1. Apple's new $99 HomePod mini smart speaker is now available for pre-order, with deliveries starting on November 16th. The HomePod mini is a smaller and more affordable version of Apple's original HomePod, offering features like Siri integration, smart home controls, and multi-room audio capabilities.

2. The HomePod mini is designed to compete with other popular smart speakers like the Amazon Echo Dot and Google Nest Mini. It features a spherical design and includes a full-range driver and dual passive radiators for improved sound quality compared to its competitors.

3. The HomePod mini is part of Apple's broader push into the smart home market, where it aims to integrate its devices and services more seamlessly. The company is also expected to release new smart home accessories, such as a potential HomeKit-enabled router, to further expand its ecosystem and challenge other tech giants in the smart home space.