The title of this article must be explained so that it is well understood. The new home pod mini from Apple, it is not a portable speaker, as it lacks an internal battery, which would have been very nice. Perhaps it is an option that we will see in the future. But it is more portable than the original HomePod.
Simply because the HomePod that we know, being larger and designed for use in the home, it has a built-in transformer, and its cable ends in a plug to connect it directly to the wall. In contrast, the HomePod mini cable ends in a USB-C connector, which gives it a certain "portability", since it can be powered by your MacBook, or a USB portable battery. Hence the headline.
Although it is not detailed in the technical specifications provided by the company, we can assure that the new Apple HomePod mini has a non-detachable power cable that ends with a connector USB-C to be able to be powered by its 20W power adapter included in the box.
This difference from the original HomePod (which is powered directly from the home wall socket), makes it have some portability, without obviously being a portable speaker since it lacks battery.
This gives it some play, as it can feed off of your MacBook, for example, or a portable external battery with a USB-C connection, which gives you some freedom of maneuver, which is impossible with the original HomePod.
If the original HomePod, as the name suggests, was designed to be in a corner of the living room in your house, this new HomePod mini has a little more freedom of movement. You only need a USB-C device to power it.
Perhaps in time we will see a new version «Street Pod»With built-in battery to be able to go out with it. Would not be bad.