HomePod Mini: Sounds Impressive...If You're Listening.

Apple HomePod Mini is, like HomePod, a pretty incredible achievement in sound and technology. Will it struggle to be more than a "smart speaker", competing with Amazon Echo and Alexa devices or Google Home products - or will it find the right audience for what it is and can be? I'm the ideal HomePod Mini consumer, so I'll share my experiences and opinions on what HomePod Mini really is and who it's really for - and sketch out some marketing ideas that could make the message of HomePod Mini more compelling.
I help discerning brands and businesses create a results-driven modern marketing engine with premium experiences. See what else I can help you with at notreallyrocke...
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I reference this article from MacRumors: www.macrumors....
Get more marketing insights at this playlist: • Marketing Insights
Explore more opinions and points of view on Apple, its products and its marketing at this playlist: • Apple
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Twitter: / chrisbintliff
Facebook: / notreallyrocketscience
LinkedIn: / chrisbintliff
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Credits

[@quaymcquitter8386]

Apple 🍏 please give this man a job , he’s selling your devices better than you guys are 💯💯💯

[@geekmeee]

I Agree with you, sort of.... Apple has been too busy with migrating to a new chip architecture. They have built this $99 product for others, like this guy, to discover. This guy is great... But I think Apple has their priorities straight.

[@mitohanabi1365]

10000% agree

[@HaneezHaroon]

Well. This is where Apple has ended up in when they bought a headphone company instead of THE car company back in the day when they had the chance. Anyway cool ideas man! You should make some of those and tag them "made on iPhone". They might get featured :-)

[@machfront]

I’m impressed. I was sold on the Mini, but more so now. I’m also instantly sold on your channel. Subscribed. Thank you!

[@NotReallyRocketScience]

Thanks!

[@BarcelonasHotCrowd]

As an Apple boy and a marketer, i'm absolutely loving this vlog series! You've really got me interested in the HomePod now especially as I really like the idea of having two HomePod's in my living room connected to my Apple TV (which I use for everything over the last eight years) and using the new spacial audio / Dolby Atmos feature! Thank you for a really excellent vlog series! Paul

[@ervin9805]

your way of breaking down the marketing behind these products, especially apple's is incredibly incredibly interesting and is way more advanced than any of the big channels. Keep doing what you're doing

[@NotReallyRocketScience]

I will, thank you!

[@harrisonshaw5595]

I don't say this lightly, this is the best review I have ever watched on KZbin hands down respect to this man new sub!

[@chrishall8523]

I was on the fence about getting a homepod mini, but you convinced me when you said " there's a lot of dumber ways to spend a $100 bucks"

[@Jorge..Waio.]

Lmao LITERALLLLLYYYY AHAHAHAHA

[@callumsinclair2562]

HomePod/mini doesn’t save any of the data, google and Amazon do so that’s why I’m choosing the HomePod mini over any other smart speakers

[@dwayneshaffer1914]

Awesome review and one of the best reviews I've seen. Keep up the great work!

[@NotReallyRocketScience]

Thanks!

[@patrickdawson3960]

This is my first time watching one of your vids, but I have to tell you you're incredibly thorough. Great work and thanks for making it!

[@bill3117]

Forgot to mention in my previous posting...this is a very thoughtful and though provoking video. The marketing or lack thereof, is spot on!!!

[@NotReallyRocketScience]

I'm really loving HomePod Mini - but I'm an ideal customer. Are you? What questions do you have about HomePod Mini, or anything else you're seeing in this video? Thanks as always for watching and commenting.

[@Vicki_Benji]

I love mine too!!

[@Pathfinder808]

Sound is quality considering the size, ideal for a small room, or where bass doesn’t matter and there is nothing I can do on Siri assistant where I have to goto my Google nest.

[@Vicki_Benji]

@@Pathfinder808 agreed. We will be getting a 2nd one so we can make a stereo pair, when they come back in stock.

[@thomasdovi851]

Still waiting for mine...

[@Watthexe0815]

This year I’ll splurge on my birthday and Christmas on one big HomePod and two minis. Celebrating a pay rise and life in general 😁

[@smallday]

Love the ad concept pitches! What a great way to bring what you do to a tech review.

[@jeffvandeford9197]

I have to say I am glad I came across your channel your are a breathe of fresh air. Thank you for your perspective.

[@moviezz49]

The quality and the content of your videos is so great. Keep it up

[@NotReallyRocketScience]

Thanks!

[@Sifuj824]

“Just sketches, just ideas” you sir are brilliant. Definitely subscribing.

[@6806goats1]

Bravo, was on the fence to add 2 Mini's, you gave me info to hit order.

[@thedude3160]

Dude, just found you. Excellent review and new sub! Keep up the good work. 👍🏻

[@rbd816able]

Same.

[@dloidean5940]

Ok, I’m going to order one now. Thanks for getting me off the fence!

[@JamesThompson-oz8kh]

Incredibly well put together video. It answered my question as to whether to get a Mini or not and gave me an in depth look at a product I only understood at a surface level. Thank you! 👍

[@RussDnB]

HomePod original has worked out great for me. I love my audio, and I love audio quality. I bought into HomePod for that. Love them. Love them all. Also, this is one of the best HomePod videos I've seen in a long time! Kudos sir.

[@derekmeyers1513]

I'm calling it now. 100K subs by this time next year.

[@gliderman9302]

Unfortunately he’s at 10k now

[@gliderman9302]

Algorithm doesn’t like one upload a week

[@picnicphoto]

Have had 2 Homepods since beginning-primarily for music but I do use for other things-and I do really like them. I have ordered a mini for bedroom primarily for either radio and/or music with sleep timer.

[@peterschnelle40]

I really, really love all the content you put out. As an armchair marketer myself - your content really gets my brain going in all the right ways

[@paule.3303]

Really solid video, the marketing breakdowns were great, you got a new sub

[@TheCyab]

THE COMMERCIAL IDEAS ARE PERFECT!!

[@doorandlocktips]

I built full sail recording studios in Orlando Florida in 19-87,88 and 89 with John Phelps and John Storyk. You are great thank you for all your help in understanding these little tiny speakers, great great comments keep up the good work don’t get discouraged I have an iPhone, that makes all my KZbin videos possible so I love apple and I can tell you do too so keep up the good work your friend, M 23:04 ike Walker

[@syafiqdesign97]

This channel is so underrated! Definitely deserved much much more subscribers!

[@TheDjexcessive]

Great analysis! I recently got the HomePod. I was blown by the quality of the sound this speaker can produce. I was a long-time Apple Music subscriber, listening through my wired headphones. Since the lockdowns still going on ( I'm in Europe, Ireland ) I've been listening to my music daily on this speaker, and without even realizing I found myself dancing in the room while doing random stuff either in the living room or kitchen. I can't believe how easily I've been absorbed by this product, which, frankly, I am enjoying it! Did I become the impersonal shape Apple was using in their iPod commercials ?! I don't know...maybe, but in these difficult times, it helped me cope with it...

[@alexlawley2059]

I have to say, after barely paying attention to 3 HomePod Mini videos before this, I got absolutely sucked into this video. Instant subscribe

[@NotReallyRocketScience]

Thanks!

[@hankmccardy3761]

Hey Siri, give this man a round of applause. Really informative and above all, thoughtful. Thank you.

[@Taffyappleify]

Wow, just came across your channel for the first time and this just blew me away. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to you, really compelling to watch. Take care.

[@gollabalaji]

LOVE everything you said!!! never thought this way!!! Thank you so much!

[@NotReallyRocketScience]

Thank you!

[@guyaarchbold5005]

You my friend are exactly who I have been looking for. You understand the spread between pop value and distinguished values, words I just made up but make sense to me. I love your style with marketing and tech across the board. Your growth shall be spectacular in my view...

[@guyaarchbold5005]

Just saw my comment from 6 months ago. Hope you are ok and just busy with other projects as it appears you have been fairly inactive in the past 6 months. Hope all is well, as you continue to be the best resource out there my friend.

[@ksoman953]

As a *Denon + Definitive tech bipolar speakers* fan boy, I may not be a premier set of ears, but I got decent chops to back up my sense of sound (I still won't call myself an Audiophile). I am a day 1 adopter of both the HomePod and HomePod mini and I like this video. The sum of parts for me on both HomePod models, especially in stereo and now in whole house mode is fantastic. Considering everything you get in the box, the HomePod mini is a great deal at $99 and would be an absolute steal on those days when Amazon or somebody else drops the price (in future?).

[@Lil_Mikey01]

I love my OG HomePods, with the latest (HomePodOS) as I call it, the addition of Dolby Atmos makes them sound better than ever when watching a movie.

[@josemiguel994]

Great vídeo, i never really gave HomePod Mini any thoughts, but you managed to make me want to buy one.

[@Cruzan828]

Amazing....your video makes me feel better about my purchase. I can’t wait to receive mine.

[@zebratroopfan6695]

Instant subscriber. Great video. I’m definitely interested in a in depth HomeKit series.

[@sniperrrish]

Yes very interested in your smart home setup :)

[@davidputt4638]

I would love to hear more about your smart home! Details!

[@NotReallyRocketScience]

I'll have more to share in the future!

[@eyezearz_org]

Excellent not just the review but overall sound and presentation.

[@zachrosa01]

I have not seen such a great KZbin video reviewing any product in a long time! He covered all aspects of this Apple product and and so much more, providing insight into more than you knew you wanted to know!👌🏼

[@NotReallyRocketScience]

Thank you!

[@canalavg1970]

I love your voice........I could stay here for hours!

[@franzen_scott]

We also have to remember that the real cost of other competitors like Google and Alexa is not only the speakers low cost, but the information that they collect on us. Apple is heavily focused on privacy and if I was to gas collects less data so the increased price could be justified even at the $99 price point.

[@gilmarriner3011]

I bought the original Homepod a couple of months ago an am fairly pleased with them. Although they don‘t compare to my Infinity Kappa-9‘s, and I wouldn’t expect that, I find that what is really missing from the Homepod experience is the stereo separation. If I were to buy the Mini I would definitely spring for a pair. Like you said, there’s worse ways to spend 100 bucks.

[@krystian4725]

First time on this channel, very impressed with production and professionalism. 10/10 mate, it is ''different'' than other reviewers

[@lit3work]

First time viewer and now new subscriber. Great video. I think you nailed it. I love HomePod, I bought two minis and they are ridiculously good (especially in a pair). My wife, who is used to the frictionless Sonos experience, is not so sure. She loves the sound. She won’t speak to devices period. She also doesn’t understand why in the UK the BBC radio service and our Apple Music and our mad drive music are all different services with different apps. I’m the sweet spot user. I tinker. I am appled up. She isn’t and it sucks that I have to act as product educator for apple when those days should be gone.

[@kathrynkeyvani2970]

They're listening, believe me. Thanks, Chris! Nice setup you have there. Nice comprehensive and honest review. I think the mini will act as a bridge. I'm in the latter part of the consumer category. All I'm doing is listening to "Forest" -- for now. :)

[@vanman1108]

May I know the name of the white bookshelf speaker appears in your video in 6:14 ? It looks really nice! :) Thank you.

[@marcosmit97]

Honestly, this was a really comprehensive and honest review of a product that I think Apple doesn't even market half as well as you just did. Good job and keep at it. You just got a new subscriber.

[@rhadiem]

In before 10k. Nice video. Excellent production values.

[@redpepper75]

Wow that was my first time watching, I've totally subscribed, this was awesome

[@iam_anderdingus]

Extremely thought provoking and well reasoned discussion. Just ordered a pair of minis - initially just to Air Play music to. Had iPhones and iPads for years but always had Siri turned off - maybe this will change now? Would like to use Smart Home things but am put off by the raft of differing standards and the seemingly limited HomeKit compatible ones.

[@damienlobb85]

Is it still primarily only an Apple services speaker?

[@StefanCzech]

Thank, some very nice ideas.

[@charles8it]

Nice job on the commercial outline. I actually got chills. Well done. I hope Apple use your idea!!

[@Houseboundcph]

I love my HomePod and didn't mind the price for the art of a good speaker

[@roberthjalmarsen2931]

I just wanted a small, esthetically pleasing speaker that was powered by an outlet for background music in my office. Most in that size range (all that I have seen) are battery powered. I am not going to use the smart functions at all, except maybe the beaming once in a blue moon. I might get a second one and pair for stereo at one point though.

[@Rocodil]

I thought to add two minis next to my two regular ones to be able to tweak the sound. There probably less bass, which sometimes can be too much. Mixing it with two extra minis en balance the volume between the minis and regular. Would thar work? I know that I cannot even make the volume different from the other when paired in stereo. This is my biggest issue with HomePod.

[@TheRealVolk]

I didn’t buy a HomePod because it wasn’t portable and didn’t work over Bluetooth. Over the years, I warmed up to it, but was still put off by Apple’s lack of updates. I’m likely to buy a Mini, but if they ever release an updated version of the HomePod, I’ll buy two upon release.

[@iamrishio]

I use my iPhone hotspot for Wifi but don’t have wifi in my home. It’s not clear on the internet but does this mean Homepod Mini won’t work even though it had bluetooth? Confusing. Apple does not state this anywhere on the website as far as I can tell.

[@xjr1618x]

I ordered two homepod minis just a couple of days ago. I was getting buyers remorse and found your channel. I feel better now about my purchase. I’m planning on using them with my newly purchased Mac mini M1. I wonder if they would work with it?

[@shamitoson]

How did it work out? I tried one with an M1 over airplay. You tube was fine but lots of latency for other applications such as VLC.

[@xjr1618x]

@@shamitoson works well for a while and then the latency starts.

[@ultrapowermae]

I got a couple of homepods because I wanted some good speakers. And I care a lot about privacy. I’m not down with Sonos and their Alexa/google integration. And then came all the smart home things. I really enjoy your perspectives.

[@NotReallyRocketScience]

Seems like we think alike. Thanks!

[@kokopellie]

Well done, informative, interesting. You have a new subscriber. Thanks

[@NotReallyRocketScience]

Welcome!

[@MaxNeal-tl9bd]

Great work my friend. Mitch

[@xnsound]

That was a really good intro

[@jorgeveiga4592]

Most accurate review I've seen. Thanks.

[@AronC139]

Really great video dude. Incredibly thorough

[@jullyangreen7106]

Where can I get the space man

[@ashleynixon8305]

If apple was still selling the original HomePod I would buy it. I’m currently have a HomePod mini shipping to my house. I’m watching these videos to know what to expect.

[@frankdangelo9848]

So, I just bought a new silicon Mac mini, but not impressed with the sound from it. I was thinking of getting this HomePod mini, but you stated that it did not work well as a better speaker for the Mac mini....I might still buy one of these for ALL the other reasons, but what should I buy just to have a better speaker for this mini? Thank you in advance for any help...!

[@Duraltia]

Say... That Intercom Feature _only_ works on the same WiFi / Network? Would be sweet if I could send one to my Mom ( living in a different Country ) with the two of us being able to converse without her needing to have her iPhone at hand ( in case she tripped in the house )

[@coderedtonio]

i got a simple question can i use homepod mini as a bluetooth speaker to pair to my Ipad and iphone and watch you tube videos, netflix, sports and gaming ?

[@NotReallyRocketScience]

Not as a bluetooth speaker, no. Provided you're on a wifi network you can Airplay from your devices to HomePod.

[@coderedtonio]

@@NotReallyRocketScience okay cool thanks

[@taylorcool9965]

I loved the commercial ideas! Subscribed!

[@SGALAXYENTERTAINMENTArlington]

You mentioned something about going into detail regarding the way you use Siri and/or Apple Automation - I can't recall if you were going to make a video with this in mind - or if you already have made it, and we should check it out.. Either way - I would really enjoy the topic coming from you. Cheers!

[@NotReallyRocketScience]

I haven't made that video yet but I will. Stay tuned. Thanks!

[@maxroman2010]

I was watching this just because your videos are amazing, and your e plantations are great. But throughout the video I thought that I’d like to have the iPod mini. And when you said “if you are watching this video and wondering whether you should get a HomePod mini, you probably should” 😄

[@robertodaterra1692]

Can a Home Pod or Mini be used in place of a soundbar for a TV?

[@MarkMphonoman]

Everything you said makes sense. Apple blew it with the Homepod. I have one and love it. However, I tried to pair two and it was hell. Constantly disconnected from each other. Just reached the end of your video. Fantastic job. I am going to buy one this week. 👍

[@MarkMphonoman]

I had the same problem as you. Ended up bringing one back to Best Buy. Today, I still have one and its is paired to a Homepod mini.

[@picnicphoto]

First time watching and liked-a lot-subscribed. Really interesting, informative and entertaining. Obviously the Mini and Homepods are for me since I’m deep in the Apple ecosystem-in fact moved to Apple a number of years ago after many years as a Windows user because of the interconnectedness of devices.

[@2004cyrus]

You made a great decision! Did you order a home pod mini?

[@picnicphoto]

I do have a Mini on order due 12/3-10. Have had 2 Homepods since they came out-in stereo (see below).

[@2004cyrus]

@@picnicphoto that is exciting I think you will love it!! I plan to order one soon. I think Apple will raise the price with the popularity being so strong so now it the time to save $20-$30 which is nice! I have the original HomePod and I use it daily. I love it. I’m excited that Apple makes one that is smaller and priced @ $99. Keep us posted on how you like it!

[@NotReallyRocketScience]

Thanks! Keep me posted how you like your Mini.

[@matthewbrew777]

Can anyone tell me how the sound quality compares to a first gen Echo? Thinking of getting the mini to replace it :)

[@curtispazarjr4985]

Great review!!!!!

[@clivewuest8529]

Once again another really inciteful and brilliantly presented vlog Chris. I am really enjoying your posts. So, so interesting. Apple should employ you. Jonny Ive 2 :)

[@sandro3293]

Thanks,you have to work for Apple, now i buying a HomePod mini.

[@myHomeKithome]

I sort of see the original HomePod and the Miji as two completely different products. The original is an audio product with some smart assistant wizardry. The Mini is a smart home product that sounds really decent.

[@2004cyrus]

That’s an interesting way to see it but they both do the same things but the larger one has better sound

[@mdk36]

Another great video Chris. Thanks for sharing and suggesting a marketing scenario. I love that ❤️

[@IliaO]

Not even kidding that ad could have been amazing.

[@ronaldswart463]

thanks this is an excellent very good informative video thanks.

[@aw7425]

Brilliant perspective

[@greekdroner]

You should be an Apple special seller!!! You say thing so simple that I would prefer you announcing an Apple's keynote!!!

[@Mako2x3]

Wow. Superb video, you have a new sub!

[@joeporrazzo1344]

Fellow marketer in product development, keep up the great work! I love the perspective of these videos.

[@quillajohnson9256]

Would it be great for weddings

[@GerwitzBrothers]

It sounds like they added the AC adapter to save circuit space inside the device, that way there is DC coming into the HomePod and not AC, which would need to be converted.

[@danniblade9423]

That’s a beautiful office...I want it.

[@DisembodiedScreams]

Another thing that would help would be opening up the smart home field Apple plays in. Homekit is nice, but way too limited when Amazon and Google are doing what they do. With that said, I do plan to get one of these and let Amazon and Google handle most of my smart home.

[@lowbar77]

Very well done, thanks for doing this.

[@pug_63]

Just ordered our second Mini for Grandma’s/Mum’s room. She’s going to be reliant on “Hey Siri”, so hoping she can get the hang of it. Wish us luck!

[@mrwplay1]

I have 3 HomePod minis. Great device but was totally shocked when space grey homepods were delivered with white plug adaptors. Seriously? Space grey cables with a white plug? Steve jobs and Jonny I’ve would have never allowed it such a drop in standards and attention to detail.

[@jay5soul]

Someone tag Apple. Those were some good ad ideas. I just picked one up yesterday and now I want another one

[@NarendraMnr]

Damn..your perspective.. Good job mate. :) keep it up

[@zapeterson90]

Really enjoyed this, and subscribed! Your commercial ideas felt more genuinely Apple than any marketing I’ve seen for the HomePod yet. And I’m unashamed of my deep love for Apple marketing. I hope someone at Apple shows Joz :) either way, looking forward to checking out more of the channel.

[@NotReallyRocketScience]

Thanks and welcome!

[@sudhirnarisetty3581]

Great video, very unique perspective. Thanks!