Apple launches a black HomePod mini

Litter I just launched a version of its HomePod mini smart speaker in a new “midnight” color. The new dark color is very similar to the original space gray that the mini launched in, but the new naming brings it in line with the midnight 2nd generation HomePod that launched early last year. It will go on sale on July 17th in the USA (still for US$99) and in 31 other countries.

The HomePod mini was initially launched in just two colors – space gray and white – but Apple later added yellow, orange and blue. Apple says the new mini’s mesh is made from 100% recycled mesh. So far, the smart speaker has used 90% recycled material.

The price, features, and overall look of the new mini appear to remain the same. It’s still equipped with Siri and can detect temperature and humidity. You can use it as an intercom when you have multiple Siri-enabled speakers, and it can detect when a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is going off and alert you through your iPhone.