Not too long ago, Apple released iOS 14.6 to the wild. At the same time, Apple also updated the HomePod to version 14.6 of its software as well. And since then, Apple has started seeding version 15 of both platforms, looking forward to the next major update for both.
Earlier this month, Apple confirmed that availability of its smallest smart speaker, the HomePod mini, was expanding to a few different regions. That started with launches in Austria and Ireland. The wait for a launch in New Zealand is now over, too.
Availability of Apple's HomePod speaker has increased with new launches in Austria and Ireland, with the Siri-powered smart speaker scheduled to arrive in New Zealand later in June.
Earlier today, Apple made some rumors turn true when it officially announced a pair of new features coming to Apple Music: Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos and lossless audio. But there appear to be a lot of caveats with the new features.
Earlier today, there was a report circling that said Apple is developing new HomePod smart speakers. And not just a replacement for the original HomePod that Apple has discontinued. No, these devices will reportedly feature screens and cameras in some capacity.
Apple's affordable $99 HomePod mini smart speaker has been found to include a secret sensor for measuring room temperature and humidity that the company could potentially activate in the future with a software update to bring new functionality to customers.
Apple quietly announced Friday night that it is discontinuing the original HomePod, instead focusing its engineering efforts on the more successful HomePod mini. In a statement to TechCrunch's Matthew Panzarino, the company said it will keep selling the original HomePod while supplies last.
Apple has been working on iOS 14.4 for a bit of time now (slowed by the holiday break), but now the official release is here. Alongside iOS 14.4, we've got iPadOS 14.4 ready for the public as well.
Apple is still working on the next update for its major platforms, and today the company seeded the latest beta towards that goal.
The Intercom feature released for HomePod gave users a great way to communicate throughout their homes. You can use Siri to send a message to the HomePod in your kitchen, reply to an intercom message from a HomePod in the office, and even use the Home app to send messages to every HomePod in your house.
Whether you have just one HomePod or a few, Intercom lets you communicate your way with a few tweaks. To make the Intercom feature work perfectly in your space, here’s how to customize it for your HomePod.
If you have more than one HomePod and multiple people in your household, then you probably already know how to set up multiple HomePod users. This is great when different people want to play music or make a request from Siri.
But what if your HomePod doesn’t recognize someone’s voice? By setting up a Primary User on the HomePod, Siri will default to that Primary User when in doubt. This is also helpful if each person has a HomePod in their own space where they are the main user anyway. That way, recommendations for music and podcasts are tailored to that user.
Here’s how to set up a Primary User on your HomePod or HomePod mini.
Earlier this month, Apple released the 14.3 software update for the HomePod and HomePod mini. At the time, it didn't appear that the new software added any truly noteworthy to the smart speakers. However, turns out Apple added one new thing, at least.
