HomePod OS 12 Beta Software Said to Support Multiple Timers, New Phone Call Features, and More

[WatchFromAfar]

I’d love to see the speaker be able to understand the current ambient volume level in a room and respond in an appropriate volume. For instance first thing in the morning it’s quiet in the house, and a response around 10-15% volume is loud enough. Once all the kids wake up and the volume in the room has increased, it would be great if replies were auto adjusted to say 70% volume just based on the fact our kids are loud!

Wouldn't that lead to an ever-escalating war to see who can be the loudest?

 

[ersan191]

I love my HomePods and all these new features are very welcomed. But please, Apple, add some true alarm clock features, like the ability to set multiple alarms, choose different sounds for the alarms, or choose a specific song, playlist or radio station to wake to. This is basic functionality that needs to ship as soon as possible.

And while we’re discussing essential features to add, let me mention the need for a few quick, basic EQ options (less bass, more treble, etc.) and voice recognition to increase security and improve functionality.

For what it’s worth you absolutely can set multiple alarms already.

 

[The Game 161]

Shouldn't all of this have been fleshed out and included before the official launch?

Even google assistant didn’t have all features at launch

They take time with software updates and least that seems to be happening here

 

[DNichter]

Yea I was't a fan of the Echo's at all so I trashed mine. I can do all the same stuff, just not turn my TV on. I can live with that for now.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Yea I was't a fan of the Echo's at all so I trashed mine. I can do all the same stuff, just not turn my TV on. I can live with that for now.

I’ve still got my echo but it’s not even plugged in anymore. The google home I mostly use to make hands free calls.

The TV stuff is smart but I do 99% of my viewing on my Apple TV. It’s my husband that uses the chromecast.

 

[shk718]

You’ll be able to do this with Siri Shortcuts in iOS 12. Not everyone wants this.

I think it's terrific that Apple is giving us this ability - but it's too complicated for the average person. And if someone doesn't want it Apple can create an "off" switch for push-knowledge.

 

[DNichter]

I think it's terrific that Apple is giving us this ability - but it's too complicated for the average person. And if someone doesn't want it Apple can create an "off" switch for push-knowledge.

I haven't used the app, so I can't really say, but Siri will also suggest shortcuts based of AI / phone usage. This will help the average person take advantage of the new shortcuts.

 

[sidewinder3000]

For what it’s worth you absolutely can set multiple alarms already.

How? What steps?

 

[TracesOfArsenic]

Also, “available in the fall”... not everyone lives in northern hemisphere; why not just say “3rd quarter” or a calendar month?

Because America.

 

[ErikGrim]

Siri appeared to be smarter for me yesterday. I said "Hey Siri, remind me to bring an ugly christmas sweater for work tomorrow". She responded "I'll remind you to bring an ugly christmas sweater tomorrow at 9". I responded "Move that reminder to 7am" and she shot back with"Okay, I'll remind you to bring an ugly christmas sweater tomorrow at 7".

I'm sure that context sensitivity has been available hit and miss before, but this was my most natural multi step interaction with Siri so far.

 

[ersan191]

How? What steps?

"Hey Siri, set an alarm for 10AM", "Hey Siri, set an alarm for 11AM"
-or-
Go to the Home app, long press on the homepod, click alarms in the bottom left.

 

[sidewinder3000]

"Hey Siri, set an alarm for 10AM", "Hey Siri, set an alarm for 11AM"
-or-
Go to the Home app, long press on the homepod, click alarms in the bottom left.

Your'e right! I guess I knew that. But I'd still like if they allowed different alarm sounds/songs. And if they overall made it much more useful as a bedroom speaker/alarm clock.

Also, the current multiple alarms only makes the lack of multiple timers even more inexplicable.

 

[itsamacthing]

The sooner people understand that Apple was NOT making and Echo or Home competitor the better. They just wanted to make a speaker with amazing sound, and they succeeded beyond anything Amazon or Google has
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HomePod was never designed to be a “smart speaker”. It was designed to give high end audio and most Siri features relate to music on this speaker

It's a good point, but it's exactly why it's failing ... i'm a shareholder, I don't want to see a fail

 

[The Game 161]

A few features people moaned about at the start

Looking forward to it continuing to improve