Apple released a new 13.2.1 HomePod software update in October 2019 that brings the ability to play relaxing high-quality soundtracks with Ambient Sounds. This article explains how to use them.
The software update will be installed automatically on the HomePod, but you can also manually update and check your software version by following the instructions in our HomePod software how-to.
The Ambient Sounds feature offers seven continuous streaming options. They include the following:
You can also get HomePod to play a random ambient sound by saying "Hey Siri, play sounds."
Additionally, you can play an ambient sound and set a sleep timer so that it automatically stops playing after a certain period of time has passed.
First, get HomePod to play an ambient sound using one of the phrases above, then say "Hey Siri, set a sleep timer for 45 minutes," or however long you want it to play for.
If you listen to the HomePod's ambient sounds very carefully, you may notice that they loop after about 15 minutes, but it's not something you're likely to pick up on if you're using them as background audio for focus or relaxation.
The software update will be installed automatically on the HomePod, but you can also manually update and check your software version by following the instructions in our HomePod software how-to.
How to Play Ambient Sounds on HomePod
The Ambient Sounds feature offers seven continuous streaming options. They include the following:
- Rain
- Stream
- White Noise
- Fireplace
- Forest
- Night
- Ocean
You can also get HomePod to play a random ambient sound by saying "Hey Siri, play sounds."
How to Set a Sleep Timer on HomePod
Additionally, you can play an ambient sound and set a sleep timer so that it automatically stops playing after a certain period of time has passed.
First, get HomePod to play an ambient sound using one of the phrases above, then say "Hey Siri, set a sleep timer for 45 minutes," or however long you want it to play for.
If you listen to the HomePod's ambient sounds very carefully, you may notice that they loop after about 15 minutes, but it's not something you're likely to pick up on if you're using them as background audio for focus or relaxation.
Related Roundup: HomePod
Buyer's Guide: HomePod (Neutral)
12 comments
More than two years ago, Apple informed the FBI that it planned to roll out end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups, according to Reuters. Apple ultimately dropped the plan at some point after the...
Disney+ is coming to Europe sooner than we thought. Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom will now get the streaming service on March 24, Disney...
Apple is widely rumored to release four new iPhones in the fall, including one 5.4-inch model, two 6.1-inch models, and one 6.7-inch model, and Japanese blog Mac Otakara has offered a few details...
Apple today began selling certified refurbished iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max models for the first time since the devices were released in September 2018.
At the time of writing, the refurbished...
Starting in February, Apple is hosting its annual company wide fitness challenge for all of its employees, tasking them with closing all three Apple Watch Activity rings every day of the month.
...
Tim Cook visited Ireland today to collect an award from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for Apple's 40 years of investment in the country. Apple's CEO also met with Irish musician Hozier and...
A former Apple executive who worked on the chips that power iPhones and iPads has had a request to toss a breach-of-contract lawsuit brought by the company rejected by the court in a tentative...
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States, an annual federal holiday commemorating the American civil rights movement leader.
Apple today honored the life of Dr. Martin Luther...
