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One of the features of the new full-size HomePod is a built-in temperature and humidity sensor. This feature will soon be available to HomePod mini users as well.
Apple has activated a sensor that was previously dormant inside the smart speaker. Almost two years ago, Bloomberg reported that the HomePod mini contains a temperature and humidity sensor that is not actually used. The report speculated that the sensor could be activated through a software update, which Apple has now done. Apple has its website for the HomePod mini, advertising the temperature and humidity sensor for the first time. Previously, the company hadn't even confirmed the existence of this sensor. Apple is advertising the temperature and humidity sensor as one of the ways the HomePod mini can function as a "smart home hub."
HomePod mini gets new features
For now, we're still waiting for the software update that will enable this sensor for HomePod mini users. iOS 16.3 will be released next week alongside a new version of the HomePod software for all users. It's likely that these updates will enable the sensor and make the temperature and humidity data available through the Home app. Apple also says that the HomePod mini will soon support alarm detection, a feature that Apple also announced for the new full-size HomePod. However, this feature won't be rolling out until later in the spring, so it's unlikely to be included in next week's software updates. HomePod's sound detection can listen for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and send a notification directly to the iPhone when a sound is detected. (Image: Apple)
