HomePod mini updated with new Handoff experience in OS version 14.4

Apple has released a new HomePod and HomePod mini software update with a version number of 14.4 and a new Handoff experience for HomePod mini.

The HomePod and HomePod mini run a specialized version of tvOS and receive updates sporadically when compared to Apple's other operating systems. Updates generally include bug fixes and improvements for features attached to the larger ecosystem.

The last HomePod software update was for version 14.3 which was another bug fix update.

HomePod Software Version 14.4 includes:

Software version 14.4 includes bug fixes and the following new features with an Ultra Wideband (U1) equipped iPhone.
Hand off music with visual, audible, and haptic effects from iPhone to HomePod mini
Get personalized listening suggestions on iPhone when it is next to HomePod mini
Media controls automatically appear without having to unlock iPhone when it is close to HomePod mini

The last major update was for HomePod OS 14.1 which included support for HomePod mini and new features like Intercom. The updates normally skip numbers to match whatever current iOS or tvOS version is currently available.

The HomePod mini released in November for $100 and features the same Siri interactions and great sound associated with the original HomePod. AppleInsider reviewed the HomePod mini and gave it 4.5 out of 5.

6 Comments

Blackbox77 1 comment · 3 Years

About 3 years ago

Unfortunately, until it has a comparable feature to Echo's Drop In, getting a HomePod will probably never happen in my house. Intercom as it stands just doesn't cut it.

StrangeDays 12959 comments · 8 Years

Blackbox77 said:

Unfortunately, until it has a comparable feature to Echo's Drop In, getting a HomePod will probably never happen in my house. Intercom as it stands just doesn't cut it.

How are the two features different?

MacQuadra840av 207 comments · 4 Years

StrangeDays said:

Blackbox77 said:

Unfortunately, until it has a comparable feature to Echo's Drop In, getting a HomePod will probably never happen in my house. Intercom as it stands just doesn't cut it.

How are the two features different?

Echo's 'Drop In' is a real intercom. A live conversation between the two rooms. Apple's 'intercom' is a person recording a message and it playing back on the other speaker. That is not an intercom. That is a 1980s answering machine.

the impoved HomePod mini Handoff is cool. As the phone nears the HPm it pulse-vibrates the closer it gets. Move quickly right to it and it does a different vibration and hands off right away. Sort of like a "peek & pop".

After connecting if your phone is near the HPm it displays the music player UI on the lock screen. Cool.

jcs2305 1341 comments · 11 Years

MacQuadra840av said:

StrangeDays said:

Blackbox77 said:

Unfortunately, until it has a comparable feature to Echo's Drop In, getting a HomePod will probably never happen in my house. Intercom as it stands just doesn't cut it.

How are the two features different?

Echo's 'Drop In' is a real intercom. A live conversation between the two rooms. Apple's 'intercom' is a person recording a message and it playing back on the other speaker. That is not an intercom. That is a 1980s answering machine.

Maybe Apple implemented intercom this way for the sake of privacy? I don't own Alexa products but I recall seeing how these devices can be used to eavesdrop once you say ok to allow drop in there is only a little beep and a green ring around the device. This can be missed if you aren't looking at it, or you are distracted or maybe have headphones on?

Again I don't own any of these so I can't confirm ..

https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2018/01/05/amazon-echo-drop-in-feature-prompts-fears-of-easy-eavesdropping/

https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/2-wants-to-know/alexas-drop-in-feature-makes-eavesdropping-easy/83-528254751

Intercom will send out messages to speakers and devices right away and you can choose to answer by invoking Siri and sending an answer.