Apple has made an exciting announcement for HomePod mini users, activating a previously dormant temperature and humidity sensor in the smart speaker.
This feature, which was originally reported by Bloomberg almost two years ago, had been sitting unused inside the HomePod mini but is now being activated through a software update.
The sensor will turn the HomePod mini into a “smart home hub”, allowing users to monitor and control the temperature and humidity in their home. Apple has updated its website for the HomePod mini to advertise the sensor for the first time.
Users can expect to see the sensor enabled through a software update, likely to be released next week alongside iOS 16.3 and a new version of the HomePod software.
This update will expose the temperature and humidity data to users via the Home app, making it easy to monitor and control the environment in their home.
In addition to activating the temperature and humidity sensor, Apple also announced that the HomePod mini will soon support Sound Recognition, a feature that is also included in the new full-size HomePod. This feature can listen for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and send notifications to users’ iPhones if a sound is identified.
Sound Recognition is an important safety feature that can help protect homeowners in case of emergencies. It’s a valuable addition to the HomePod mini, and one that users will appreciate.
However, it’s important to note that this feature is not expected to launch until later this spring, so it’s unlikely to be included in next week’s software updates.
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