Apple has released HomePod Software 14.1, adding the Intercom feature, support for the HomePod mini (which can be preordered starting November 6), new Siri features, and more, in addition to bug fixes.
The Intercom feature offers a quick way for family members to connect with each other at home. One person can send an Intercom message from one HomePod to another — whether in a different room, a specific zone, or multiple rooms throughout the home — and their voice will automatically play on the designated HomePod speaker. Intercom works with iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and CarPlay.
According to Apple’s release notes, HomePod Software’s other features inlude:
HomePod mini
° Setup and automatically transfer your Apple ID, Apple Music, Siri and Wi-Fi settings to HomePod mini
Siri
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° Siri suggestions appear in Maps when you ask HomePod for information about a location
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° Web search requests to HomePod can be sent from HomePod to your ° iPhone
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° Siri can now stop alarms, timers, and media across HomePod speakers
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Voice recognition support for Podcasts for multiple users in the home
Other improvements and fixes
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° Add music to your alarms and wake up to your personal song, playlist, or radio station from Apple Music
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° Fixes an issue where stereo pairs can sometimes play out of sync
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° Improves reliability when using Siri to control multiple speakers
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Optimizes Siri performance
HomePod should update automatically on its own. If not, you can manually prompt it to update in the Home app.
(Dennis Sellers has been covering the Apple industry since 1996. In addition to“Apple World Today,” he also runs his own freelance writing/editing service. If you want more info about the latter, email him at dennis.sellers@comcast.net.)
