Apple’s iOS 11.4 Update Brings New Features to HomePod Speaker

The new iOS update comes with host of new features, both for iPhone as well as HomePod users.

Apple’s HomePod has been a strange mystery. The product has failed to hit all markets across the globe and Apple hasn’t really given a clear road-map for it. Changes are expected to be made but mostly at the software end, with iOS bearing the brunt of the device and its usability.

Which is why, as many iPhone users get iOS 11.4 update on their devices this week, HomePod users could finally see their money’s worth. The $349 (Rs 23,700) priced speaker is supposed to act smart with the help of Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, but it still misses out on essential features. Here’s what the iOS 11.4 update will look to offer.

The new update, rolling out ahead of Apple’s WWDC event in a week’s time, enables the HomePod speaker with AirPlay 2, that lets two HomePods (in different rooms) to sync together.

This software update introduces the most advanced, wireless multi-room audio system using AirPlay 2 to play music in any room from any room, move music from one room to another or play the same song everywhere using an iOS device, HomePod, Apple TV or by asking Siri

Apple 

HomePod has been lagging in terms of its feature-set, forcing consumers to look at other options in the high-end speaker segment. The device even ranks at third spot behind Amazon’s Echo and Google Home devices, which are definitely smarter than Apple’s version of the speaker.

Reviewers have highlighted that HomePod’s undoing has lot to do with its dependence on Siri.

Try accessing Siri on the HomePod, and before you even realise, your iPhone and iPad Siri will jump in and respond before HomePod does. 

These issues have plagued Apple and its focus on marketing the speaker but hopefully after the WWDC next week, where Siri is also set for a big overhaul, HomePod could make its mark.

In addition to feature support for HomePod, iOS 11.4 lets users sync their iMessages to iCloud. Messages in iCloud would use end-to-end encryption and use Cloud storage instead of local storage for message archives and attachments, the company clarified on how it works.