A smaller, lower-priced HomePod apparently on the docket for the Apple event
But don’t expect a second-generation update to the current Siri-powered speaker, a serial leaker cautions.
Speaker
Sonos S2 operating system upgrade, for compatible speakers only
The new Sonos S2 operating system will launch in June 2020 but not all of your Sonos products will be compatible. Find out which products will be left out and what to do if you have a “mixed system.”
CCBalance adds an audio balance slider to Control Center
With CCBalance, you can adjust your iPhone’s audio balance directly from Control Center without navigating the Settings app.
HomePod hits India, selling for below the regular US pricing
The device is selling for 19,900 rupees, which works out to about $263. By comparison, the company sells the HomePod for $299 in the United States.
Apple considering allowing third-party music apps like Spotify and Pandora on HomePod
Spotify, Pandora and other third-party music apps may soon be allowed to stream directly on the HomePod speaker.
You can now ask Alexa to play Apple Podcasts on your Echo-enabled speaker
Amazon and Apple today expanded their existing partnership that enables Echo owners to use Apple Music by introducing support for Apple Podcasts.
macOS Catalina 10.15.2 appears to partially fix the 16-inch MacBook Pro speaker popping bug
macOS Catalina 10.15.2 appears to squish this annoying software bug for some people, but further updates may be required to stamp out the issue entirely.
How to play ambient sounds on HomePod
Follow along to learn how to get your HomePod wireless speaker to play some cool ambient sounds from nature, as well as how to fall asleep to your favorite audio background.
Ethical question: should you disclose smart speakers like HomePod to guests?
If you own a smart speaker like HomePod or a similar device that comes with an always-on assistant, should you make visitors aware they might be recorded at all times?
A cheaper HomePod with just two tweeters could drop as early as next year
Apple is reportedly working on a cheaper HomePod with poorer sound for as early as next year because the current $300 model “hasn’t sold very well.”
The new HomePod software makes the Siri-speaker play nice with enterprise networks
To install the new software, open the Home app on your iOS device, tap the icon in the upper-left of the corner, choose the option Software Update and follow the instructions.
Apple is working on a multi-user mode for HomePod, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has it
The Cupertino company is allegedly developing a much-requested mode for the HomePod smart speaker that would let the device respond to different users’ voices.
