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Apple released iOS 14.1 and iPadOS 14.1 for iPhone and iPad this evening providedThe latest version has now also been made available for the HomePod.
After Apple skipped iOS 14 for the HomePod, iOS 14.1 has now been officially released for the Siri speaker. The latest HomePod version offers new features and improvements, including optimizations for Siri, Intercom, HomePod mini support, and more. Users will now receive map suggestions when the HomePod is asked for a specific location. The Handoff function has also been expanded. In addition, Apple has also improved the timer and alarm function on the HomePod, which now offer options that allow users to change these settings for all their HomePods with Siri.
HomePod: Set default applications
In addition, songs from Apple Music can now be used as alarms. A particularly long-awaited feature is the customization of default applications. This feature has now been officially implemented. This means that users will be able to set default apps for music, podcasts and audio books in the future. However, the corresponding applications must integrate the new API in order to use the function. Below you will find the entire Update description in full. (Image: Apple)
HomePod software version 14.1
Software version 14.1 includes support for HomePod mini and new Siri and Intercom features. This update also includes bug fixes and improvements.
HomePod mini
- Automatically transfer settings for your Apple ID, Apple Music, Siri and Wi-Fi when configuring HomePod
Siri
- Siri suggestions appear in the Maps app when you ask HomePod for information about a specific location
- Internet search requests to HomePod can be sent from HomePod to your iPhone
- Siri can now stop alarms, timers and media playback from any HomePod speaker
- Support for voice recognition in the Podcasts app for multiple people in the household
Intercom
- HomePod announcements can be sent to other HomePod speakers throughout the home
- Communication via intercom with all HomePod speakers
- Intercom communication with a HomePod in a specific room or zone
Further improvements and bug fixes
- Add music to your alarms and wake up to a favorite song, playlist, or radio station from Apple Music
- Fixed an issue where playback on stereo pairs was out of sync
- Improved reliability when using Siri to control multiple speakers
- Optimized Siri performance
