HomePod Automatic Turn on/off of HomePod

[jmcube]

We are talking about getting a HomePod (probably Mini) to help organize us better for this Covid Spring. The desire is to have it functioning, sometimes playing light music, during the day, but also giving reminders based on the various schedules. We wouldn't want it generally on during family time (unless, maybe, it serves as part of the speaker system of an Apple TV, but I am not sure we want to do that... in non-Covid times we don't watch TV and we don't currently own Apple TV).

There household has two Apple accounts (both with iPad/iWatch/iPhone/MPB) for four people, but my understanding is that it can interact via voice with the non-account holders.

So the best idea would be to have it turn on at 7am and then turn off at 5pm. We wouldn't want it listening or interacting with us between 5pm and 7am. Or on weekends.

Is that possible?

Does HomePod seem reasonable for us? Other than the Apple stuff above, we are a low-tech house (no TV/no smart appliances/etc).

 

[hg.wells]

No the HomePods don’t have that functionality. You could get round it with a smart plug though on a timer.

 

[Five_Oh]

I don't know if your concern is privacy or limiting tech intrusion (or both).

As far as big brother listening, the HomePod IS doing so if you have Siri activated, but only for that phrase. The processing is done locally. If the phrase is heard, what you say after is sent to Apple servers to help determine a response to your request. So, in that regard at least, it is more private than Amazon or Google.

If the main issue is limiting tech intrusion into your daily life, hg's suggestion is best. Timers are quite cheap and require zero interaction. Smart plugs are only a little more, and don't require a hub or much tech saavy at all and would give you more flexibility on when to utilize the HomePod.

 

[jmcube]

Thanks both of you. Our concerns are both privacy and limiting tech intrusion (although we sort of just have to deal with the latter during Covid). We went with a HomePod Mini. We might get a Smart Plug. Or we may just stop using it in the summer.