AudioOS 17.3
Michael Tsai » HomePod
by Michael Tsai
2w ago
Juli Clover (release notes): Apple does not specify what’s included in the HomePod 17.3 software, and the generic release notes only say that it brings stability and performance improvements. I saw a regression in that the Home app continued showing that the update was “Installing…” long after it had finished. I had to close and re-open the HomePod to see that it had completed. Of course, the first thing I tried was playing some of my old iTunes Store purchases. Unfortunately, the same problematic ones still fail, saying that it couldn’t find them on Apple Music. Next, I tried playing an alb ..read more
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AudioOS 17.2
Michael Tsai » HomePod
by Michael Tsai
2w ago
Juli Clover: Apple does not specify what’s included in the HomePod 17.2 software, and the generic release notes only say that it includes bug fixes and performance improvements. All I know is that it’s 2.6 GB, took a really long time to install, and doesn’t fix the bug with not being able to play music that I bought from the iTunes Store. Previously: Sony Removing Purchased Discovery TV Shows HomePod Late Adopter ..read more
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Sony Removing Purchased Discovery TV Shows
Michael Tsai » HomePod
by Michael Tsai
2w ago
PlayStation Store (via Hacker News, Reddit): As of 31 December 2023, due to our content licensing arrangements with content providers, you will no longer be able to watch any of your previously purchased Discovery content and the content will be removed from your video library. It isn’t that streaming content is no longer available; they actually admit they’re removing content that people purchased. Sophie McEvoy: Over 1,300 seasons of shows will be removed as listed by PlayStation, including Animal Planet Presents, Cake Boss, Deadliest Catch, How It’s Made, and MythBusters. Last year, Play ..read more
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Apple Music Voice Plan Discontinued
Michael Tsai » HomePod
by Michael Tsai
2w ago
Joe Rossignol: Apple said existing subscribers can continue to use the Voice Plan for the duration of their final billing cycle, but they will lose access after that period. It’s unclear why the plan was discontinued, but Apple says other Apple Music plans “already work seamlessly with Siri, and we will continue to optimize this experience.” However, the regular plan is $10.99/month rather than $4.99. Previously: Apple Services Price Hikes YouTube Music on HomePod How Do You Request Music Using Siri? Apple Music Voice Plan ..read more
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YouTube Music on HomePod
Michael Tsai » HomePod
by Michael Tsai
2w ago
Tim Hardwick: YouTube Music is now available directly on Apple’s HomePod and HomePod mini, thanks to new Siri integration support in the YouTube Music app. The change means subscribers to the streaming service can now choose to use voice commands to start YouTube Music on a HomePod, without having to append “on YouTube Music” to every request. It’s just great that HomePod works better with YouTube Music than with music purchased directly from Apple. John Gruber: Every streaming video service is available on almost every device capable of playing video. […] But with these smart audio devices ..read more
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How Do You Request Music Using Siri?
Michael Tsai » HomePod
by Michael Tsai
2w ago
Adam Engst: Usually, I like to offer solutions in TidBITS articles, but when it comes to the black box of controlling Apple Music using Siri, I have no sense that my approach is ideal. So I’m going to describe my frustrations, and I hope those of you who have different approaches that work well for you will chime in with suggestions. […] The best roundup I’ve found is at Smartenlight, though it’s still not entirely satisfying. The article is from December 2019, and quite a few of the commands didn’t work or worked sporadically for me. Your mileage may vary. […] With voice commands directed to ..read more
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HomePod Sound Recognition
Michael Tsai » HomePod
by Michael Tsai
2w ago
Benjamin Mayo: By taking advantage of the always-on microphone inside the HomePod, it means you don’t need to necessarily invest in buying new internet-connected smoke alarm systems — HomePod can simply enhance the utility of the existing “dumb” offline smoke alarms already installed in your home. To enable Sound Recognition, open the Home app and go to Home Settings -> Safety & Security screen. It then sends a notification to your devices if it hears the alarm. Previously: HomePod Late Adopter Update (2023-07-28): bcFromSanJose: HomePod Alarms detected that my smoke alarms were go ..read more
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Music to No One’s Ears
Michael Tsai » HomePod
by Michael Tsai
9M ago
Joe Rosensteel (member post): Look, I’ve been hoping that at some point, the rocky transition from iTunes to the Music app would be over and we’d all look back on it and say, “Wow, I can’t believe that was so brief.” But it isn’t over. Here I am, in the year 2023, and I have the same problems using the app that I’ve had for about half a decade at this point. And yes, many of these problems are tied to changes made for the Apple Music service. When launching the Music app on macOS, you always start off at the Listen Now section of the app. It doesn’t matter what I was previously listening to i ..read more
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HomePod (2nd Generation)
Michael Tsai » HomePod
by Michael Tsai
9M ago
Apple (Hacker News, Reddit, 2): Packed with Apple innovations and Siri intelligence, HomePod offers advanced computational audio for a groundbreaking listening experience, including support for immersive Spatial Audio tracks. With convenient new ways to manage everyday tasks and control the smart home, users can now create smart home automations using Siri, get notified when a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is detected in their home, and check temperature and humidity in a room — all hands-free. […] HomePod easily pairs with Apple TV 4K for a powerful home theater experience, and eARC (Enhanc ..read more
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Apple’s Perplexing Home Strategy
Michael Tsai » HomePod
by Michael Tsai
3y ago
Zac Hall: You can trust that Apple will continue to make new iPhones and Macs for the foreseeable future, but Apple’s home products resemble Google’s betting strategy more than Apple’s usual commitment to focus and delivery. […] How confident are we that HomePod mini will be enough of a hit to keep Apple’s interest? How sure are we that Apple TV, the streaming media box, has a place in Apple’s lineup? Maybe the Apple TV app and AirPlay 2 TVs are like the HomePod mini in that they reach more households. Apple discontinuing HomePod isn’t impossible to understand, but the move does leave me with ..read more
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