Apple releases HomePod software update 14.1 with Intercom
Apple released the first HomePod software update based on iOS 14 on Tuesday, with version 14.1 bringing support for the HomePod mini and Intercom.
HomePod software version 14.1 is now available
Tuesday's update, HomePod software version 14.1, aligns with the other Apple operating systems. HomePod runs specialized software based on tvOS and does not have an open beta program.
Apple first teased HomePod software version 14 during WWDC with support for third-party music services like Spotify and HomeKit support for doorbell facial recognition. Apple then announced further updates for the HomePod mini and a new Intercom feature.
Stay on top of all Apple news right from your HomePod or HomePod mini. Say, "Hey, Siri, play AppleInsider Daily," and you'll get a fast update direct from the AppleInsider team.
HomePod software version 14.1 is now available
Tuesday's update, HomePod software version 14.1, aligns with the other Apple operating systems. HomePod runs specialized software based on tvOS and does not have an open beta program.
Apple first teased HomePod software version 14 during WWDC with support for third-party music services like Spotify and HomeKit support for doorbell facial recognition. Apple then announced further updates for the HomePod mini and a new Intercom feature.
Release Notes
Software version 14.1 includes support for HomePod mini and new Siri and Intercom features. This update also includes bug fixes and improvements.HomePod mini
- Setup and automatically transfer your Apple ID, Apple Music, Siri and Wi-Fi settings to HomePod mini
Siri
- Siri suggestions appear in Maps when you ask HomePod for information about a location
- Web search requests to HomePod can be sent from HomePod to your iPhone
- Siri can now stop alarms, timers, and media across HomePod speakers
- Voice recognition support for Podcasts for multiple users in the home
Intercom
- Ask HomePod to make announcements to other HomePod speakers throughout your home
- Intercom to all HomePod speakers
- Intercom to a HomePod in a specific room or zone
Other improvements and fixes
- Add music to your alarms and wake up to your personal song, playlist, or radio station from Apple Music
- Fixes an issue where stereo pairs can sometimes play out of sync
- Improves reliability when using Siri to control multiple speakers
- Optimizes Siri performance
Stay on top of all Apple news right from your HomePod or HomePod mini. Say, "Hey, Siri, play AppleInsider Daily," and you'll get a fast update direct from the AppleInsider team.
Comments
…not
Not the first time they made that claim.
The good news is I've not run into this with my HomePods, despite daily use as my ATV speakers. Had some issues with YouTube in the past, but that app seems to be working better in 14.
Restarted iPhone, just in case. Still no update. 13.4.8 is the 'up to date.'
Between the fiddly software, the lack of ease with third party audio apps (such as SirusXM, and the insane incompatibility (no stereo!!? Really!!?) with my brand new MacBook Pro, regretting ever buying these things.
On edit: Fun new twist! Home app thinks I am on a different WiFi from the HomePods. (I'm not).
Didn't work. Third party music apps such as Sirius/XM still often sound like when you partially pull a headphone jack out and it sounds echoey.
Other than restarting the HomePods, I have found opening the Apple Music app sometimes fixes it.