It's easier than you think. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Are you constantly being ignored by the HomePod that’s closest to you when asking Siri for assistance? Sadly, Apple doesn’t make it completely obvious how to manually specify which HomePod listens to you when you’re using more than one. But it is possible — and super-simple.
The big story for Apple in 2020, was, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: Elena Mozhvilo/Unsplash
In spite of a devastating pandemic, a moribund economy, widespread unemployment, factory and store closures, and a workforce toiling from home, Apple in 2020 had one of its best years ever.
The company released a raft of new products, saw its stock soar, enjoyed a record valuation, made record amounts of money, experimented with virtual product launches and events, released great advertising, and mostly skated through government antitrust hearings.
The company even killed off a hated product feature, to widespread plaudits from fans.
HomePod owners can install an update to Software Version 14.2.1. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Both sizes of Apple’s smart speaker got an update to HomePod Software Version 14.2.1 on Monday. The new system software promises just general improvements. It’s not yet known if that includes squashing a reported bug in Wi-Fi connectivity for the HomePod mini.
Did you know that you can transfer your music from iPhone to HomePod — and vice-versa — in just a tap? It’s quick and simple and works amazingly well, and we’ll show you how to set it up.
Bring an unresponsive HomePod back to life. Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac
Many of the glitches and frustrations you might encounter with HomePod and HomePod mini can usually be fixed with a simple factory reset. It’s easy to do and doesn’t take long, but Apple doesn’t make it immediately obvious how a reset is performed. So we’ll show you what you need to do.
Apple on Wednesday dropped its first holiday ad of 2020, featuring HomePod mini and rapper Tierra Whack. The two-minute video, titled “The magic of mini,” focuses on the speaker’s impressive sound quality.
We hope you didn't want HomePod mini for the holidays. Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
If you haven’t already ordered a HomePod mini and you live in Europe, your chances of getting one ahead of the holidays look incredibly slim. Shipping times have now slipped to early January on the Apple Store.
HomePod mini offers a smaller and cheaper Apple smart speaker experience. Photo: Apple
Some HomePod mini owners are encountering Wi-Fi connectivity problems that there appears to be no fix for.
Early adopters of Apple’s newest smart speaker report that Siri often says there is no internet connection, despite no issues on other devices. The only workaround is a temporary one.
So many Apple products, so little time ... Cover: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac
With so much new Apple hardware arriving on doorsteps around the world, it’s like Christmas in November. That makes it a target-rich environment for reviews.
Our fearless leader Leander Kahney went nuts reviewing everything he could get his hands on this week. Grab the free mag to read on your iPad or iPhone. Or view the stories at the links below.