Apple HomePod gets intercom and other new features with an update

Posted on by Prakhar Khanna

Apple is rolling out a new update to its HomePod. The HomePod Software 14.1 brings intercom functionality and several other updates to its smart speaker. It is being made available one month before the launch of HomePod Mini. If you have more than one HomePod, the new update allows the speakers to work as an intercom system that sends announcements to other HomePods in the house.  You can send messages to specific rooms or zones on your network.

To use Intercom, HomePod owners with multiple devices can say things like:
“Hey Siri, Intercom, Has anyone seen my glasses?”
“Hey Siri, tell everyone, Dinner is ready.”
“Hey Siri, Intercom to the kitchen, Has the game started?”
And to reply, users can say something like “Hey Siri, reply, Yes.”

However, TechCrunch reports that the intercom’s expanded support for other devices isn’t being rolled out today. Instead, it will arrive through further software updates later this year.

The HomePod Software 14.1 also brings new features that were announced alongside the launch of HomePod Mini, which includes the ability to stop alarms, timers, and media across devices. Plus, if you ask HomePod about a location, Siri suggestions will now appear in Maps, and these search results can be sent from the HomePod to your iPhone. Further, Podcasts are getting voice recognition support for multiple users as well. 

You can now also ask your Apple HomePod to search the web, which then sends results to the iPhone. Other features arriving later this year include the ability to connect one HomePods to Apple TV 4K for stereo, 5.1 and 7.1 surrounds, and Dolby Atmos for movies, TV, games, and more.

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Apple Card’s interest-free financing plans now available for iPad, Mac, AirPods, and more

Posted on by Lee Kelly

Apple’s interest-free financing plans for iPhone purchases made using an Apple Card were introduced last year. The company is now expanding the initiative to a wider range of products that include, Macs, iPad, XDR Display, Apple TV, HomePod, AirPods, and a wide range of accessories.

If you are purchasing a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, iMac Pro, Mac Pro, and Mac mini, you can avail a 12-month, 0% interest plan with an Apple Card. For an Apple TV, HomePod, and AirPods, the tenure for installments is reduced to six-months. Surprisingly, you can pay for accessories over a period of 12-months.

Accessories that are eligible for a zero fee installment plan for Apple Card-holders are:

  • Apple Pencil
  • iPad Keyboard
  • Pro Stand, VESA Mount Adapter
  • Apple Afterburner Card
  • Apple Branded iPad Cover
  • Apple Branded Mac Cover

As for the other benefits of using an Apple Card, buyers get 3% cashback on the purchase price of their new Apple product upfront, and that amount is immediately transferred to the Apple Cash card in the Wallet app.

Source: Apple

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Apple HomePod goes official in India with a price tag cheaper than the US

Posted on by Prakhar Khanna

Apple announced the HomePod earlier this year. Now, the device has been launched in India. However, as the country is still under a nation-wide lockdown, you can’t purchase it yet.

The Apple HomePod costs Rs 19,900 in India (~$262), which is $37 than its asking price in the States.

This comes as a surprise since Apple hardware generally carry a heavy markup in India.

As of now, the only product that is up against Apple’s offering is Amazon‘s Echo Studio, which costs Rs 22,999 (~$305) in the country.

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