Apple HomePod tricks you need to know

Apple HomePod tricks you need to know

The recently released HomePod Mini It is a smaller and less expensive version of the larger one HomePod Apple launched in early 2018. Despite the differences in price and size, both HomePods are able to control your HomeKit devices, stream your favorite music or send messages to your compatible devices.

But the HomePod is much more than it seems. For example, you can ask your HomePod to find your phone if you have lost it at home. You can even use it to make or receive phone calls.

However, before you can start using the latest and greatest HomePod features, you'll need to make sure you're running the latest software. Below, I'll walk you through updating your HomePod or HomePod Mini's software, followed by several tips and tricks to help you master Apple's smart speaker.

 

How to update Apple HomePod

Before updating the software on your HomePod, verify that the software on your iPhone is up to date on configurations > General > Software update.

To update the software on your HomePod, open the Home app on your iOS device. Touch the Home in the top left corner, then scroll down and tap Home configurations. Next, scroll down and tap Software To update. The app will check for available updates and if any are available, you will be asked if you want to install them. If everything is up to date, you are ready.

All the Apple HomePod features you should know

Despite not having a dedicated app on your iOS device, or an interface on the HomePod, there's plenty you can do with Apple's smart speaker. Below are some tips and tricks.

Initial setup is very simple

Seriously. It's as simple as plugging in the HomePod, waiting a few seconds for it to boot, then unlocking your iPhone and placing it next to the HomePod. You'll see an alert on your iPhone letting you know that a HomePod that's ready to be set up is nearby, and then you'll be guided through the rest of the process. It's incredibly cool and incredibly easy.

Recheck settings

From blocking explicit music to knowing when Siri is actually listening, you can access HomePod settings by opening the Home app and holding down the HomePod tile. Scroll down, past the current playing screen and you will find all the settings you can adjust. Take a few minutes to adapt it to your taste.

Siri, call mom.

You can use HomePod to make or receive phone calls. Tell Siri to answer your phone or ask her to make a call using the contact's name. If you want to transfer a call from your phone to now make phone calls through HomePod.

Forget Apple Music as the default music service

With the release of iOS 14, Apple added deeper integration for music apps and the HomePod. More specifically, Apple now lets you stream from third-party apps like Pandora, either as a secondary streaming option or as the default service.

Your streaming service of choice will need to update your iPhone or iPad app so you can add it to the Home app. Pandora is one of those apps that has done just that. Spotify, so far, has not done so.

With the latest version of Pandora installed on your phone, open the app and tap the Profile tongue. Then select the configuration gear, then tap the option labeled Connect with HomePod. Follow the directions.

Once you're done with that, you have two options. You can leave Apple Music as the default service, and when you want to use Pandora, use a command like, “Hey, Siri, play 'XNUMXs hip-hop on Pandora.”

Alternatively, you can set Pandora as the default service by opening the Startup application and going to your home settings, select your profile under users and tap Default service > Pandora. With that change made, every time you ask Siri to play a song on a HomePod, it will default to your Pandora account.

Spotify users, you're still in luck...

If you use an app that hasn't been updated to work directly on the HomePod, like Spotify, there's still a way to avoid using Apple Music on the HomePod. It's not the best solution, but it's one.

Use the new intercom feature

If you have multiple HomePods, you can use them as an intercom system throughout your house or apartment. As long as they are running the latest software, you don't have to do anything to set it up, just say “Hey, Siri, intercom, it's time to eat!” and a second or two later, a recording of your voice will play across all of your HomePods. There's more to it than that, so make sure check out our complete guide.

Don't remember the name of a song? Order it by its letter

This one is pretty good. You can ask Siri to play a song “that says insert letter “ and, as long as you have the right lyrics, Siri will start playing that song. Sometimes she will make the song right even if it doesn't have the right lyrics.

Where is my iPhone?

That's all you need to ask Siri., who will then ask you if you want to play a sound on your phone to help you find it.

Create multiple timers

"Hey Siri, start a timer for 15 minutes.“Please note that you cannot create two timers at the same time. You need to start one, wait for Siri to stop listening for commands, and then start the process again.

Two speakers equal stereo sound

If you have two HomePods, you can connect them to play in stereo or stream the same audio to multiple speakers in different rooms. Here it is how to create a stereo pair. Please note that you will need two HomePods of the same type. Heck, you can even use two of the larger HomePods as a home theater replacement with your Apple TV; that is how.

Yes, the original HomePod can leave a ring

But you can prevent silicone band along its bottom from damaging your table, desk or wooden shelf.

With each software update, Apple also adds more features and capabilities to the HomePod. So it's a good idea to make sure know everything there is about iOS 14. If you're still trying to decide whether HomePod or HomePod Mini is right for you, break down the differences. And here is our HomePod Mini review (spoiler: if you use an iPhone, you're going to love it).