Apple Shares New Video on Getting the Most From HomePod

[MacRumors]

Apple this afternoon shared a new HomePod tutorial video on its Apple Support YouTube channel, which is designed to help new HomePod users get the most out of their new speakers.

The three minute video covers various Siri commands for accessing music, podcasts, news, and personal requests, using the iPhone as a HomePod remote, using the HomePod as a speakerphone, controlling HomeKit devices, and more.

As a warning, this video does include "Hey Siri" commands that have the potential to activate your own HomePod when you watch it, so you might want to watch with headphones.

In the description of the video, Apple links to multiple HomePod support documents, which are useful for HomePod owners who are still learning the ins and outs of the HomePod. These documents cover topics like using the Home app, using VoiceOver, listening to Podcasts, AirPlaying audio, and more.

This is the fourth HomePod tutorial video Apple has shared to introduce users to the new device. Last week, when the HomePod was released, Apple shared three other short videos on using Siri to Play Music, using the HomePod's touch controls, and adjusting the HomePod's settings.

All of the videos have been uploaded to Apple's YouTube support channel, which was introduced back in November. This YouTube channel is where Apple shares tutorial videos that are designed to provide users with tips on using their iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple devices.

At MacRumors, we've also shared several how tos and guides for accessing and using all of the HomePod's different features, which can be found in the how to section of our HomePod roundup.

Article Link: Apple Shares New Video on Getting the Most From HomePod

 

[robjulo]

Box it back up, return it and use the money to get a Sonos. That is how you get the most out of it.

 

[TrashPanda]

Yeah. Whatever. Apple had their chance and we'll all assess the value fo their offering independently and not their propaganda.

 

[theheadguy]

Am I the only one who found this video to be odd? Like they cobbled it together last minute? It doesn’t feel like it has the quality or smoothness of a normal video. I even noticed the HomePod shake when they ended the call. His voice is anything but soothing, the ‘party music’ screams “avoid this party at all costs”, and he didn’t pronounce “control” clearly. Weird.

 

[smoking monkey]

Am I the only one who found this video to be odd? Like they cobbled it together last minute? It doesn’t feel like it has the quality or smoothness of a normal video. I even noticed the HomePod shake when they ended the call. His voice is anything but soothing, the ‘party music’ screams “avoid this party at all costs”, and he didn’t pronounce “control” clearly. Weird.

I got no problems with the video. It sums up everything pretty well I reckon. I don't care about the shaking, but I get what your saying. It wonder if it was out sourced?

 

[seatton]

The video forgot to include how nice it is for anybody to be able to access the owner's iMessage, calendar, etc.

 

[prasand]

I appreciate that Control Center, remote controlling the HomePod tip, as that was not obvious. They should have put some remote control features within the Home app. But glad to know either way, it was getting frustrating asking Siri to play things, and then looking at my phone to see "oh yeah", and then having verbally to ask Siri who was playing.

Also, if you tap the track that's playing in the Control Center, it'll take you to the Apple Music app, and show the HomePod's track at the bottom of the Apple Music screen, like a normally playing track (but indicating that it's playing on HomePod). They should have just enabled the ability to see the current track from the HomePod, in Apple Music from the door. It's clear it has that functionality, having to hunt for HomePod playback controls on iOS shouldn't be necessary.

 

[mtneer]

I have to applaud Apple here in trying to communicate with its customers. I just hope that they are paying more attention to the feedback they are getting from early adopters/ influencers regarding the HomePod.

 

[jkdsteve]

Box it back up, return it and use the money to get a Sonos. That is how you get the most out of it.

Already have 2 Sonos Play:3 in a stereo pair..while it might have better app functionality, the sound is barely equal for that stereo pair compared to one HomePod.....could the Sonos: One be better? Maybe, but I'm not risking it at this point.

 

[csurfr]

Already have 2 Sonos Play:3 in a stereo pair..while it might have better app functionality, the sound is barely equal for that stereo pair compared to one HomePod.....could the Sonos: One be better? Maybe, but I'm not risking it at this point.

Not to hijack the thread, but as a previous owner of the Play:1, I was always under the assumption (including info from Sonos themselves), that the One is the same speaker with Alexa bolted on and a new case.

 

[Guy Clark]

Complete with advertising Audiophile quality (laughable).

Omitting the fact you need a coaster.

 

[csurfr]

Complete with advertising Audiophile quality (laughable).

Omitting the fact you need a coaster.

It wasn’t on an oiled wood surface.

 

[vipergts2207]

Box it back up, return it and use the money to get a Sonos. That is how you get the most out of it.

Why go from HomePod to Sonos? If it's for sound quality, then the suggestion of moving to Sonos in that regard is a funny one.

 

[pmeisman]

I have a large open floor plan loft. Nowhere was safe to watch the video without my Homepod responding to the narrator's voice. I'm presently listening to "Party Music" that has been interrupted with an attempt to send a text message and a read out of the weather. Not really complaining, just thought it was funny.

 

[robjulo]

Doesn’t seem so. And certainly not to the extent it should cost double and have far less functionality.

http://pogueman.tumblr.com/post/170722337727/head-to-head-does-the-apple-homepod-really-sound

Why go from HomePod to Sonos? If it's for sound quality, then the suggestion of moving to Sonos in that regard is a funny one.

 

[44267547]

So much disdain for the HomePod. I’m curious how many have tested the HomePod before they actually disparage against the sound produced. Give this Product some time, it will continually improve though software updates.

 

[TallManNY]

Damn listening to that video on my computer really confused my HomePod in the other room. Interestingly, it never triggered my iPhone which is sitting on my desk next to the computer. Maybe my phone knows my voice but the HomePod is set to respond to anyone.
[doublepost=1518828510][/doublepost]

I have a large open floor plan loft. Nowhere was safe to watch the video without my Homepod responding to the narrator's voice. I'm presently listening to "Party Music" that has been interrupted with an attempt to send a text message and a read out of the weather. Not really complaining, just thought it was funny.

Me as well. Funny!

 

[bernuli]

So much disdain for the HomePod. I’m curious how many have tested the HomePod before they actually disparage against the sound produced. Give this Product some time, it will continually improve though software updates.

It might get better. But I feel software updates should be used for keeping up with the competition, not getting caught up.

My problem is not with the Home Pod itself but the continued lack of awareness Apple has with product development.

Perhaps if Siri was allowed to ask Alexa for help this thing would not be so helpless.

 

[csurfr]

Damn listening to that video on my computer really confused my HomePod in the other room. Interestingly, it never triggered my iPhone which is sitting on my desk next to the computer. Maybe my phone knows my voice but the HomePod is set to respond to anyone.

I know from my experience that when I am home, even if I whisper “hey Siri” into my iPhone it won’t respond. The HomePod has taken over.

I had my gf try her iPhone when she was over and hers works normally.

Must be something in the way they are all connected.

 

[vipergts2207]

Doesn’t seem so. And certainly not to the extent it should cost double and have far less functionality.

http://pogueman.tumblr.com/post/170722337727/head-to-head-does-the-apple-homepod-really-sound

The point was that HomePod and Sonos Ones are in the same ball park in that regard. If sound quality is the concern then bookshelves and a sub are the way to go. If it’s the smarts that someone is after, then HomePod is what may be best in many cases.

 

[robjulo]

You can’t even be serious.

The point was that HomePod and Sonos Ones are in the same ball park in that regard. If sound quality is the concern then bookshelves and a sub are the way to go. If it’s the smarts that someone is after, then HomePod is what may be best in many cases.

 

[Leguna24]

You can’t even be serious.

wow you really don't like the HomePod, do you?

 

[vipergts2207]

You can’t even be serious.

So tell me, will a Sonos speaker act as a HomeKit hub?

 

[davbman]

Damn listening to that video on my computer really confused my HomePod in the other room. Interestingly, it never triggered my iPhone which is sitting on my desk next to the computer. Maybe my phone knows my voice but the HomePod is set to respond to anyone.
[doublepost=1518828510][/doublepost]

Me as well. Funny!

Um that is precisely it. Yes the iPhone only knows your voice which is why doesn't go off for anybody. And since yes the HomePod is designed to be for a whole home use, it does allow anybody to talk to it. I can only assume that with software update later they will offer a toggle or to train it like you do for your iPhone when you first activated Siri. Before it came out I had assumed they would of offered some way to train multiple people or at least have such a setting to limit to owner. I didn't think they would of wanted to be subject to such jokes as South Park did to Alexa and Ok Google.

Actually the thing that HomePod can hear and act from Hey Siri from other rooms is part of why it is so awesome, that it is so good at hearing over music and other noises.

 

[TrashPanda]

wow you really don't like the HomePod, do you?

well, objectively, while Apple's competitors have created "smart" audio devices that embrace the entire ecosystem of audio options available to consumers, Apple has decided to wall out those who don't participate in their "pay wall". Tell me, what do you have to say about that?