# Matter-Compatible Home Speakers Apple Introduces a New and Improved 'HomePod' Speaker By Kanesa D | Published 2023-01-18 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/homepod References: [theverge](https://www.theverge.com/2023/1/18/23553366/apple-homepod-2022-price-release-date-specs-features) & [apple](https://www.apple.com/ca/store?afid=p238%7CsEnMtlDRF-dc_mtid_1870765e38482_pcrid_645422192114_pgrid_39429562932_pntwk_g_pchan__pexid__&cid=aos-ca-kwGO-brand--slid---product)  Apple is debuting the new ‘[HomePod](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sound-recognition)’ smart speaker after the device's original version was discontinued in 2018. The updated ‘HomePod’ features support for Matter, an upgraded S7 chip, and new built-in temperature and humidity sensors. Apple claims the new HomePod will utilize its built-in microphone to listen for smoke or carbon monoxide alarms and inform you through an [iPhone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-airpods-pro) with a software update coming later this spring. Support for [Thread](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eve-energy-outlet-1), an innovative home protocol, was also introduced by the ‘HomePod’ and can manage Matter devices across Thread, Wi-Fi, and ethernet networks by acting as a Matter intelligent home controller and Thread border router. The second-generation ‘HomePod’ will be marketed in 11 more regions and will be offered with a "color-matched" power cable. Image Credit: Apple ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 7% | Activity: 12% | Freshness: 14% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Matter-compatible Home Speakers:** Opportunity to create more home speakers with Matter compatibility and other additional features - **Smart Home Protocols:** Opportunity to develop and improve smart home protocols such as Thread for better connectivity and control across devices - **Home Device Safety Features:** Opportunity to integrate more safety features such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms into home devices ### Sectors Adopting This - **Consumer Electronics:** The consumer electronics industry has an opportunity to create more home speakers and devices with Matter compatibility and additional features - **Smart Home Technology:** The smart home technology industry has an opportunity to develop and improve smart home protocols such as Thread for better connectivity and control across devices - **Home Safety:** The home safety industry has an opportunity to integrate more safety features such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms into home devices ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Chromatically Accented Smart Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-homepod-mini.md) - [Updated Smart Home Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eve-systems.md) - [Smoke Alarm Home Alerts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sound-recognition.md) - [Immersive AI Household Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-home-speaker.md) - [Third-Party Assistant Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/denon-smart-speaker-siri.md) - [Spatial Audio Smart Speakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/era-300.md) - [Centralized Home Technology Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aqara-hub-m3.md) - [Standardized Compatibility Smart Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/switchbot-hub-2.md) - [Atmospheric Smart Home Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nanoleaf.md)