ENTERTAINMENT

HomePod mini becomes portable: this is how it works with the battery base

22/07/2024

The HomePod mini is actually intended for stationary use. However, the smart speaker with Siri function, which was first released in 2020, works energy-saving via USB-C – and therefore buyers had the idea to operate the speaker on a mobile base by plugging it into a power bank. This is still possible – of course also with the new color “Midnight”, which was recently released. However, the mini is expected to have power delivery with 20 watts – this power supply is also included with the device. But it could be even better: a whole range of battery bases is now available in stores that are specifically designed for the HomePod mini.

Mission Battery Base

These first appeared on the market shortly after the launch of the HomePod mini, for example the so-called Battery Base from Mission. However, it is currently difficult to get in Germany. If you can find it, it costs around 45 euros and promises nine hours of runtime without cables.

It includes a rewinder for the HomePod mini’s 1.8 meter long USB-C cable. One port is for connection, the other for charging. The HomePod is held using a clamp. It has 14.4 watt hours at 2000 mAh, the output is a maximum of 30 watts.

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PlusAcc with More Juice

It’s newer and somewhat more modern (and, above all, more currently available). PlusACC HomePod Mini Battery Base. It costs around 54 euros and is available in white and black. The manufacturer also offers products for competing systems such as Amazon Alexa. The PlusAcc comes with a 10,000 mAh battery. This should yield ten hours of play time at 50 percent maximum volume, half that at 100 percent (which one can hardly use). The battery pack shows the charging status with four LEDs.

There is also a roll-up option for the cable and a USB-C charging port. At maximum speed, the 10,000 mAh can be filled in four hours. Instead of a clip, the HomePod mini is held in place with a removable and reusable adhesive tape. The manufacturer does not provide any information about the weight. The HomePod mini alone weighs 345 grams.

(B.Sc.)