10 things every new HomePod user should know
Don't forget these helpful features of Apple's HomePod!
If you've already pulled the trigger on buying a HomePod and are beyond excited to get your hands on it no one could blame you. While you have probably done a lot of research into the features of the HomePod before you bought it, there are likely some things HomePod can (or can't) do that you may not know.
I've put together a list of 10 things every HomePod user should know to help you get the most out of your purchase!
1. There are touch controls
Obviously, HomePod was designed to work hand-in-hand with Siri allowing you to never have to touch your HomePod once you set it up; however, there are touch controls if you choose to use them.
Here's a basic rundown of the controls:
- Tap to play/pause.
- Double tap to skip forward.
- Triple tap to skip back.
- Tap and hold to invoke Siri.
The HomePod also features volume control buttons that you can activate manually.
Read:How to control HomePod with touch gestures
2. There's no physical mute button
HomePod is always listening for the words "Hey, Siri" to activate, but if you don't want the HomePod to listen you can tell it to stop. Unlike other smart speakers, the HomePod doesn't feature a mute button, you have to use Siri.
You can simply say "Hey Siri, stop listening" or you can tap and hold the top of the HomePod to activate Siri and say "stop listening."
How to turn off and customize 'Hey Siri' on HomePod
3. You can't set multiple timers
If you're cooking a meal and have something in the oven and something on the stove that requires two different cooking times, you won't be able to set multiple timers on your HomePod, you're limited to one.
That being said, you can set multiple reminders, and your HomePod will remind you when you request.
For instance, you could say "Hey, Siri remind me to take the chicken out of the oven in 35 minutes." They once that remind is set you could say "Hey, Siri remind me to turn down the soup in 15 minutes." You'll get a notification for both reminders at the corresponding time.
4. HomePod doesn't recognize individual voices
As of right now, HomePod can't distinguish between voices, meaning once you set it up, anyone can activate Siri by using the command "Hey, Siri".
5. If you're not at home, the HomePod won't deliver personal notifications
While the HomePod is locked in to one user's iCloud account, it has some protections that prevent the HomePod from spewing your personal notifications at all times.
In order for HomePod to read out your personal notifications, you need to be on the same Wi-Fi network as your HomePod. If you leave the house and your phone disconnects from the network, your HomePod will no longer announce your incoming notifications until your iPhone reconnects to the same network.
6. HomePod doesn't count towards your Apple Music device limit
HomePod and Apple Music go hand-in-hand, and even though the HomePod will connect to Apple's music streaming service through your account, it doesn't count towards your device limit.
Not only does this mean you don't have to kick somebody off your family subscription, even when you're away from your HomePod, other people in your home can access Apple Music through the HomePod. The party doesn't have to stop when you leave!
How HomePod works with Apple Music, iTunes Match, iCloud Music Library, AirPlay, and FLAC files
7. Your Apple Music "For You" section is safe
Some people spend a lot of time teaching Apple Music what they like and don't like, so the For You tab is curated to their individual music tastes well; however, if anyone can access your Apple Music account on the HomePod, you may be worried how this will affect the Apple's suggestions.
The good news is you can prevent the music that's played on your HomePod from affecting the "For You" section in Apple Music. It's in the Home app, and if you don't want other people messing up your recommendation, make sure you turn it on!
How to use the HomePod with Apple Music
8. You can use it to play other music streaming services
While you'll only enjoy complete control and Siri integration with Apple Music on the HomePod, you can use other streaming services — such as Spotify and Pandora.
If you set up the HomePod as an AirPlay speaker, you can send any audio to your HomePod that you want; however, you won't be able to control playback with Siri.
How to stream Spotify, Pandora, SoundCloud, and more to HomePod
9. HomePod works with your Apple TV!
You don't need an iPhone to set up your HomePod; you can connect it up to an Apple TV just as quickly.
While you can't control playback on your Apple Tv with HomePod, you can use it as a speaker for the audio, making it almost a de-facto sound bar.
RHow to use your HomePod with Apple TV
10. HomePod will retune every time you move it
Apple built HomePod to be an audio powerhouse that tunes to the environment where its placed to give you the best sound profile possible automatically.
Every time you move the HomePod, the device will retune to its new surrounding, meaning you're always going to get the best sound possible regardless of where you want to put it in your home.
Go ahead and move it around to see where the best place for you to put your HomePod in your house!
Other things you should know?
Have any other useful features or tips you think HomePod owners should know? Sound off in the comment section below and let everybody know!
from iMore - Learn more. Be more. http://bit.ly/2ETmIUK
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