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Apple HomePod Gains Surround Sound?
5 Sep
Summary
- New audioOS beta hints at four-speaker surround sound.
- Future HomePod may offer front and rear audio tuning.
- A new, unannounced HomePod model is referenced in code.
Apple's smart speaker line, which began in 2018, is reportedly poised for a significant audio upgrade. Recent discoveries in the latest audioOS beta suggest the possibility of true surround sound, a feature previously unavailable even with multiple HomePods. Code references indicate tuning files for front-left, front-right, rear-left, and rear-right speaker positions.
The proposed four-speaker configuration would utilize specialized processing for front speakers, delivering left- and right-specific audio. Rear speakers are noted to employ omnidirectional processing, aiming to envelop listeners with sound. Additionally, the beta code hints at a new HomePod hardware device, distinct from existing models.
This development aligns with reports of a successor to the HomePod mini, expected to feature advanced AI-powered Siri capabilities. This new hardware is rumored to be ready for launch this fall, coinciding with iOS 27. A potential 'Party Mode' is also suggested, utilizing a 'diffuse' audio rendering mode for a more ambient and evenly distributed sound experience across a room.
