Apple’s patch notes specify only that it, “includes general improvements for stability and bug fixes.”
HomePod
Apple Considering an All-in-one Apple Music, TV, and Magazine Subscription Package
Apple is reportedly looking at an all-in-one subscription package for Apple Music, its upcoming TV show lineup, and magazines.
Sonos Beam: Wide Home Theater Sound for Your Living Room, Great Music Sound Anywhere
Sonos recently announced a new soundbar they call the Sonos Beam. I’ve had some time to test it and simply to use it, and this might be the most impressive speaker I’ve tested from Sonos yet, especially considering its US$399 price tag.
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.
iOS: How to Let Your Friends Control HomePod Music
The next time you invite your friends over to chill, here’s how you can let them control HomePod music, so everyone can listen to their favorites.
How to Set a Room for Your Apple TV and HomePod for AirPlay 2
You updated to iOS 11.4 on your iPhone or iPad, tvOS 11.4 on your Apple TV, and HomePod 11.4 on your HomePod so you have AirPlay 2 support. Now you need to assign rooms to your speakers so you can control where you’re playing music. Here’s how.
Apple at Cannes, Essential Reality, 2nd HomePod and AirPlay 2 vs. Soundbar - ACM 464
Apple Senior Vice President Angela Ahrendts is going to be interviewed at Cannes Lions, but the person interviewing her is an Apple employee. Bryan Chaffin and Jeff Gamet think that’s a little weird. In hindsight, they also think it’s weird that Andy Rubin thought he could make money making Android hardware, an Essential(ly) bad idea. In the third segment, Jeff helps Bryan spend money when picking between a 2nd HomePod and a soundbar now that AirPlay 2 is here.
Exploring Messages in iCloud and AirPlay 2 - TMO Daily Observations 2018-05-30
John Martellaro and Kelly Guimont join Jeff Gamet to explain Messages in iCloud, plus they explore AirPlay 2 and their experiences so far.
How to Turn On HomePod Personal Requests
Siri on HomePod can check your Calendar thanks to the HomePod 11.4 software update. You’ll have to enable Personal Requests first, which takes just a few steps. Here’s how to do it.
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.
![Apple Releasing iOS 11.4 with AirPlay 2 Support Today [Update]](https://www.macobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/homepod-homekit-1.jpg)
Apple Releasing iOS 11.4 with AirPlay 2 Support Today [Update]
Apple rolled out the official public release of iOS 11.4 for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch on Tuesday. The update finally gives us AirPlay 2 support, including multi-room speaker support for HomePod.
WWDC and Hardware Expectations, Apple Music for Other Platforms - TMO Daily Observations 2018-05-23
John Martellaro and Kelly Guimont join Jeff Gamet to talk about expectations for hardware announcements at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference, plus they debate if it’s time for Apple Music to come to more platforms.
![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.]
The Voice Assistant War: Alexa and Google Assistant Versus Siri
We’re still in the early stages of voice assistant technology so we can’t declare a winner yet, regardless of which you prefer. Based on what we’re seeing, however, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are putting Apple’s Siri in a serious catch up position.
There's a Chance iOS 11.4 Will Bring HomePod Calendar
Although iOS 11.4 betas are out, beta software for HomePod isn’t available yet, but it should be coming in the next few weeks.
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.
Alexa's Lead in the Voice Assistant Market - TMO Daily Observations 2018-05-03
John Martellaro and Andrew Orr join Jeff Gamet to discuss Amazon Alexa’s apparent lead in the voice control platform game and how Apple’s Siri on HomePod fits in.
The Myth of the Failing iPhone X and Other Earnings Report Notes - ACM 460
Bryan Chaffin and Jeff Gamet discuss the myth of the failing iPhone X, where that myth comes from, how it’s sustained, and how Apple’s own data says otherwise. They also talk about how Apple CEO Tim Cook and CFO Luca Maestri tried to dispel those reports during Apple’s quarterly conference call with analysts. They also look at the indicators that HomePod, on the other hand, isn’t doing well, and Tim Cook’s continued insistence on focusing on sound quality when we really want a capable home assistant. They cap the show with some perspective on just how much money Apple is paying out to shareholders.
It's Shortsighted for Apple to Discontinue AirPort Products
For two decades, Apple has been there for its customers who want a great, easy-to-understand, easy-to-set-up, Wi-Fi system. Why give that up?
HomePod Sales, Third-party Apple Watch Faces - TMO Daily Observations 2018-04-16
Bryan Chaffin and John Martellaro join Jeff Gamet to look at the state of HomePod sales, plus they share their thoughts on third-party Apple Watch faces.
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.
Apple Releases iOS 11.4 Developer Beta with AirPlay 2 Support
Apple released iOS 11.4 developer beta for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch on Monday. This is the first developer beta for iOS 11.4 and includes AirPlay 2, along with hints that HomePod stereo support is finally coming.
Apple Rolls Out First HomePod Software Update
Along with iOS 11.3, Apple released the first HomePod software update on Thursday. The update, HomePod 11.3, includes what Apple calls “general improvements for stability and quality.”
Apple's Spike Jonze and FKA Twigs 'Welcome Home' Commercial Mostly Practical Effects
Adweek has a great behind-the-scenes video that shows—among other things—that all that stretchy-house stuff from Apple’s new HomePod ad was done with practical effects, rather than CGI.