HomePod mini has hidden, unused temperature sensor
There is a temperature and humidity sensor that has been present in the HomePod mini since launch, but not used nor announced.
The hidden sensor in HomePod mini. (Source: Bloomberg)
Missed by all teardowns at the time of launch, the HomePod mini is now revealed to have a sensor that is presumably planned for future use. There are still no specific details of its function or limits, but it is reportedly a sensor that measures temperature and humidity.
According to Bloomberg with assistance from iFixit, Apple has internally discussed deploying the sensor to relay that data to other devices. Unspecified sources say that it could be used to assist internet-connected thermostats.
Similarly, readings from the sensor that isn't in a good location to determine component temperatures could be used to trigger HomeKit actions. Potentially, a user could set a HomeKit-enabled fan to turn on when the HomePod mini reports the room reaching a certain temperature.
The sensor is in the base of the HomePod mini, next to where the power supply cable enters the unit, and is about the size of a grain of rice. Apple has not commented on its existence, and its HomePod mini technical specs do not list its presence.
However, as with all Apple devices, those specifications do list environmental operating parameters. HomePod mini is intended to be used only between 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) and 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).
Similarly, it's intended only for use when the relative humidity is what Apple describes as "5% to 90% non-condensing."
Stay on top of all Apple news right from your HomePod. Say, "Hey, Siri, play AppleInsider," and you'll get latest AppleInsider Podcast. Or ask your HomePod mini for "AppleInsider Daily" instead and you'll hear a fast update direct from our news team. And, if you're interested in Apple-centric home automation, say "Hey, Siri, play HomeKit Insider," and you'll be listening to our newest specialized podcast in moments.
The hidden sensor in HomePod mini. (Source: Bloomberg)
Missed by all teardowns at the time of launch, the HomePod mini is now revealed to have a sensor that is presumably planned for future use. There are still no specific details of its function or limits, but it is reportedly a sensor that measures temperature and humidity.
According to Bloomberg with assistance from iFixit, Apple has internally discussed deploying the sensor to relay that data to other devices. Unspecified sources say that it could be used to assist internet-connected thermostats.
Similarly, readings from the sensor that isn't in a good location to determine component temperatures could be used to trigger HomeKit actions. Potentially, a user could set a HomeKit-enabled fan to turn on when the HomePod mini reports the room reaching a certain temperature.
The sensor is in the base of the HomePod mini, next to where the power supply cable enters the unit, and is about the size of a grain of rice. Apple has not commented on its existence, and its HomePod mini technical specs do not list its presence.
However, as with all Apple devices, those specifications do list environmental operating parameters. HomePod mini is intended to be used only between 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) and 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).
Similarly, it's intended only for use when the relative humidity is what Apple describes as "5% to 90% non-condensing."
Stay on top of all Apple news right from your HomePod. Say, "Hey, Siri, play AppleInsider," and you'll get latest AppleInsider Podcast. Or ask your HomePod mini for "AppleInsider Daily" instead and you'll hear a fast update direct from our news team. And, if you're interested in Apple-centric home automation, say "Hey, Siri, play HomeKit Insider," and you'll be listening to our newest specialized podcast in moments.
Comments
This is most likely for a future Homekit elements like smart thermostat, humidifier, space heater, air conditioner, etc.
It's also possible that these sensors are used to prevent the device from being operated outside of the temperature and humidity specifications. But since it's not hooked up, whatever it may be used for is a mystery.
In short order, AI will have the below linked story. It ties in perfectly with speculative uses of the sensor.
https://www.macrumors.com/2021/03/22/apple-speakers-with-screens-and-cameras-report/
In that rabbit hole, I noticed a cool little tidbit about one of the sensor's other abilities: The sensing element of the HDC2010 is placed on the bottom part of the device, which makes the HDC2010 more robust against dirt, dust, and other environmental contaminants. The capacitive based sensor includes new integrated digital features and a heating element to dissipate condensation and moisture. I see a future where this sensor is integrated into a lot of new HomeKit compatible devices.
I stopped there, because the rabbit hole seemed much deeper.
hope to see it soon.
About humidity and sound:
I don’t know how much that would affect sound. This is a very audiophile like argument. It may affect the sound .1% or something.
Also sound is more obvious at night when “noise traffic” is at its lowest. This is why if you walk into an empty restaurant you could hear the person at the counter clearly but try hearing them clearly at a peak time full of people. Sounds aren’t louder in Winter for example and again, if they are it’s such an insignificant amount.
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