latest
How to stop other iPhone users from controlling your HomePod and Apple TV
It's time to shut out the intruders.
HomePod and Apple TV users get a rich set of media-centric features and tools thanks to audioOS and tvOS 17, including the ability to AirPlay audio or video from a new iPhone to Apple's smart home devices. While this simplifies media mirroring, it could become problematic if an unwelcome user attempts to control your HomePod or Apple TV. Fortunately, you can block unwanted access on iOS 17 and earlier OS versions by following the steps below.
How to set a HomePod as the default Apple TV speaker
You can rely on a HomePod speaker as the default audio output device for your Apple TV instead of settling for the television's built-in one.
The Apple TV 4K is arguably the best media streaming device for iPhone users. That's because tvOS and iOS are tightly integrated into each other, allowing you to easily mirror content, type in text fields, and do more. The tight Apple ecosystem doesn't stop there, however. If you've got one of the company's excellent smart speakers, then you could also rely on it as the default audio output. After all, many televisions have mediocre built-in speakers, and taking advantage of a HomePod, or even a HomePod stereo pair, could elevate your listening experience. Below you will find the steps you must follow to set a HomePod as your Apple TV's default speaker.
Which music services are supported on the HomePod?
Apple's HomePod 2 and HomePod Mini are two excellent smart speakers for iPhone users. Which music streaming services do they support, though?
Apple's HomePod 2 and HomePod Mini are two excellent smart speakers for iOS users. So if you recently bought a new iPhone, such as the iPhone 14 Pro Max, then you may want to invest in one of them. Though considering many users heavily rely on these devices for music streaming, you must be wondering what services they support. Below you will find what you need to know about supported music streaming services on the HomePod 2 and HomePod Mini.
Amazon Echo Dot vs. Apple HomePod Mini: The battle of the affordable smart speaker
Which format should you opt for? We compare Apple’s and Amazon’s smallest, cheapest smart speakers that also control your connected home.
Apple and Amazon took very different approaches to smart home speakers. Amazon went for cost-effectiveness with the Echo in 2014, pricing it competitively and releasing its entry-level stablemate, the Echo Dot, in 2016 at an even lower price. On the other hand, Apple favored a high-end luxury product and was late to the party when releasing it. The HomePod arrived four years after the Echo, and it wasn’t until 2020 that we got a small-form-factor, lower-priced version of the HomePod Mini.
How to enable smoke alarm detection alerts on the HomePod
Your Apple HomePod or HomePod Mini can detect smoke alarms and alert you, even when you're not home. Here's how to enable this feature.
Apple's HomePod and HomePod Mini aren't just excellent smart speakers — their features extend beyond what speakers typically offer. For example, you can depend on them to receive iPhone alerts if the HomePod detects a smoke alarm. So even while you're outdoors, you can stay up to date with your house's safety. The feature even allows you to check in on people in the affected house through the iPhone and HomePod. Below you will find the steps you need to follow to utilize this perk.
How to listen to Spotify on a HomePod
Apple Music is the default music streaming service on the HomePod, but you can listen to Spotify on this Siri-enabled smart speaker instead.
There are plenty of music streaming services available on the HomePod natively, though notably, Spotify isn't on the list. Furthermore, the company has shown no interest in developing a native solution for the HomePod and HomePod Mini. So if you have one of these excellent smart speakers from Apple, you may be wondering how to blast your favorite Spotify tunes on them. Fortunately, there is a workaround.
How to check the room's temperature and humidity with an Apple HomePod
The Apple HomePod Mini and HomePod 2 are capable of natively measuring your room's temperature and humidity. Let's find out how!
Apple's HomePod Mini and HomePod 2 are currently two of the best smart speakers. Not only do they deliver great sound quality, but they also seamlessly connect to other Apple devices. This allows you to mirror the audio from your iDevice to your HomePod easily. Though, if you're a new iPhone user, you may not be aware of all the features a HomePod offers. After all, the Apple Home app on iOS can be confusing to many people due to its endless menus, tabs, and settings. Consequently, you may not be familiar with the HomePod's ability to measure your room's temperature and humidity natively. Here's how to use this functionality.
How to Hand Off music from your Apple iPhone to HomePod and vice versa
Transferring music between your Apple iPhone and HomePod is a simple process. Here's how to use the built-in Hand Off feature.
The Apple HomePod is one of the best smart speakers available on the market. That's especially true if you actively depend on other Apple devices since this speaker tightly integrates with the company's ecosystem. So, for example, if you have two HomePods of the same type, you can set them up as a wireless stereo pair. Similarly, if you have an iPhone 14 or an older model, you can seamlessly Hand Off the music or audio you're playing to and from the HomePod. Here's how to do so.
Apple quietly hikes HomePod Mini and iMac prices in the U.K. and parts of Europe
Other Apple products also saw a price change in some regions
Apple has reportedly increased HomePod Mini and iMac prices in the U.K. and parts of Europe shortly after announcing the second-gen HomePod. The smaller smart speaker now costs £10 more in the U.K., while pre-configured iMac models have received a £150 price hike. The HomePod Mini has seen a similar €10 price bump in select European countries, whereas iMac prices have gone up by €100.
How to set up an Apple HomePod stereo pair
If you have two HomePods or HomePod Minis, you can pair them to take advantage of stereo audio output. Here's the procedure you need to follow.
Apple products are famous for their seamless interoperability. Copy on your unrivaled Mac then paste on your powerful iPhone, have your Apple Watch Unlock your MacBook, and automatically switch between the AirPods' audio sources. The list goes on. One neat Ecosystem feature affects those who have two Apple HomePods. The company allows users to pair two of them and use them as a stereo system. Here's how to enable this feature.
Apple's HomePod Mini drops to just $80 thanks to this last-minute flash sale
Apple's best smart speaker, the HomePod Mini, is now on sale for a limited time, coming in at just $80.
The HomePod Mini is considered one of the best smart speakers for Apple users. It's compact size, and robust sound are just some of the perks of this speaker, not to mention its affordable price tag. While its normal $100 price tag is pretty good deal for what you get, it's newly discounted price is even better, bringing it down to just $80 for an extremely limited amount of time.
How to use the intercom on Apple HomePod and HomePod Mini
The HomePod has a really awesome intercom feature built in to make shouting between rooms obsolete. Here's how to use it.
One of the great, yet often overlooked features of the best smart speakers around is the ability to use them as an intercom. Assuming you have multiple speakers dotted around the house, it's an effective way of communicating without yelling at the top of your voice or calling up someone's phone. Having an intercom is no longer just for executives in enormous offices to summon their next meeting; you can effectively summon your kids for dinner with it.
How to update the Apple HomePod and HomePod Mini
Like all Apple hardware, the HomePod and HomePod Mini need a software update from time to time. Here's how to get the latest and greatest.
Apple's raft of mobile and mobile-adjacent hardware has a constant need to update, even the HomePod Mini. There are big annual releases, like the forthcoming iOS 16 and its variants for HomePod, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. But in between, Apple releases regular point updates to add new features and fix bugs.
How to install HomePod beta software on your Apple smart speaker
Did you know that Apple has a beta for the HomePod? Here's how to install it on your own Siri-powered smart speaker.
Apple's beta programs for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac usually get all the excitement, but the HomePod has a beta, too. Beta releases on Apple's smart speaker may not be outwardly as impressive or exciting as, say, the iOS 16 beta, but it's still a preview of anything new Apple is working on.
How to change the Wi-Fi network on Apple HomePod and HomePod Mini
If your HomePod or HomePod Mini isn't connecting to your new Wi-Fi network then there's a really easy fix you can apply. No resets required!
Without a wireless connection, your Apple HomePod or HomePod Mini is essentially useless. Most of its functionality is delivered via the cloud, not least of it which is playing your favorite tunes from one of its compatible music services. For that, you need Wi-Fi.
How to factory reset an Apple HomePod or HomePod Mini
There will be a time you probably want to reset your HomePod or HomePod Mini. But how exactly do you do that? Here's what you need to know.
Almost all of the time, Apple's HomePod and HomePod Mini are simple to use and just get on with their job without fuss. But occasionally things go wrong. In those instances, you have options, like rebooting the HomePod. But in others, you'll need to pull out the big guns and go for a full factory reset. You also need to do this before disposing off or selling your HomePod speaker.
How to listen to lossless audio and Dolby Atmos on Apple HomePod and HomePod Mini
Apple Music provides lossless audio and Dolby Atmos to all subscribers, and you can use both on your HomePod and HomePod Mini. Here's how.
Music is one of Apple's core product areas, pre-dating all the iPhones and iPads we know today. Apple Music also, besides having a killer library, supports lossless audio and Dolby Atmos. You might not be too interested in that, but then again, you might be.
HomePod Mini: An orange-sized Apple that complements my audio diet
The Apple HomePod Mini is the perfect addition to my audio-listening experience. It's compact, sleek, loud, and relatively smart.
For a very long time, I didn't really care about smart home appliances. After all, the technologies we depend on sometimes don't work as expected. The more technologies a device packs, the more likely it'll glitch or malfunction. Of course, there are reputable companies with solid appliances out there. Nonetheless, I had been sticking to old-school lightbulbs and speakers. Despite my enthusiasm towards Apple products, the Apple TV and HomePod are two device categories I had been ignoring.
Unreleased HomePod model found buried within the iOS 16 beta
Apple didn't announce a new HomePod at WWDC but that doesn't mean one isn't on the way. And it's just showed up in iOS 16's developer beta.
One of the many interesting parts of playing around with beta software is poking for things that you're not supposed to find. In the case of iOS 16, announced just yesterday at WWDC, it seems Apple has buried references to a HomePod. But not just any HomePod. This is a HomePod that doesn't exist yet. At least, not outside Apple's fortress of secrecy.
Tidal adds Siri integration but stops short of HomePod Mini support
If you both own an iPhone and subscribe to Tidal then you're going to be very happy with the latest update. Just ask Siri.
As the best smart speakers prove, we love controlling our music with our voices. It's a popular feature on mobile, too, especially on the go with a pair of wireless earbuds. In the case of the iPhone, Apple Music is, naturally, fully supported for voice control. But elsewhere the story hasn't been quite so good. But now, Tidal fans have cause for celebration as their long quest is at an end.