Many wireless speakers promise stereo sound, even with just one speaker. Regardless of whether they are wireless speakers or Bluetooth speakers - the solo speakers contain speakers for the left and right channels. But with just one speaker, the stereo base remains narrow: the distance between the left and right speakers within a speaker is simply too small...

All in all, the HomePod mini offers a lot of possibilities. From phone calls that can be made, music and smarthome control to an alarm clock. Siri is still not on the level of Alexa and Google, but Apple asserts that data protection is in focus. The sound is certainly sufficient for most users in the bedroom or bathroom, even if there is a "decent" stereo system in the living room...

... So Alexa can do the most - but only if it is taught. Google and Siri are better suited to users who want to chatter away more freely and don't want to deal with every conceivable everyday situation by voice command. ...

The HomePod mini is not the ultimate cheap speaker - but that would be the last thing you would expect from Apple. Instead, it offers many outstanding features at a price that most people can afford. Even if you buy two of them. Or three or four. It is a pity that Apple is withholding TuneIn from us - also because the reasons are not valid.

Those who already rely entirely on Siri, iPhone, iPad and Apple's music streaming service can expand their Apple system with the HomePod mini, a small smart speaker that doesn't sound bad for its size. Those who want to rely on the superior capabilities of Alexa, on the other hand, will find the fourth-generation Echo Dot to be a comparatively inexpensive and much more versatile entry-level device,...

With the HomePod mini, Apple delivers a solid Amazon Echo competitor - but there is still some catching up to do when it comes to the voice assistant.