A HomePod OS 12 private beta reportedly has the ability to handle phone calls when linked to your iPhone, can invoke Find My iPhone with a Siri voice command, and also includes multiple timer support.
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This Dodecahedron Bluetooth Remote Controls All HomeKit Devices
It’s a dodecahedron—and yes, D&D FTW!—that is a Bluetooth remote designed specifically for HomeKit devices and scenes.
How We Aren't Using Smart Speakers, John's Hopes for New Macs - TMO Daily Observations 2018-06-19
Andrew Orr and John Martellaro join Jeff Gamet to discuss a report that says almost no one with a smart speaker uses it to control smart home devices, plus John explains why he thinks Apple is ready to release new Mac models.
Ring Alarm Home Security System Available for Pre-order
The Ring Alarm DIY home security system is available for pre-order now and ships at the beginning of July.
iOS 12 Siri Will Get Smarter Thanks to Shortcuts
Apple’s acquisition of Workflow last year now makes sense, because the Workflow app is now called Shortcuts.
Apple Releases HomePod 11.4 with AirPlay 2 Support
Along with iOS 11.4, Apple released HomePod 11.4 on Tuesday. The update adds AirPlay 2 support, finally bringing multi-room support and stereo speaker pairing to Apple’s smart speaker.
Elgato Releases HomeKit Summer Products With Eve Aqua, Eve Flare
The first, called Eve Aqua, is a smart water controller. The second, called Eve Flare, is a portable LED lamp.
![Apple’s Siri Says She’s Getting ‘Smarter’ at WWDC [Update]](https://www.macobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/siri-tease-la-la-la-wwdc-2018.jpg)
Apple's Siri Says She's Getting 'Smarter' at WWDC [Update]
So far, Siri has revealed she will be getting a new voice, and she hinted at what may be a new HomePod. Perhaps most importantly, on one test, she told me she was getting smarter. [Updated with additional info.]
Report Says Apple Sold 600,000 HomePods in Q1 2018
Apple owns 6% of the global smart speaker market, according to Strategy Analytics. The research firm says Apple sold about 600,000 HomePods during the first quarter of 2018. Of course, that’s only an estimate because Apple doesn’t share sales HomePod figures. Considering Amazon holds 43.6% of the smart speaker market, and Google has 26.5% with far more than a single quarter’s sales, it’ll be interesting to see how many people say this proves HomePod is a failure. It’s possible HomePod is a flop, or it’ll own the market. Either way, a single quarter’s sales isn’t enough to make a definitive conclusion.
Apple HomePod Update Article Appears, but No Update Yet Available
The notes included in the article, however, list only current features with no other mention of an actual update, and a check in the Home app shows no update available, either.
Canary Home Camera Gets New Away Alert Controls
The Canary home monitoring camera app for the iPhone just got more useful because it adds the ability to limit motion recording and alerts to just people.
Here’s How I Finally Accepted HomeKit is a Raging S*#t Storm
HomeKit has some great features, but some of its problems are big enough to push me back to Amazon’s Alexa for my smart home control.
Philips Hue Outdoor Smart Lights Coming in July
Philips is taking its Hue smart lights outside with its new HomeKit compatible luminary, spot, and pillar post products.
A Cross Platform HomePod Could Be Apple’s Next iPod
Apple is making a mistake by not making HomePod cross platform—if it did, the HomePod could become Apple’s next iPod.
Apple's HomePod Video Ad is in a Creative Rut
Apple’s HomePod video ad focuses on the old, tried and true. Takes few risks and is predictable. What happened?
Study Shows Consumers don't Use Smart Speaker Voice Control for Much
Loup Ventures just released a survey on smart speaker owners and it has two interesting points: HomePod is already gaining marketshare, and people don’t use their smart speakers for very smart stuff.
How We Use Smart Speakers, the Future of Companion Robots - TMO Daily Observations 2018-02-23
Andrew Orr and John Martellaro join Jeff Gamet to look at a survey showing how consumer use their smart speakers, plus they talk about the future of companion robots.
Everything You Need to Know about HomePod as a HomeKit Hub
Your HomePod is also a HomeKit hub, so what does that mean, especially if you already have an Apple TV. Read on to learn what that means for your smart home setup.
iFixit HomePod Teardown: Big Magnets, 16GB RAM, Good Luck Getting Inside
iFixit gutted a HomePod to see what Apple packed inside. They needed a hacksaw to get the smart speaker open, which means you shouldn’t count on trying to do any repairs yourself.
How to Control Who Can AirPlay to Your HomePod
You can let anyone AirPlay music to your HomePod, or limit who has access. Here’s how to manage AirPlay access to your HomePod.
Apple Has Four New HomePod Commercials: Equalizer, Distortion, Bass, and Beat
They’re all abstract pieces that say little specific about Apple’s smart speaker.
Apple Posts HomePod Help Page Ahead of First Deliveries
HomePod has a help and tutorial section on Apple’s website, just in time for the smart speaker to arrive.
![HomePod Still Available for Feb 9 Delivery in US [UPDATE]](https://www.macobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/homepod-shopping-basket.webp)
HomePod Still Available for Feb 9 Delivery in US [UPDATE]
HomePod pre-orders in the United States are still available for delivery this Friday, February 9th. No kidding.
Here's What You Need to Know About HomePod's FullRoom Feature
Apple’s HomePod smart speaker will be in stores this Friday, but its FullRoom multi-speaker feature is still a few weeks off. Read on to learn what FullRoom is—and isn’t.