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Apple HomePods in Malaysia: What you need to know

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By Timothy Teoh April 30, 2024

Apple will finally bring its HomePod series here in Malaysia, marking the debut of the tech giant’s smart speakers on our shores. The two models slated for launch is the HomePod (2nd gen) and HomePod mini, both of which will be available starting 10th May 2024.

The official price has also been released, with the HomePod (2nd gen) priced at RM1,549 and the HomePod mini at RM529.

If you are a new subscriber, Apple will bundle six months of Apple Music for free with the purchase of any HomePod or HomePod mini.

Of the two, the HomePod (2nd Gen) is the newer model, having had its initial release in the U.S. market in February 2023. The HomePod mini, on the other hand, was launched way back in 2020.

If you’re new to the HomePod scene, this is Apple’s take on smart speakers. It’s another cog in the expansive Apple ecosystem, allowing the speakers to interact seamlessly with other Apple devices, such as your iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, to name a few.

Central to this is Apple Siri, which comes installed in the HomePod (2nd Gen) and HomePod mini. With Apple’s virtual assistant, users are able to control the speakers via voice command, thus allowing users to search for music by artist, song, lyrics, decade, genre, mood, or activity.

The HomePod line up is compatible with Apple Music, giving access to a catalogue of over 100 million songs.

Among other features of the HomePod series is the ability to create smart home automations hands-free. Users are able to set recurring daily automations, and even set into motion other compatible smart home appliances at the same time with a set word or phrase.

There’s also the Intercom function, which blasts announcements across other HomePods around the house.

The HomePod models can be used either as a single unit, or create a stereo pair with another HomePod in the same space. Do note that to activate stereo pair, it has to be with a HomePod of the same model (eg. two HomePods (2nd gen) or two HomePod minis).

You can also pair the HomePods with the Apple TV 4K for a home theatre experience, and even control the Apple TV with the speakers via voice command.

If you’re wondering what’s different between the HomePod (2nd Gen) and HomePod mini, aside from the drastic difference in size, the HomePod (2nd Gen) in powered by the Apple S7 chip. It comes with room sensing technology which detects if the speaker is free-standing or placed against a wall in order to adapt sounds. Additionally, it’s built with a high-excursion woofer, a built-in bass-EQ mic, and a beamforming array of five tweeters for a powerful acoustic experience. Plus, it has support for immersive Spatial Audio tracks.

The Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) is available in White, and Midnight.

As for the HomePod mini, this is a much smaller and portable model. It’s powered by the Apple S5 chip, which is able to apply complex tuning models to optimize volume and dynamic range. The speakers are fitted with a total of four microphones – one of which is inward-facing in order to isolate sound coming from the speakers – to improve voice detection. The HomePod mini misses out on room sensing technology and does not support Spatial Audio.

The HomePod mini is available in a variety of colours, including Orange, Yellow, Blue, Space Grey, and White.

Apple Malaysia has already listed the HomePod (2nd gen) and HomePod mini on its website, for more information, check out the official product pages.

Apple HomePod Compatibility Info

HomePod (2nd generation) is compatible with iPhone SE (2nd generation) and later, or iPhone 8 and later; or iPad Pro, iPad (5th generation) and later, iPad Air (3rd generation) and later, or iPad mini (5th generation) and later. The latest version of iOS and iPadOS is recommended.

HomePod mini is compatible with iPhone SE, iPhone 6s or later, or iPod touch (7th generation); or iPad Pro, iPad (5th generation or later), iPad Air 2 or later, or iPad mini 4 or later. The latest version of iOS and iPadOS is recommended.

Read more of our articles below!

Nothing Ear (a) vs Nothing Ear (2): Is the Ear (2) still worth it?

By Timothy Teoh April 29, 2024

The Nothing brand has stripped back the numbers on its latest audio wearables, opting instead to name the new releases the Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (a).

To avoid confusion from the get-go, the Nothing Ear is the direct successor to the Ear (2), while the Ear (a) is a mellowed version of the Ear, yet still priced cheaper than the Ear (2).

We’ve done a direct comparison between the Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (2). Now, let’s see how the Ear (a) fares against the Ear (2), and determine if the latter still justifies its RM599 price tag, or if you’re better off with the newer, more affordable model.

	Nothing Ear (a)	Nothing Ear (2)
Driver	11mm Dynamic	11.6mm Dynamic
Codec	AAC, SBC, LDAC	AAC, SBC, LHDC
Noise Cancellation	Up to 45dB; 5,000Hz frequency range	Up to 40dB; 5,000Hz frequency range
Clear Voice Technology	Yes	Yes
Mics	3 mics per bud	3 mics per bud
Battery Capacity	500mAh (case); 46mAh (buds)	485mAh (case); 33mAh (buds)
Battery Lifespan (Max)	42.5 hours with case; 9.5 hours buds only	36 hours with case; 6.3 hours buds only
Wired Charging	10 mins for 10 hours (ANC off)	10 mins for 8 hours (ANC off)
Wireless Charging	N/A	2.5W
Bluetooth Version	5.3	5.3
Resistance	IP54 (buds); IPX2 (case)	IP54 (buds); IP55 (case)
Nothing X support	Yes	Yes
Price	RM479	RM599

*(From left) Nothing Ear (a) and (right) Nothing Ear (2)*

Unlike the Nothing Ear, which maintained the overall look of the Ear (2), the Ear (a) undergoes a bit of a redesign. It still sports that semi-transparent casing, but in a rectangular form factor. Also, they’ve added a bright yellow option for the Ear (a), moving away from the conventional Black and White offerings.

In terms of features, both earbuds have their own advantages, and it’s a matter of which feature you’re willing to trade off.

The Ear (a) boasts the higher 45dB noise cancellation that’s found even on the latest Ear model. The Ear (2) is slightly behind with only 40dB noise cancellation.

If long-lasting earbuds are what you’re after, then you’ll appreciate the Ear (a) more. Batteries are significantly better on the Ear (a) thanks to the 500mAh battery in the case and 46mAh battery in each earbud.

The Nothing spec sheet says it itself; the Ear (a) buds offer up to 9.5 hours of listening time and a total of 42.5 hours including the case. In comparison, the Ear (2) provides 36 total hours and 6.3 hours of listening time per bud.

Nevertheless, the Ear (2) has the advantage of wireless charging, while the Ear (a) loses out on this feature. Wired charging, on the other hand, is evenly matched.

Despite that, audiophiles particular with sound quality may find more joy with the Ear (2), since it does have the larger 11.6mm dynamic driver.

Either pair of earbuds is compatible with the Nothing X App, but the Ear (2) grants access to deeper personalization options, including Advanced Equalizer settings and Personal Sound Profile. Other features, such as Dual Connection, Custom Controls, and Noise Cancellation modes are still present on whichever model you choose.

*Nothing Ear (2) with the Nothing X App*

Lastly, clumsy individuals will no doubt feel more secure with the Ear (2), since its casing is IP55 rated for dust and water resistance, compared to the Ear (a) casing which is only IPX2 rated. The buds on both models are evenly matched with an IP54 rating.

Read more of our articles below

Nothing Ear vs Nothing Ear (2): What’s different?

6 best MacBook Air alternatives to consider before biting the Apple (2024)

Apple HomePods in Malaysia: What you need to know

Nothing Ear (a) vs Nothing Ear (2): Is the Ear (2) still worth it?

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