article, "ADT to Offer In-Home Installation of Apple's New HomeView and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The new Apple TV 4K announced today is even more expensive than the previous model, with U.S. pricing set at $299.

The new Apple TV 4K only has a single configuration available with 128GB of storage, Wi-Fi 7, and an Ethernet port. The previous model had two separate configurations that were most recently priced at $199 and $249 in the U.S. following an earlier price increase. All in all, the Apple TV 4K's starting price has now gone from $129 to $299 this year.
This article, "Apple TV 4K is Now Even More Expensive, 128GB Model Priced at $299" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today announced the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, with key features including an A19 chip, Siri AI support, an updated Siri Remote that has Find My support with Precision Finding, built in far-field microphones, and more.


Siri AI is a more personalized and intelligent version of Siri powered by Apple Intelligence. The new Apple TV 4K has three far-field microphones that allow users to talk to Siri in a hands-free manner, but the updated Siri Remote still has a microphone and a Siri button on its side if you prefer to use the assistant that way.

The status light is now centered on the front of the Apple TV 4K, but otherwise it has no obvious external design changes compared to the previous model.

The updated Siri Remote now supports the Precision Finding feature in the Find My app, making it easier to find. The remote now has a speaker built into it, allowing you to play a sound through the Find My app to help with locating it. The remote's overall design has not changed, and it still has a USB-C charging port.

The new Apple TV 4K can be pre-ordered starting today and launches on Friday, November 13. In the U.S., pricing is set at $299, with only a single configuration available now with 128GB of storage, Wi-Fi 7 support, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. The device is also equipped with a rear HDMI 2.1 port and supports Bluetooth 6.


This article, "New Apple TV 4K Announced With A19 Chip, Updated Siri Remote, and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple has launched a new "Switch to Safari" marketing campaign that encourages Chrome users to switch to Safari as their web browser of choice on the Mac.


"Safari is a more powerful and private browser than Chrome," says Apple.

Apple has a new "Switch to Safari" page on its website that outlines more than 10 reasons that Chrome users should switch to Safari, including faster performance for certain tasks, privacy features, and less battery life consumption.

Apple has shared two related YouTube videos that promote Safari's Intelligent Tracking Prevention and Distraction Control features.

Head to the "Switch to Safari" page to learn more.

The videos are embedded below.



This article, "Apple Explains Why Chrome Users Should 'Switch to Safari'" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple on Monday announced Remnants, an immersive horror film that will be released exclusively on the Vision Pro on Friday, October 16.


The film will be in the Apple Immersive Video format, meaning it will be a 3D video recorded in 8K resolution with a 180-degree field of view and Spatial Audio.

Apple shared a short video of people reacting to the film while wearing the Vision Pro.

"Watch as they step inside Woldmere Castle and enter the unsettling world created by writer and director Ti West," said Apple.
This article, "Apple Unveils Immersive Horror Film Coming Exclusively to Vision Pro" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple plans to unveil the HomeView, a HomePod mini 2, and an updated Apple TV 4K as part of its "Welcome home" launch today.


The devices will likely be unveiled in press releases shared on the Apple Newsroom website at around 9 a.m. Eastern Time today, as that is when Apple's private "Welcome home" experience in New York begins. At the experience, invited reporters and content creators will likely receive hands-on time with the devices.

Here are some photos shared by guests who have arrived to Apple's space in New York.



The new HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K models will reportedly launch on Friday, October 30, while the HomeView is apparently not launching until mid-November.

The all-new HomeView smart home hub will be available in a tabletop version with a speaker base made of metal, as well as a wall-mounted version with a flat, square wall plate. The device is designed for managing smart home accessories, home security, photo galleries, calendar appointments, music playback, FaceTime video calls, and more.

The device will be ideal for the kitchen, bedroom, and living room, and it will reportedly have multi-user support for families.

The hub reportedly has a 6-inch square display, and an A18 chip for Apple Intelligence, with Siri AI expected to be a tentpole feature. A new operating system — potentially named "homeOS" — will feature clock faces, widgets, and more.

The tabletop HomeView will be available in four finishes: Gray, Silver, Starlight, and Rose. The wall-mounted version will be limited to Gray and Silver.

HomeView will have a selection of Apple apps, but no App Store for third-party apps.

HomeView will be accompanied by an "Apple Home Collection" of accessories that brands such as LG and Schneider Electric developed in partnership with Apple. This will include a smart doorbell, deadbolt lock, thermostat, temperature sensor, indoor and outdoor security cameras, and a floodlight camera.

The new HomePod mini is rumored to be equipped with the Apple Watch Series 10's S10 chip, up from the S5 chip in the current version of the speaker released in 2020. A range of new color options leaked, too, including pink and green.

The new Apple TV 4K is rumored to have an A19 chip, Siri AI support, and an updated Siri Remote with a built-in speaker that makes it easier to find. In addition, the device will likely receive an Apple-designed N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 support.
This article, "Apple's Next Launch is Today: 'Welcome Home' in New York" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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