Get the weekly hi-fi digest — new gear, best reads, and deals.

Apple’s next-gen HomePod features a 7-inch touchscreen with visual feedback for Siri and integrated FaceTime support.
Powered by the A18 chip and debuting "homeOS," it emphasizes privacy-centric intelligence and advanced smart home functionality.
Flexible design includes wall-mount or tabletop options and portability due to an integrated battery.
In an exciting development for smart home enthusiasts, Apple is reportedly in the final stages of preparing a next-generation HomePod with a built-in display. This evolution of the HomePod product line introduces a 7-inch touchscreen, integrated battery, and next-level support for Apple Intelligence, marking Apple’s foray into the competitive smart display market. Initially slated for release earlier, the launch has been delayed to integrate advanced AI-driven functionalities seamlessly.
At the heart of the upcoming HomePod is a 6- to 7-inch panel, expected to have a square, iPad-like form factor. This touchscreen will not only serve as a gateway for interactive controls but will also enable visual feedback for Siri commands. Think detailed weather displays, album art during music playback, or live security camera feeds. A built-in camera will also unlock FaceTime calls directly from the device, offering a complete blend of communication and utility for the connected home ecosystem.
Powered by Apple’s cutting-edge A18 chip, the device will excel at on-device intelligence, ensuring fast and privacy-centric processing. A new operating system, dubbed "homeOS," is expected to debut with this HomePod variant. The OS appears to be tailored for smart home functions, offering robust support for widgets, multi-device interactivity, and advanced natural language processing to enhance Siri’s responsiveness. From controlling a plethora of HomeKit-enabled devices to providing proactive suggestions based on user behavior, this HomePod aims to be a central command hub.
Design-wise, the unit seems to prioritize flexibility. Early reports suggest it will have options to be wall-mounted or paired with a tabletop speaker base, making it adaptable for various settings—whether as a living room centerpiece or a discreet kitchen assistant. With its integrated battery, it could also potentially double as a portable smart device, allowing users to move it between rooms easily without requiring constant recharging.
The combination of tactile display, deep integration with Apple Intelligence, and fit-for-purpose hardware could make this HomePod a strong contender against established smart displays like the Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub Max. If all internal testing progresses smoothly, the HomePod with a display could arrive as early as 2025, introducing a new level of intelligence and interactivity into Apple’s smart home vision.
New gear, best reads, and deals — every Friday.

* Audio Research I/55 is a compact tube integrated amplifier derived from I/70, succeeding I/50, targeting high-end listeners seeking classic tube sound with m…

* ToxFreeLife tested 81 headphone models from brands including Sony, Apple, JBL, Bose, Samsung, and Temu across European retail and online marketplaces.

* Xiaomi Japan launched the REDMI Buds 8 Pro on February 24, priced around ¥9,980, with an early-bird discount of ¥8,980 until March 9.

* Lockwood Loudspeakers unveiled the Universal (XP5), a new floorstanding model described as a “modern classic,” blending compact proportions with uncompromisi…