Yes, Apple brought back the full-sized HomePod smart speaker in Jan. 2023 and also rolled out two new features to the already jam-packed HomePod Mini in the same swoop. Now, the Cupertino-based tech giant is delivering another feature, and this one can be pretty essential.
The HomePod second-generation, as well as first-generation and the HomePod Mini, can now detect if a smoke detector or carbon monoxide alarm is going off through “Sound Recognition.” It also comes at the same time as you can score a certified refurbished HomePod Mini for the lowest price we’ve seen all year: just $64.99, which is a full $34 off the MSRP and you can get a pick of color.
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HomePod Mini, Certified Refurbished ($64.99, originally $99.99 at eBay)
I’ve long said it, and I stand by it, but if you have an iPhone a HomePod Mini is the ideal smart speaker thanks to it’s deep integration, smart home chops, and ability to fill a room with clear, vibrant music.
At just $64.99 for a certified refurbished unit in your choice of the five shades, it’s an even better deal. Plus, if you already have one and have been wanting to expand your setup with another, it is an excellent time. Additionally, if you prefer a brand-new unit you can get a HomePod Mini in any of the five shades for $94.99, from $99, at B&H Photo.
The HomePod Mini is about the size of an Apple—the fruit, not the tech giant—, only requires one plug for power, and gives you instant access to Siri. This eBay deal notes that the condition is excellent and that the speaker itself should look like, operate as a brand new one. It’s available in Space Gray, white, yellow, orange, or blue.
You’ll set it up via your iPhone in mere minutes and can ask the assistant for really anything. What’s on your calendar for the day, to send a message, for a joke, and even for a news update.
With a full range-drive, dual passive-radiators, and a waveguide that pushed audio out in a full 360-degrees, the HomePod Mini packs a big punch with audio. For its sheer size it can produce clear, vibrant playback with a wide soundstage and a surprising amount of bass. You can ask Siri to playback your favorite tracks through Apple Music and other services as well. For a more robust audio experience, you can pair two HomePod Minis together for Stereo playback or consider the second-generation HomePod.
Back in Jan, Apple turned on the temperature and humidity sensors that had been inside the entry-level smart speaker all-along. Instantly giving the Mini more smart home functionality as you can use it as a sensor. Essentially, if the HomePod Mini in the kitchen hits a certain temperature you can have it turn on the smart thermostat. Or if the humidity rises to a level, it can start the connected humidifier. Pretty handy and it provides more value from a single device.
Now, they’re rolling out another smart home feature and it’s pretty essential.
Apple’s HomePod and HomePod Mini Can Now Alert If An Alarm Is Going Off
Via an update that is rolling out now, April 18, the HomePod and HomePod Mini can now alert you if a smoke detector or carbon monoxide alarm is going off. This can be pretty essential if you’re not home and provides a lot of peace of mind. You can expect the first and second-generation HomePod as well as the HomePod Mini to show this feature later today.
Essentially, either smart speaker will be listening for the alarm and if it goes off, it will send a notification via the Home app to your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. You’ll need to be a member of the Home for where the alert is going off. There will also be a banner displayed at the top of the Home app, notifying you of which HomePod or HomePod Mini detected the sound.
You’ll be able to listen in through the HomePod to hear what is going on and for privacy the speaker will announce that someone is checking in. Additionally, if you have a security camera setup in the Apple Home, in the same room where the alarm is coming from, it will include a live feed of this.
The HomePod or HomePod Minis work by listening for the alarm and the processing all occurs on device and isn’t transmitted elsewhere. Similarly, if you check-in via audio or through a camera via video, it is end-to-end encrypted.
How to Enable Sound Recognition on the HomePod or HomePod Mini
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You’ll first navigate to the Home app on your iPhone and tap the three-dots in the top left corner to select “Home Settings.” Once that opens, you’ll see another option called “Safety and Security” near the usual list of categories like “Home Hubs & Bridges,” “Intercom,” or “Speakers & TV.”
Select “Safety & Security” and you’ll be walked through the process of turning on “Sound Recognition” for HomePod and HomePod Mini. You can choose to enable it all on HomePods or on specific ones.
Let’s Recap Sound Recognition on HomePod and HomePod Mini
Sound Recognition really provides peace of mind and is hopefully something you can enable and forget about it. It makes either the HomePod or HomePod Mini more essential, as they can alert in the time of a potential emergency. It can also save you from having to upgrade your smoke detector or carbon monoxide alarm to a smart home version.
Apple (AAPL) isn’t the first smart speaker to offer this alerting functionality, though. Amazon’s Echo smart speakers, including the $99 4th Gen Echo and $49.99 Echo Dot 5th Gen, both support Alexa Guard. When it’s enabled it can alert and notify if a smoke detector or carbon monoxide alarm goes off, as well as the sound of breaking glass. Similarly, Google’s Nest smart speakers and displays offer similar functionality.
This does further bolster the second-generation HomePod and Mini’s smart home functionality. Alongside this sound detection, it features temperature and humidity sensors and acts as a smart home hub. This is key for getting smart home devices online and keeping them connected, plus it’s ready for the Matter standard with Thread connectivity.
Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.
