Apple HomePod Gets More Multi-User Support With Latest Software Update

Apple’s HomePod hasn’t gotten a lot of traction since launch, and chances are you probably don’t own one unless you are a big Apple fan. Either way, the HomePod has been picking up some minor features thanks to software updates in recent times, but Apple has now rolled out a major update to the premium speaker.

The company today delivered the much-awaited fall update for the HomePod which was originally supposed to ship with iOS 13.

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The new software update is now coming with iOS 13.2, and it introduces multi-user support. That means the HomePod will now be able to automatically recognize the voices of your different family members (up to 6 voices) and show them personalized content, which should also improve the privacy on the HomePod. Google Home devices have supported this feature for a while, so Apple once again is playing catch-up here.

The latest update also includes a new “hand-off” feature that lets you transfer music, podcasts, or phone calls from your iPhone to HomePod by bringing your phone close to the HomePod. And last but not least, the HomePod can now play relaxing, high-quality soundtracks with the new Ambient Sounds, with the ability to set sleep timers or fall asleep to music or Ambient Sounds.

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Conversation 10 comments

  • jchampeau

    Premium Member
    28 October, 2019 - 7:31 pm

    <p>How will the HomePod show users personalized content?</p>

    • SvenJ

      28 October, 2019 - 9:40 pm

      <blockquote><a href="#484260"><em>In reply to jchampeau:</em></a><em> </em>I expect it will respond to requests that are specific to a person with specific information. If I ask what's on my calendar, I'll get different responses than my wife. Play my favorites will know what my favorites are as opposed to my kid's favorites. What is my commute like will be relative to who is asking. Lots of things that should be relative to the speaker. Makes an assistant more useful. </blockquote><p><br></p>

      • jchampeau

        Premium Member
        29 October, 2019 - 11:14 am

        <blockquote><em><a href="#484290">In reply to SvenJ:</a></em></blockquote><p>Right. But those responses will be audible. The thing doesn't have a screen so it can't show anything.</p>

    • igor engelen

      29 October, 2019 - 12:15 pm

      <blockquote><em><a href="#484260">In reply to jchampeau:</a></em></blockquote><p>I'm guessing here but if they would link voices with icloud accounts they can send the personalised content to devices with that specific account signed in.</p>

  • nbplopes

    29 October, 2019 - 3:57 am

    <p>Reports of bricked HomePods due to the update are going wild.</p>

    • Greg Green

      29 October, 2019 - 8:09 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#484347">In reply to nbplopes:</a></em></blockquote><p><span style="color: rgb(4, 20, 39);">It appears that Apple has pulled the 13.2 update according to MacRumors.</span></p>

      • MikeGalos

        29 October, 2019 - 9:52 am

        <blockquote><em><a href="#484382">In reply to Greg Green:</a></em></blockquote><p>Clarifying that, they've pulled 13.2 for the HomePod but not the 13.2 update for other devices.</p><p><br></p><p>You really do have to wonder how 13.2 for the HomePod made it out the door with it only needing to be tested on one device with one hardware configuration and no real connectivity to 3rd party ecosystems. Does anybody at Apple even own one?</p>

        • Greg Green

          30 October, 2019 - 7:53 am

          <blockquote><em><a href="#484424">In reply to MikeGalos:</a></em></blockquote><p>‘Does anybody at Apple even own one?’</p><p><br></p><p>LOL! That would be embarrassing.</p>

  • Jeffsters

    29 October, 2019 - 7:22 pm

    <p>My three seem to be fine. It may be, as some have suggested, that I updated my phone first, but who knows. I’m told for many, unplugging and replugging into power resolves the issue. I’m also told that whatever you do, DO NOT factory reset the HomePod or remove it from the Home app. If you do either, you will definitely not be able to fix the issue and will need a replacement.</p>

  • Jeffsters

    31 October, 2019 - 3:49 pm

    <p>13.2.1 is out.</p>

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