Home app gets HomePod timer controls in iOS 14.7 beta
The latest iOS 14.7 beta enables HomePod users to set timers from the Home app, a function previously restricted to voice instructions through Siri.
Timers have always been a sticking point with HomePod. When the product first launched, Apple failed to include an option to set multiple timers simultaneously. The company added the feature in a software update in 2018, but has until now left timers untouched.
Wednesday's iOS 14.7 beta release includes a new option in the Home app that allows users to manually set timers without interacting with Siri. Located alongside HomePod alarm settings, the function includes the ability to assign timer labels, view countdowns and cancel timers.
Like the timer in Clock on iOS, users can set a HomePod's timer to count down hours, minutes and seconds. Countdowns should also be available through Siri on HomePod.
HomePod will require an update for the new Home app-based timer to work.
9to5Mac spotted the addition earlier today.
Beyond manual timer control for HomePod, iOS 14.7 is devoid of major features, suggesting the update will likely include bug fixes and performance improvements. The seemingly minor point update is curious considering Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference is only two weeks away.
Timers have always been a sticking point with HomePod. When the product first launched, Apple failed to include an option to set multiple timers simultaneously. The company added the feature in a software update in 2018, but has until now left timers untouched.
Wednesday's iOS 14.7 beta release includes a new option in the Home app that allows users to manually set timers without interacting with Siri. Located alongside HomePod alarm settings, the function includes the ability to assign timer labels, view countdowns and cancel timers.
Like the timer in Clock on iOS, users can set a HomePod's timer to count down hours, minutes and seconds. Countdowns should also be available through Siri on HomePod.
HomePod will require an update for the new Home app-based timer to work.
9to5Mac spotted the addition earlier today.
Beyond manual timer control for HomePod, iOS 14.7 is devoid of major features, suggesting the update will likely include bug fixes and performance improvements. The seemingly minor point update is curious considering Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference is only two weeks away.
Comments
Am I alone in this? Since the last TVOS and iOS updates, my HomePods are not staying paired nor selected as output. Their only purpose in my setup is to be the AppleTV's sound output. Since I got them this has worked really well and I love the audio quality I get.
Now, every time I fire up the ATV they are neither paired nor the 'default' output anymore despite being selected as such in the ATV video/audio settings. Instead, the ATV outputs to the TV's internal speakers system, and the HomePods are no longer a pair in the ATVs menu until they are reselected.
I have reset the HomePods from scratch twice. I have restarted the Apple TV. I'll reboot the Router next but I am running out of ideas. Am I missing something? I have not done a factory reset on the ATV as of yet as I fear losing all my favorites and watch lists. I wonder about the Home app and if it has somehow been added into the mix and I have something I am not doing right. I can't believe this is a bug or the blogs would be inundated.
"Hey Siri, tell me potatoes are ready in 30 minutes and to start the salad in 15"
... 15 minutes later ...
"Start the salad"
... another 15 minutes later ...
"Potatoes are ready"
As for things to try, before resetting the ATV, try signing out of it, restarting, then signing back in. I read the HomeKit stuff was linked to your Apple ID and this could help. It seemed to when I had issues a couple years back.
I actually had to try out your example, setting the "hot dog" and the "pasta" timer. My wife asked, "When did you start eating hot dogs?" and a minute later "You're making pasta?"