During the presentation of WWDC21 in June, Apple hardly mentioned tvOS 15. And if Apple TV software was almost forgotten, what could we say about HomePod 15, which is a variation of the tvOS operating system?
Fortunately, with the Release Candidate version of HomePod 15, we can confirm everything that will come to Apple’s smart speakers from next week.
This update, or “software version 15,” as Apple calls it, will be available for both HomePod and HomePod mini. Apart from bug fixes and stability improvements, here are the news:
- Select a single or a pair of HomePod mini as the default speakers for your Apple TV 4k for a rich, room-filling sound and clear dialogue.
- Media playback controls automatically appear on the iPhone lock screen when a HomePod mini
- playing music is close by
- Set a lower bass level to enjoy the music without disturbing the neighbors
- Ask Siri to turn on the Apple TV, start playing a favorite movie, and control playback while watching
- Siri automatically adjusts its speech level based on the room environment and the user’s volume
- Ask Siri to control smart home devices at a specific time, such as turning off lights in 10 minutes
- Extend HomePod access to your entire home by enabling Siri voice control on HomeKit compatible accessories
- Support for package detection with HomeKit Secure Video
Unfortunately, one of the things that was tested with a select number of users during this beta was Lossless and Dolby Atmos with spatial audio support, but it didn’t make the cut and, according to the release notes, Apple will not include these features with HomePod Software version 15.
Still, the company promises to support these two technologies this year, so we’ll have to wait for a 15.1 update.
What do you think about this update? Tell us in the comments section below.
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