iOS 12 brings phone function, multiple timers and more> Macerkopf

With the HomePod, Apple introduced its speaker in Germany a few weeks ago. The manufacturer positions it primarily as a "high quality" speaker. In fact, the device left a very good acoustic impression in our HomePod test. In particular, a stereo pair seems impressive. In terms of Siri, however, there is still room for improvement. Of course, Siri is already working on the speaker, but we hope that the functionality is significantly improved. With iOS 12, Apple will take a big step in the right direction.

HomePod: iOS 12 brings many new features

Apple will launch iOS 12 this fall. At the same time, the Cupertino manufacturer will release the HomePod 12 software. According to a recent report, the next major HomePod update will be responsible for several welcome innovations.

iGeneration reports that Apple is testing HomePod Software 12 and distributing a private beta to Apple employees. Significant improvements have already been implemented in the beta, which should be available to all from the fall. Among others, there is a phone function, Find My iPhone and the ability to set several timers.

Currently, you can use the HomePod as an extended arm for the iPhone. You must initiate the call via the iPhone, then "redirect" the audio output to the HomePod. Currently, the HomePod does not know your contacts or does not have access to your address book. This will change soon and with the HomePod Software 12 in combination with iOS 12. In addition, you can not currently receive incoming calls with the HomePod, but you have to reach for the iPhone. This too will change in the future. In addition, the answering machine can be called via the HomePod and the call list can be accessed. In addition, participation in FaceTime audio conversations will be badured in the future.

Like other Apple platforms, HomePod OS 12 will support Find my iPhone, so you can ask Siri where to go. your iPhone is located. You can also play a sound on the HomePod on the iPhone, so you can better find the device.

About the Home App, there will soon be a kind of button "Force Fix Wifi". If you click on it, the HomePod connects to the same Wifi network as the one to which the iPhone is connected. This was not possible until now (except with a reset). Currently, it is not possible to read to which Wifi network the HomePod is connected.

Fortunately, there will be the ability to set multiple timers via the HomePod in the future. This feature should also reach the iPhone and Co. So you can, for example, set a 60-minute timer for the cake in the oven and at the same time a 30-minute timer to ventilate the room. New translation options are also included in the HomePod. With iOS 12, Apple has introduced many pairs of translations. These also reach the HomePod. For example, you can translate texts from German to French

HomePod soon to Spain?

Finally, there are indications that the HomePod will soon be introduced in other countries. It turns out with the iOS 12 beta translations in Spanish. Thus, the HomePod can then be introduced in Spain and Spanish-speaking countries.

The above features are definitely an badet for the HomePod Please note that there is a beta version to date. It may be that not all functions are introduced in the fall and later reach the HomePod.