Upcoming HomePod Software to Add Call Support, Multiple Timers, Find My iPhone, Lyric Search and More

At today's "Gather Round" event at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California, Apple CEO Tim Cook highlighted some new features that are coming to the HomePod through a software update set to be released next Monday.

The HomePod will gain a number of new features with the software update, which is going to come alongside iOS 12, tvOS 12, and watchOS 5.

Search for your favorite songs by lyrics using Siri
Create multiple timers
Make and receive phone calls right from the HomePod
Ping your iPhone or any of your Apple devices to find them in your home

HomePod is also going to work with Siri Shortcuts, a feature coming in iOS 12. According to Cook, Siri Shortcuts will "open up a world of apps" for HomePod.

Many of these new features are additions that HomePod users have been hoping for. The HomePod has been the butt of jokes for not being able to support more than one timer at once, and while it could be used as a speakerphone previously, the new phone call functionality will expand its usefulness as a standalone communication device.

All of Apple's fall software updates are set to be released on Monday, September 17, with the exception of macOS Mojave, which will see a release on September 24.

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Top Rated Comments

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OldSchoolMacGuy

10 weeks ago

just make a homepod without siri. I just want a nice Apple AirPlay2 speaker

You know you don't have to use it, right? You can simply use it as a speaker system if you like.

Using your voice:

[LIST=1]
* Say "Hey Siri, stop listening.""
* When Siri asks you to confirm, say ""Yes.".

Using the Home app:

[LIST=1]
* Launch the Home app on your iPhone or iPad Home screen.
* Tap on the Rooms tab, bottom middle.
* Swipe to the Room that contains your HomePod.
* Long press (or firmly press) on your HomePod.
* Tap Details.
* Toggle Listen for "Hey Siri" off.

Rating: 7 Votes

BWhaler

10 weeks ago

Still won’t buy it. Strangled by Siri.

Rating: 4 Votes

Stike

10 weeks ago

I so wanted Calendar access. Just want to say "Hey Siri! What have I got on today?" and "Hey Siri! Remind me to call Jim tomorrow morning."

Calendar support has been added. I just asked my HomePod what's on the calendar for the weekend, and it started narrating my entries...

Rating: 4 Votes

k2director

10 weeks ago

Needs to recognize different family
members.

Rating: 4 Votes

Lidar

10 weeks ago

Still a no-go for me until family support is added.

Rating: 3 Votes

OldSchoolMacGuy

10 weeks ago

Some nice additions. Certainly stuff people complained about it not having.

Rating: 2 Votes

Bryan Bowler

10 weeks ago

Finally! Thank you Tim!

Rating: 2 Votes

PickUrPoison

10 weeks ago

Do you own either? Or just going off specs. I own both. If I had to choose just one I would choose the beam. The price difference is not large, and it does sound great. But more importantly it’s connection options are far superior. That’s my opinion after owning both. I do not say the same about sonos one.

I don’t really appreciate the name, as I think it’s an attempt to imply it’s something it’s not. It’s fine for a sound bar, but you consider it great for music? Maybe paired with a sub. If I wanted Sonos I’d rather spend the extra money for a play:five.

Rating: 1 Votes

G5isAlive

10 weeks ago

just make a homepod without siri. I just want a nice Apple AirPlay2 speaker

Its available and it’s called Sonos Beam

Rating: 1 Votes

SBlue1

10 weeks ago

Needs to recognize different family
members.

I was wondering how it would know who is asking since both me and my wife have separate iCloud accounts like most have. Will it read my mails, messages, contacts and so on or hers? Now I get it, it is useless for one half of the household!

Rating: 1 Votes

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