![Apple HomePod (2nd generation)](https://cdn.magzter.com/PC Pro/1678350154/articles/xKeltqc7t1678686450570/APPLE-HOMEPOD-2ND-GENERATION.jpg)
SCORE ✪✪✪✪
PRICE £249 (£299 inc VAT) from apple.com/uk
Apple discontinued the original HomePod in 2021, but it hasn't years doing a radical redesign. Both are fabric-covered cylinders with a circular touchscreen on top, albeit that this second iteration panel illuminates almost to the edges.
There are two other physical changes, one being that the power cord is detachable. The bottom is now made of plastic rather than silicone, but it will still stain wood furniture (as I discovered). It's only a shame that Apple hasn't added a switch to turn off the HomePod's four microphones.
As before, the HomePod uses these mics to listen for echoes, so it can sonically map the room and then adjust the audio output. It's all done automatically; by comparison, the Sonos One requires you to move your phone round your room as the speaker plays a tone. It only takes a minute, but it's not as slick.
Inside the HomePod, a single 4in speaker faces upward, while an array of five smaller tweeters is arrayed around the bottom. It should come as no surprise that the second-gen HomePod sounds just as good as the original. The Sonos One still does a better job with mids and highs, making voices sound more present, but the HomePod delivered stronger bass.
Esta historia es de la edición May 2023 de PC Pro.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición May 2023 de PC Pro.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
![How to earn Cyber Essentials certification](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/499/1693520/3vzMhKwqA1715943236784/HOW-TO-EARN-CYBER-ESSENTIALS-CERTIFICATION.jpg)
How to earn Cyber Essentials certification
The UK's government-backed security standard provides reassurance for you and your customers. Nik Rawlinson explores what's involved - and how to get it
![HP Omen Transcend 14](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/499/1693520/_J2metwie1715942359246/HP-OMEN-TRANSCEND-14.jpg)
HP Omen Transcend 14
If you're sticking with Asus or Razer gaming laptops out of habit, the HP Omen Transcend 14 may just change your mind
![AI TRİSM](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/499/1693520/PBW43WzV_1715941897626/AI-TRSM.jpg)
AI TRİSM
New computing paradigms come with new challenges. Steve Cassidy explores how to use AI safely and securely
![13 warnings about using AI at work](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/499/1693520/Om7wJ5jd51715941293590/13-WARNINGS-ABOUT-USING-AI-AT-WORK.jpg)
13 warnings about using AI at work
AI experts from industry and academia were gathered by the Turing Institute to consider the future of the technology. Nicole Kobie reveals the lessons they offered
![Brilliant business comms at zero cost](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/499/1693520/FUrJqZnjl1715940993185/BRILLIANT-BUSINESS-COMMS-AT-ZERO-COST.jpg)
Brilliant business comms at zero cost
Whether you choose 3CX Free or 3CX SMB V20, it's time to say goodbye to per-user pricing and bundle rip-offs
![TURN YOUR DUMB TV INTO A SMART ONE WITH A RASPBERRY PI](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/499/1693520/cwNbzBW2I1715940488533/TURN-YOUR-DUMB-TV-INTO-A-SMART-ONE-WITH-A-RASPBERRY-PI.jpg)
TURN YOUR DUMB TV INTO A SMART ONE WITH A RASPBERRY PI
Enjoy video on demand and more Nik Rawlinson finds out how the humble Pi can transform your TV
![GIGABIT INTERNET Get the speeds you're paying for](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/499/1693520/byn7WEnrw1715939990641/GIGABIT-INTERNET-GET-THE-SPEEDS-YOURE-PAYING-FOR.jpg)
GIGABIT INTERNET Get the speeds you're paying for
Is your premium internet service not racing along like it should? Darien Graham-Smith goes in search of faster downloads on every device
![7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE IT PROS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/499/1693520/QIEkuXPtM1715939529947/7-HABITS-OF-HIGHLY-EFFECTIVE-IT-PROS.jpg)
7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE IT PROS
The PC Pro team combine their collective wisdom to create seven tips for keeping on top of your IT game
![BRILLIANT MONITORS from £149](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/499/1693520/S9Nd6qoaz1715939044767/BRILLIANT-MONITORS-FROM-149.jpg)
BRILLIANT MONITORS from £149
Whether you’re looking for screens to roll out ina business, an entertainment centrepiece ora pro-quality monitor, one of our 15 displays holds the answer
![PORTABLESSDs FROM £69](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/499/1693520/hKyAOR7n91715938275324/PORTABLESSDS-FROM-69.jpg)
PORTABLESSDs FROM £69
We review 12 portable SSDs that cover a wide range of standards, form factors and target users