The Return of the Apple HomePod, Now with UWB, Matter, Bluetooth 5 and... Spatial Audio

Following a surprise announcement of new M2 silicon for its MacBook Pro and Mac mini models, Apple surprised us even more with the announcement of the return of the infamous HomePod. Now packed full of innovations, more sensors, improved Siri features like the HomePod mini, and Matter-compatible smart home capabilities, the new HomePod returns with the same form factor, but now with updated Bluetooth 5 technology, UWB, Airplay 2, and the same smart, adaptive listening experience.

Italian loudspeaker company Sonus faber continues its celebrated partnership with Italian luxury vehicle manufacturer Maserati, and recently showcased the brand new audio system integration implemented within the new Spyder MC20 Cielo. The audio system technology has been specifically optimized from the MC20 Coupé vehicle to fit the unique acoustic and positioning needs of the RHT cabin, adjusting the sound based on the car’s roof positioning to ensure the rider experiences the highest quality sound in any condition.

Google held the company's traditional hardware announcements event. Apart from a new mandatory phone, the star of the event was the new Nest Audio smart speaker, bigger and more powerful than the Google Home that it replaces. Rumored for months, the new smart speaker reflects the hard work by a dedicated engineering team, resulting in a better overall speaker design, but also improved multi-room streaming features. Inside, there's more intelligence to support voice commands locally, and there's even a microphone "privacy" mute switch, when required.

Amazon.com introduced its all-new line-up of Echo devices, featuring completely new designs, enhanced audio, more powerful hardware, and experiences that make Alexa voice assistant more engaging, and helpful. Most of the new Amazon products will be available at the end of October 2020, and that includes an all-new Echo (4th Gen), now with better sound and integrated smart home hub; the new Echo Dot and Echo Dot Kids Edition featuring the new spherical designs and improved audio, and Echo Show 10, the smart speaker with screen.

Ultimate Ears expanded its lineup of portable Bluetooth speakers with Ultimate Ears HyperBoom, the brand’s loudest speaker yet, rocking triple the loudness and more than six times the bass of MegaBoom 3, the previous largest size portable speaker from the Logitech brand. The new HyperBoom speaker promises to keep any party going with its powerful bass and wide dynamic range, easy music sharing feature, adaptive equalizer and rechargeable 24-hour battery.

Steinway Lyngdorf announced the Model P200 surround sound processor. The Model P200 is equipped with RoomPerfect adaptive acoustics and fully digital signal processing with support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Auro-3D. It also has advanced HDMI switching, supports 4K and 3D video and HDCP 2.2 and even offers optional DCI-compliant cinema server inputs.