● Covered by 1 source · 4 reportsLow impact4 neutral
Apple introduces Sound Glow feature for HomePod mini and second-gen HomePod
Key points
- Sound Glow released for HomePod mini and HomePod (2nd gen).
- Feature displays animated colors from album artwork on touch surface.
- Requires software version 27.2 and music with album art.
- Can be enabled via Home app or Apple TV Control Center.
- Sound Glow animates the LED matrix to match music or ambient sounds.
- HomePod mini has 19 RGB LEDs, and HomePod (2nd gen) has 37 RGB LEDs.
- Sound Glow responds to changes in bass and treble.
- Soundscape ambient sounds use bespoke RGB animations.
- HomePod 27.2 adds Lock Controls and Mac speaker output.
- HomePod 27.2 will support Apple TV surround sound soon.
- Sound Glow will be supported on HomePod mini 2 later this week.
- Lock Controls disable touch controls on the HomePod top.
- HomePod 27.2 allows HomePod and HomePod mini 2 to be low-latency wireless speakers for Macs.
- HomePod 27.2 addresses previous latency issues for real-time audio applications.
- HomePod 27.2 enables HomePods as default sound output for Mac.
New Visual Feature for HomePod
Apple introduced Sound Glow, a new feature for its HomePod mini and second-generation HomePod devices. This update allows the touch surface of the speakers to display colors that correspond to the album artwork of the currently playing song or podcast.
Functionality and Compatibility
Sound Glow generates animated ambient light effects using dominant colors extracted from album artwork. These color patterns move on the illuminated surface. The feature is compatible with HomePod mini and the second-generation HomePod, but not with the original 2018 HomePod. It requires music or podcasts with associated album artwork to function.
Enabling Sound Glow
To activate Sound Glow, users must update their HomePod to software version 27.2. The feature can then be enabled through the Home app by accessing the HomePod's settings and toggling the Sound Glow option. Alternatively, when HomePods are paired with an Apple TV, Sound Glow can be managed from the Apple TV's Control Center, allowing for quick activation or deactivation.
Visual Impact
While the HomePod's display brightness is not high, placing the speaker against a white wall in a dark room can create a visible color cast. The animated color effects are intended to add an ambient visual dimension to the audio experience, particularly in social settings.
Updates
- HomePod 27.2 allows HomePod and HomePod mini 2 to be low-latency wireless speakers for Macs.
- HomePod 27.2 addresses previous latency issues for real-time audio applications.
- HomePod 27.2 enables HomePods as default sound output for Mac.
- HomePod 27.2 adds Lock Controls and Mac speaker output.
- HomePod 27.2 will support Apple TV surround sound soon.
- Sound Glow will be supported on HomePod mini 2 later this week.
- Lock Controls disable touch controls on the HomePod top.
- Sound Glow animates the LED matrix to match music or ambient sounds.
- HomePod mini has 19 RGB LEDs, and HomePod (2nd gen) has 37 RGB LEDs.
- Sound Glow responds to changes in bass and treble.
- Soundscape ambient sounds use bespoke RGB animations.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
Apple's HomePod 27.2 update allows the 2nd-generation HomePod and HomePod mini 2 to function as low-latency wireless speakers for Macs that support Wi-Fi 6E. This update addresses previous latency issues, making HomePods suitable for real-time audio applications like music production and FaceTime calls.
Apple released HomePod 27.2, a software update for HomePod devices, introducing Sound Glow, Lock Controls, and Mac speaker output. This update adds new functionalities for HomePod users, including visual effects, control options, and improved integration with Mac devices.
iOS 27.2 Release Candidate brings new features including Sound Glow for HomePod mini and 2nd-gen HomePod, which animates the LED matrix to match music or ambient sounds. The update also adds profiles to the TV app and new assets for Apple TV's surround-sound Home Theater functionality. These changes provide visual enhancements for HomePod users and organizational improvements for TV app users.
Apple released Sound Glow for HomePod mini and the second-generation HomePod, which illuminates the speaker's touch surface with colors derived from album artwork. This feature provides ambient light effects synchronized with playing music or podcasts, adding a visual element to audio playback.