HomePod 15.2 brings Apple Music voice packs, two new languages
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Apple has released HomePod 15.2 software, which complements the Apple Music Voice Pack. In addition, the update also adds Dutch and Russian languages for the HomePod siri.
The release of iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, watchOS 8.3, tvOS 15.2 along with HomePod 15.2 software. Siri on iOS is available in a variety of languages, but on HomePod, siri only works in the native languages of that country - in regions where the product is officially available. The introduction of support for Dutch and Russian languages suggests that HomePod mini could be launched in Russia and the Netherlands soon.
Get the latest updates for your HomePod.
Your HomePod will automatically receive the latest program updates if it is connected to the internet. However, if automatic updates are disabled, you can manually search for updates. You'll have to use an iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Mac to update your HomePod. Here's how you can update your HomePod to the latest 15.2:
- First check if your device is updated to the latest iOS, iPadOS or macOS
- Open the Home app
- Click the Home button
- Click on Home Screen Settings
- Go to Software Update.
- Select your HomePod to update. It will also indicate whether your HomePod is up to date.
HomePod is Apple's first product in the smart speaker market with Siri virtual assistant to compete with Amazon's Echo speaker and AI Alexa - which was a bright spot that Amazon hit in 2017.
Apple's HomePod has a white version and a mysterious black version, surrounding the speaker is covered with a soft but very strong 3D mesh fabric, which minimizes damage when the speaker is dropped, bumped... However point This gum also has its disadvantage that it is easy to tear when in contact with sharp objects or the teeth / nails of domestic animals and pets. In short, we can see that this speaker is designed to be compact, delicate, elegant but still retains the simplicity of Apple.
On top is a touch panel that acts as a portal for Siri, appearing as dynamic swirls of color as it hears your commands and reacts to them.
This touch panel is only limited to a few tasks such as playing / pausing music, increasing / decreasing the volume, calling Siri and resetting the speaker's configuration.
Underneath this HomePod is a cable that is covered with a few sturdy, sturdy umbrellas, whose job is to provide continuous power to the speaker, but it does not have a battery. There is a disadvantage that this cable is fixed and cannot be disassembled, so it is difficult to replace, if it is damaged, it is considered dead as the speaker.
The surface below is printed with the Apple logo and made of a hard rubber material that helps the speaker stand fixed and difficult to move once we have put it down. But it is still recommended that you put the speaker on a firm flat surface, not on sloping or convex surfaces, this also greatly affects the sound quality of the speaker.
Although it looks compact on the outside, the Apple HomePod will also take up a decent amount of space on your desk or elsewhere, it's up to you. And it is also quite heavy, very comfortable to hold because it is packed with a lot of things and integrates a lot of technologies inside (Apple A8 Chip / Hi-Excursion Woofer / 6-Microphone Array / 7-Tweeter Array / Seamless Mesh Fabric ).
In short, in terms of design. Apple's Homepod speaker maintains a balance between luxury and modernity, just keep it away from pets, especially cats because you won't like their claws gliding over the speaker's fabric mesh.
Siri is the driving force behind this HomePod speaker's capabilities. Apple allows Siri to listen and act with the keyword "Hey Siri!", the same way it's done on its other devices. It must be bitterly admitted that Siri is also good, but still not as good as Amazon's Alexa AI or Google Home speaker's Google Assistant. But luckily, it still saved a little that Siri still recognized his voice, even when there was some music playing in the background.
You can ask Siri all sorts of questions and commands, like what weather will happen on a particular day or ask to perform math conversions or a few simple questions. For the most part, Siri provides relevant and suggestive answers. Since connecting the Homepod to your iPhone, Siri can also read text messages, which is helpful. For now, however, the feature has an important flaw: anyone, including strangers, can ask her to do it (just say the "Hey Siri!" mantra).
The problem with the HomePod is that it shares the same Siri source code, whose learning algorithms must build over time when syncing Apple devices, and isn't smarter than competitors like Alexa or Google Assistant. Currently, Apple's support is in third place. But at least, the core functions are there - Siri just needs to be extended to achieve the same level of satisfaction we get from our contemporaries.
The first standout with the HomePod's sonic performance is the power behind its bass-based vibrations.
At the highest volume, there is no distortion or glare, although the bass seems to be reduced at this level. Instead, it's most common between 50% - 75% volume levels. Even beyond that, we were impressed by the fullness of the audio output. The deep bass rumble complements the mids and highs, rich and clear at all volume levels.
Apple introduces the incredible technology behind the HomePod speaker, with the A8 chip analyzing the Homepod's surroundings for the ultimate audio experience. Whether it's lying on a table in the middle of an open room or tucked away in an unseen corner, the Homepod adjusts its power to intelligently adapt to the conditions.
In my personal opinion, the sound quality of the Homepod speaker is slightly better than the Google Home Max and perhaps the Amazon Echo Dot will be a worthy competitor (only compared with smart speakers, but compared to specialized speakers). music like JBL, Bose, Ditton, Jamo... then...). It can be said that the introduction of the Apple Homepod is not yet a strong competitor in the smart speaker world, but it will be a formidable opponent in the future.
Once plugged into a power outlet, the speaker comes to life with bright light emanating from the touch screen.
All you need to do is put your Apple device (iPhone, iPad, Macbook…) near the speaker and your device will automatically show up in the settings panel and after just a few simple steps boom, Done (note that the device must use the latest operating system, or maybe lower, but don't be too low because I haven't tried it yet).
In addition, the famous Hand-off feature from the iOS 8 era has also appeared on the HomePod, allowing users to directly transfer the song that is open on iPhone and iPad to play on this smart speaker.
Perhaps, the most notable news about Apple's HomePod smart speaker since its launch in February last year was Apple's decision to cut the price of this product by $50 after only 14 months. Fortunately, this speaker has not been completely "forgotten", because the upcoming iOS 13 operating system will bring a few attractive new features to this speaker.
When announcing the iPhone XS and XR, Apple added the ability to search for songs based on the lyrics of the song, make and answer calls right on the HomePod, and most importantly, perhaps, the ability to set more than an hour alarm wake up on this speaker. And now, Apple will add the ability to identify who is talking to this HomePod so that it can respond accordingly. The HomePod can also choose music, schedule notifications, and personalized reminders.
And yet, HomePod will support handoff feature from iPhone, so you can play a song on your phone and place it near HomePod to switch the song playing on iPhone speakers to playing on HomePod smart speakers. Apple will release the beta version of iOS 13 to developers this week, and is expected to announce a new version of the operating system to everyone this fall.