What you need to know Apple has released the first public beta for HomePod Software 16. It's the first time that Apple has offered a public beta for the HomePod lineup. The public beta is only available for the HomePod mini. Public betas for some, but not all. Today, Apple rolled out a public beta for the HomePod first the first time ever. In addition to releasing a public beta for the rest of its software, the company also seeded the first public beta of HomePod Software 16. While the HomePod lineup has received developer beta updates for years, this is the first time that Apple is bringi ..read more

What you need to know Apple is rumored to be bringing the HomePod back from the dead. The new HomePod is rumored for a 2023 release. A new multi-touch component is also being discussed. Apple's new HomePod could gain multi-touch technology. Those hoping for a revival of the OG HomePod could be in for a treat if recent reports of a return are any indication. A new report now claims that the updated HomePod will not only be more like the original smart speaker than the smaller HomePod mini, but also suggests a big iPhone feature is being added. Writing in the weekly Power On newsletter, Bloo ..read more

Apple has released HomePod Software version 15.5.1 for the HomePod and HomePod mini. Apple regularly improves its HomePod and HomePod mini speakers over time through over-the-air software updates. While HomePod will, by default, automatically download future updates, you can also use the Home app on an iPhone, iPad, and Mac to install them manually. Beta versions are also available to devleopers to try out features before they are released to the public. Follow the steps below to update your HomePod on your own. The current version is 15.5.1. What's new with HomePod software May 25, 2022: Ho ..read more

What you need to know Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that a new HomePod is set to be announced soon. The new HomePod could arrive later in 2022 or in the first part of 2023. It isn't clear whether Kuo means a refreshed HomePod mini, or something else entirely. Could the HomePod be making a comeback, or is this a refreshed HomePod mini? Apple is set to announce a new HomePod either later in 2022 or in the early part of 2023, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. According to a post to Twitter, Kuo believes that while a new HomePod is indeed in the works, it might not offer a new or innovative hardw ..read more

AirPods and HomePod must carry the torch now. If you weren't living under a rock last week, you heard the news that Apple officially discontinued the iPod. The company announced that the existing generation of the iPod touch would be the final iPod model — ever. People flocked to social media (and to websites like this one, of course) to talk about the iPod, its effect on the music industry, Apple itself, and also many stories about how the iPod affected them personally. Many people reflected on how an iPod was not only their first Apple device but the first piece of technology that made the ..read more

What you need to know Apple has released HomePod software 15.5 available to download. The new software update will likely be installed automatically for most people. A manual software update option is available if required. Apple has released a new version of its HomePod software, making version 15.5 available to everyone. Apple has today released the new version of your HomePod's software, taking the version number to 15.5 and making the update available to the public following a beta process. The installation process will happen automatically for most people, but a manual option is also ..read more

There are plenty of use cases not yet served by Apple's HomePod mini. Around this time last year, Apple officially discontinued the HomePod. The original model has been survived by the HomePod mini, but there isn't a product in Apple's current lineup that fills the gap left by the 2018 model. Though Apple has publicly said that it discontinued the larger HomePod to focus on the mini version, it's entirely possible that the company is working on an updated model in the background. There are plenty of use cases where a new, larger HomePod might outshine its diminutive counterpart. HomePod x Sp ..read more

What you need to know HomePod Software 15.4 beta 4 includes support for Dutch voice recognition. HomePod mini isn't currently available in the Netherlands and this could mean a launch is coming soon. The latest iOS 15.4 beta is also required for the new feature to work. HomePods could be coming to the Netherlands if this new beta feature is any indication. Apple's recent HomePod Software 15.4 beta 4 release adds support for dutch voice recognition to Siri, allowing it to differentiate between different people when the speak. The new update was made available to invited beta testers alongsi ..read more

Everything you need to know to get Thready for the future of the smart home. It never fails. Every few years or so, a new "game-changing" wireless protocol or standard comes along in the wide world of the Internet of Things (IoT) that promises to bring unity to a fragmented market. Unfortunately, things never really pan out, and users are ultimately left with yet another hub — locked down to vendor-specific hardware that doesn't end up playing nicely with others. However, this dubious cycle may finally be coming to an end soon thanks to the recent introduction of two key technologies: Thread ..read more

What you need to know Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says Apple tested a battery-powered HomePod. It's thought that if Apple did launch a portable speaker, it would carry the Beats logo rather than that of Apple. Apple recently killed off the popular Neats Pill+ Bluetooth speaker. Apple recently killed off the popular Neats Pill+ Bluetooth speaker but there is no imminent replacement. Following the news that Apple has killed off the Beats Pill+ some wondered whether there was a space for a portable HomePod mini of some sort within Apple's lineup. Now, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says that Apple has a ..read more