Home app gets HomePod timer controls in iOS 14.7 beta

The latest iOS 14.7 beta enables HomePod users to set timers from the Home app, a function previously restricted to voice instructions through Siri.

Timers have always been a sticking point with HomePod. When the product first launched, Apple failed to include an option to set multiple timers simultaneously. The company added the feature in a software update in 2018, but has until now left timers untouched.

Wednesday's iOS 14.7 beta release includes a new option in the Home app that allows users to manually set timers without interacting with Siri. Located alongside HomePod alarm settings, the function includes the ability to assign timer labels, view countdowns and cancel timers.

Like the timer in Clock on iOS, users can set a HomePod's timer to count down hours, minutes and seconds. Countdowns should also be available through Siri on HomePod.

HomePod will require an update for the new Home app-based timer to work.

9to5Mac spotted the addition earlier today.

Beyond manual timer control for HomePod, iOS 14.7 is devoid of major features, suggesting the update will likely include bug fixes and performance improvements. The seemingly minor point update is curious considering Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference is only two weeks away.

14 Comments

MacPro 19838 comments · 18 Years

About 3 years ago

I've always liked the HomePods alarm abilities when having to get up early for a flight. The sound they make is not jarring and yet never fails to get me up and going. I welcome additional HomePod timer features and look forward to trying them. However, in my case, I'd like my HomePods to perform their basic functions correctly again first.

Am I alone in this? Since the last TVOS and iOS updates, my HomePods are not staying paired nor selected as output. Their only purpose in my setup is to be the AppleTV's sound output. Since I got them this has worked really well and I love the audio quality I get.

Now, every time I fire up the ATV they are neither paired nor the 'default' output anymore despite being selected as such in the ATV video/audio settings. Instead, the ATV outputs to the TV's internal speakers system, and the HomePods are no longer a pair in the ATVs menu until they are reselected.

I have reset the HomePods from scratch twice. I have restarted the Apple TV. I'll reboot the Router next but I am running out of ideas. Am I missing something? I have not done a factory reset on the ATV as of yet as I fear losing all my favorites and watch lists. I wonder about the Home app and if it has somehow been added into the mix and I have something I am not doing right. I can't believe this is a bug or the blogs would be inundated.

crowley 10431 comments · 15 Years

About 3 years ago

iOS next please. The lack of multiple timers is a major annoyance when I'm trying to cook.

MacPro 19838 comments · 18 Years

About 3 years ago

crowley said:

iOS next please. The lack of multiple timers is a major annoyance when I'm trying to cook.

I agree, I cook 90% of the meals, my wife makes sandwiches lol. I'd like multiple timers all with a user selection of alarm sounds. Heck, why not self-recorded audio alarms for each? "Potatoes are Ready", "Take the beef's temperature now".

crowley 10431 comments · 15 Years

About 3 years ago

MacPro said:

crowley said:

iOS next please. The lack of multiple timers is a major annoyance when I'm trying to cook.

I agree, I cook 90% of the meals, my wife makes sandwiches lol. I'd like multiple timers all with a user selection of alarm sounds. Heck, why not self-recorded audio alarms for each? "Potatoes are Ready", "Take the beef's temperature now".

That'd be cool. It's really the Siri integration I want, there are already apps out there for multiple timers, but none of them (that I've found) work with Siri how I'd like.

"Hey Siri, tell me potatoes are ready in 30 minutes and to start the salad in 15"
... 15 minutes later ...
"Start the salad"
... another 15 minutes later ...
"Potatoes are ready"

StrangeDays 12959 comments · 8 Years

About 3 years ago

MacPro said:

I've always liked the HomePods alarm abilities when having to get up early for a flight. The sound they make is not jarring and yet never fails to get me up and going. I welcome additional HomePod timer features and look forward to trying them. However, in my case, I'd like my HomePods to perform their basic functions correctly again first.

Am I alone in this? Since the last TVOS and iOS updates, my HomePods are not staying paired nor selected as output. Their only purpose in my setup is to be the AppleTV's sound output. Since I got them this has worked really well and I love the audio quality I get.

Now, every time I fire up the ATV they are neither paired nor the 'default' output anymore despite being selected as such in the ATV video/audio settings. Instead, the ATV outputs to the TV's internal speakers system, and the HomePods are no longer a pair in the ATVs menu until they are reselected.

I have reset the HomePods from scratch twice. I have restarted the Apple TV. I'll reboot the Router next but I am running out of ideas. Am I missing something? I have not done a factory reset on the ATV as of yet as I fear losing all my favorites and watch lists. I wonder about the Home app and if it has somehow been added into the mix and I have something I am not doing right. I can't believe this is a bug or the blogs would be inundated.

I haven’t had much problem with my HPs remaining selected as the target audio endpoint on my ATV across sessions. The only thing that ever seems to deselect it is when I use the HPs as an endpoint for another device.

As for things to try, before resetting the ATV, try signing out of it, restarting, then signing back in. I read the HomeKit stuff was linked to your Apple ID and this could help. It seemed to when I had issues a couple years back.