Alongside iOS 11.3, watchOS 4.3, and tvOS 11.3, Apple today released a new 11.3 software update designed for the HomePod.
This marks the first software update that's been released for the HomePod since it became available for purchase in February.
/article-new/2018/02/homepoddesign-800x450.jpg?lossy)
The new HomePod software will be installed automatically on the HomePod after you update to iOS 11.3, but you can also manually update and check your software version by following the instructions in our HomePod software how to.
It's not clear what new features are included in the HomePod software just yet, but we are waiting on both AirPlay 2 and a feature to allow two HomePods to be paired together for stereo sound. Apple's release notes don't divulge any details about what might be included, suggesting these features have not been implemented.
According to the release notes, the update "includes general improvements for stability and quality."
Top Rated Comments
(View all)For me, the bass is slightly down, and there's a bit more mid-range.
Listening to some classical music, there is a bit more definition across the strings.
But listening to some rock, like The Who, the bass is less thumpy.
I think they've smoothed out the EQ curve a smidge.
Which is fine.
It still sounds good.
BUT... I think they'd get a lot of good will if they put an EQ adjust setting within the homepod settings, and allow users to tweak it to suit listener preference.
This is a huge problem. Changing the sound signature like this without any EQ's for users to change it back is a awkward state of affers. I bought three HomePod's and that sound signature which I really enjoyed has now been clearly altered and there is no way for me to get it back.
The HomePod uses algorithms to equalize the sound in real time at any given moment in any given environment. It appears that Apple modified that analysis system to create an overall more accurate and cleaner sound. Saying that Apple decreased the “bass” is misleading at best.Bass in general can be boomy(Some people may like the fact that it’s boomy but it’s far from accurate) in certain rooms because the sound system is not optimized for the room or the real-time audio optimizing algorithm is not functioning properly therefore causing much stronger and louder bass than should be present therefore overpowering the rest of the sound spectrum.
What Apple has done here should be appreciated for optimizing the Audio analyzing algorithms, not mocked.
Just because the average person likes “Boomy” inaccurate sound and bass doesn’t mean that that’s the sound profile Apple should set for the HomePod as the Signature Profile,
Now, I do agree that Apple should introduce an equalizer to OVERRIDE the built in audio analyzing system for these individuals that want inaccurate boomy sound regardless to avoid complaints.
Let them know here:
https://www.apple.com/feedback/
I was a little disappointed when I first ran it on my HomePod because despite all the stellar audiophile reviews, my Harman Kardon reproduced it better. Wow, they fixed it. The bass is still there, it's still rich, but it's not overwhelming all the details in the song.
To the average Joe, a powerful bass is impressive and might sound expensive. But if you care about good audio, bass that muddles up the rest of the sound is crap. You want bass where it matters while still allowing the other layers to make it through.
Really loving this more refined sound.