The upcoming hardware event from Apple will focus heavily on its new smart home hub, but two familiar devices are also getting hardware refreshes. Fresh reports indicate the Apple TV 4K might receive some very practical hardware changes, while the next HomePod mini will see a much more standard set of updates. Both devices should hit store shelves before the end of the month following the October 13 event.
Apple tests built-in microphones and a locatable speaker remote
The next streaming box from the company will reportedly include an A19 chip to handle processing tasks, according to a report by Mark Gurman for Bloomberg. But the more noticeable change could happen on the outside of the hardware. The company has tested putting microphones directly inside the set-top box itself.
This means you could speak commands out loud in your living room without picking up a controller or connecting a separate smart speaker. Along with this change, the company is testing a new Siri Remote that includes a built-in speaker. If you lose the controller in your couch cushions, the speaker will play a sound so you can track it down much faster.
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The smart speaker gets basic color options and faster performance
While the streaming box gets new voice hardware, the upcoming HomePod mini will look very familiar to current owners. The small speaker will receive an S10 chip to make it run a bit faster than the previous model.
It will also launch in a fresh batch of colors, though the overall shape remains identical to what is currently on store shelves. You will not find any major redesigns here.
Both the updated streaming box and the refreshed smart speaker are expected to be available for purchase on October 30. This puts them in the hands of buyers a few weeks before the company releases its brand new home hub, creating a clear path for anyone looking to upgrade their living room setup before the holidays.
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