While the HomePod mini appears to be doing all right, all things considered, Apple is still missing a huge chunk of the smart speaker market. Meanwhile, Google and Amazon have capitalized. But it looks like Apple's not quite ready to go quietly into that good night (yet).
Siri
Ecobee’s smart thermostat becomes the first non-Apple device with Siri voice control
Apple now allows Siri voice commands on third-party devices, with Ecobee's SmartThermostat becoming the first smart home appliance that comes with Siri on board.
A list of removed Siri voice commands: Sending emails, checking call history and more
Some Siri voice commands have stopped working. Apple's digital assistant is no longer able to assist you with sending an email message, checking your call history or recent calls, and more.
HomePod Software version 15: Apple TV control via Siri, HomePod mini pairs, other new features
With iOS 15, HomePod gets several new features like creating a stereo pair from two HomePod minis, controlling media playback on your Apple TV with Siri on your HomePod and much more. Here's everything new, enhanced and improved in HomePod Software version 15.
Apple launched a new app called ‘Siri Speech Study’ to improve the digital assistant
While Siri still has some room to grow, especially in relation to its primary competitors, it's still one of the most-used services under the Apple umbrella. But the company needs to constantly be pushing the needle forward. And, to help with that, it has launched a new app.
Apple reveals new child safety features, including scanning user photo libraries for known abusive material
User privacy and security is a major focal point for Apple. Safety, too. Making sure that a user is able to keep their data safe, for instance, is one of the selling points of iOS in general. So it makes sense that Apple would want to broaden that scope, especially as it relates to protecting children.
Video: Siri goes offline
iOS 15 brings offline Siri, which leverages on-device processing to handle specific types of requests even without an internet connection, and we have a video to show it to you.
A list of offline Siri commands that work without an internet connection on iPhone and iPad
Check out this list of useful offline Siri commands on your iPhone and iPad that work without an internet connection, including messaging, networking, setting timers and much, much more.
How to remotely control your iPhone camera to take pictures or videos
iPhone has an excellent camera system and can take some really good photos and videos. Several users also place the iPhone on a tripod or lean it against a rock to take group shots or shoot jitter-free videos. Of course, you can set a timer and be done with it. However, there are ways to capture photos and videos totally hands-free.
In this post, we will show you how to remotely control the iPhone camera shutter to take photos or videos. We will be making use of the Apple Watch, Siri, Voice Control, Bluetooth remote shutters, and wired EarPods.
How to set a preferred music app on iPhone using Siri
Although there are plenty of music apps available on iOS, Apple never let users choose a preferred music service while requesting playback via Siri. Of course, you could manually play music using your app of choice. However, if you were to ask Siri to play a track, it would only use Apple Music. Thankfully, Apple has changed this since the release of iOS 14.5. You can now set your preferred music app while using Siri.
iOS 15 lets you securely approve personal Siri requests with your Apple Watch
With iOS 15, you can approve personal Siri requests on your iPhone, such as accessing your contacts, by wearing your Apple Watch without having to use Face/Touch ID or your passcode.