HomePod will be picking up support for the stock Calendar app with iOS 11.4.
Calendar support may be coming to HomePod with iOS 11.4 update
Siri
Google Assistant now works with 5,000 smart home accessories vs. 200 for Siri and HomeKit
According to Google, its Assistant now works with more than 5,000 smart home devices.
Here’s why Apple chose the phrase “Hey Siri”
If you have ever wondered how Apple came to choose the wake word for Hey Siri function, its latest machine learning article focusing on the Siri trigger phrase provides the answer.
How to turn off your HomePod microphone
Unlike many other smart speakers, there is no physical switch to mute the HomePod’s microphone.
However, you can disable the always-on “Hey Siri” feature using the iPhone Home app or by asking the speaker. This turns off the microphone at the software level and stops it from always listening in on you.
How to fix HomePod not playing songs or playlists with Siri
Go through these troubleshooting tips if Siri on your HomePod is unable to play specific songs, playlists, or artists on Apple Music when you ask it to.
Apple to address HomePod ring marks with a new material
A future HomePod iteration should not leave ring marks on treated wood furniture.
Questionable report claims Apple has lowered HomePod orders
A report Thursday alleged that HomePod sales have been lackluster thus far.
Apple hires Google’s chief of search and A.I.
Apple has hired Google's chief of search and artificial intelligence John Giannandrea, reports The New York Times. The outlet has obtained an internal email from Tim Cook, who tells employees “John shares our commitment to privacy and our thoughtful approach as we make computers even smarter and more personal.”
iOS 11.4 beta hands-on: AirPlay 2, Messages in iCloud, HomePod stereo pairing & more
Apple yesterday seeded first developer-only betas of iOS 11.4, tvOS 11.4 and watchOS 4.3.1, with the iOS and tvOS betas reinstating a pair of missing features that we were promised at WWDC back last summer: AirPlay 2 and Messages in iCloud.
iOS 11.4, tvOS 11.4 betas bring back AirPlay 2, Messages in iCloud & HomePod stereo pairing
HomePod stereo pairing and the underlying AirPlay 2 technology that powers it have now re-appeared in the developer betas of iOS 11.4 and tvOS 11.4 (that arrived earlier today) following their unexpected removal from the previous iOS 11.3 and tvOS 11.3 updates.
How to set and manage alarms on HomePod
Like other Apple devices, your HomePod permits you to set custom alarms.
You can create multiple alarms using just your voice, optionally add some context to them, if you like, and more. Your Siri speaker will signal you when one of your created alarms goes off.
Siri on HomePod allows you to create as many alarms as you want, manage them, remove ones you no longer need, turn specific alarms on or off, create recurring alarms, and more.
Alarms do not synchronize across multiple devices via iCloud. Any alarms created using your HomePod will not appear on your Mac, iPhone, or other devices, and vice versa.
How to turn off glowing Siri lights on HomePod
Due to its lack of a screen, HomePod's means of expressing itself are limited to the pulsating, colorful dot on its slick top surface. The design and implementation of the expressive light undoubtedly make for a masterclass in giving an inanimate speaker an air of personality.
While we do have a detailed breakdown of which of HomePod's lights exactly mean what, what we have not done yet is call attention to the fact that the lights can also be shut down - and no, I'm not talking about pulling the plug from the power outlet.
Why would you want your HomePod to become a stale, expressionless object? Well, perhaps you don't want your HomePod to emit as much light in the dark or prefer the look of a sleek black or white speaker sans the play of colors on top! Whatever floats your boat, each to their own, you get the gist. Maybe you just appreciate knowing that there is the option without ever seriously contemplating depriving HomePod of its quirky LED.
Whatever the reason you might decide to neuter your HomePod, there is a simple switch to do (and undo) just that.