An open Apple HomePod mini that shows the hidden temperature and humidity sensor.
Source: iFixit; Magnified by Bloomberg
Source: iFixit; Magnified by Bloomberg
Apple Inc. HomePod Mini Speaker launched last November with new features such as a home intercom system. But part of the device has been kept secret: a sensor that measures temperature and humidity.
The technology giant based in Cupertino, California, never revealed this component and currently the device does not have consumer-oriented features that use it. The company has debated internally about using the sensor to determine the temperature and humidity of a room, so that thermostats connected to the Internet can adjust different parts of the home based on current conditions, according to people familiar with the situation. The hardware may also allow the HomePod mini to automatically activate other actions, such as turning a fan on or off, depending on the temperature.
Texas Instruments Temperature and Humidity Sensor for a Mini HomePod.
Source: iFixit; Magnified by Bloomberg
If Apple finally enables the sensor, it would bolster a smart home strategy that has sometimes lacked focus and left behind those of rivals. The latest Echo speakers from Amazon.com Inc. they have temperature sensors, while Google’s Nest sells sensors that can be placed in homes and connected to their thermostats to adjust the temperature in each room.
The new capabilities would be a big help for an Apple software system called HomeKit that controls thermostats, lights, locks, plugs, and other household devices. HomeKit works with fewer gadgets than similar programs from Amazon and Google and Apple does not manufacture its own smart hardware beyond the HomePod and Apple TV transmission box. However, there are about 40 thermostats on the Apple website that are HomeKit compatible.
Comparison of size of the temperature sensor and an SD card.
Source: iFixit
The sensor, which measures 1.5 by 1.5 millimeters, is buried at the bottom edge of the HomePod mini’s plastic-wrapped plastic case near the power cord. IFixit confirmed the location of the component, which separated one of the speakers after an investigation by Bloomberg News. The sensor is manufactured by Texas Instruments Inc. and is called the HDC2010 digital humidity and temperature sensor, according to TechInsights, a company that analyzes electronics components.
The piece is located relatively far from the main internal components of the device, that is, it is designed to measure the external environment instead of the temperature of the other electronics of the speaker. Many mobile devices include sensors that can activate the device to slow down performance or disable features to stop overheating of components.
The other side of the sensor.
Source: iFixit
While rare, this isn’t the first time Apple has introduced inactive technology to its devices. The 2008 iPod touch had a Bluetooth chip, but compatibility with Bluetooth connectivity was activated the following year using software. Apple usually releases major HomePod software updates annually in the fall. It’s unclear if Apple will activate the temperature sensor or when, but its presence in already sold HomePod mini units suggests that this is only a matter of time. An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment.
Apple did not have a serious offer in the smart home market until 2018 with the original HomePod. This device was discontinued recently after poor sales. Some company makers worry that it may be too late for Apple to enter the industry with force, especially because it focuses on other new categories, such as virtual and augmented reality headphones and autonomous electric cars. Others believe the company may take their time and customers will be interested.
Apple’s mini HomePod speaker is introduced during the launch of a virtual product.
Photographer: Daniel Acker / Bloomberg
Some experts explain the lack of progress so far at home on Siri, Apple’s voice recognition service that, despite improving, is still considered behind Google’s Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa. Whatever the reason, so far no unifying strategy has emerged, said one of the people who knew the situation. People asked not to identify themselves by discussing sensitive issues. This comes after Apple tried to renew its efforts at smart home a new team that began forming in 2019.
Apple continues to eliminate this opportunity through individual device updates. Before suspending the larger HomePod, the company had been working on an updated version for its launch in 2022. It has also been developing new speakers with screens and cameras, but this release is not imminent. Apple is also working on an update to the Apple TV decoder. Until that time comes, Apple will probably try to unlock most of the features of the HomePod mini.