Take HomePod to the Next Level
One issue with the HomePod is the lack of control and customizability that’s available. Basically, you can talk to it, control your music, control your lights, and really that’s about it. That’s fine and all, but even Apple Watch has a handy-dandy app to make configuring it a little easier.
A HomePod app would help keep all the controls and functionality in one less confusing place. Even just adding a little more control in the Home app would be nice.
Whether Apple decides to add controls to the Home app, create a standalone app, or all of the above, any extra control is welcome.
Right now when you open the HomePod control in the Home app, all you see is “alarms” and “settings.” You can’t control music playback (this is done in AirPlay) and the settings are pretty limited. Of course, they’re mostly limited by functionality.
Additional Functionality
That limited functionality is what makes this $300 speaker, just a speaker with a side of Siri. It could be the ultimate Alexa killer, and maybe the most awesome wireless speaker ever, but this minimalist approach to usability makes it fall short.
Apple should consider adding the ability to recognize different voices and to dynamically adjust Siri’s volume to the noise in the room and the volume of your voice (hell, even Alexa has a creepy whisper mode). Even just being able to set Siri’s volume different than the music playback volume would be welcome.
Apple TV control, notifications options, and third-party integrations would all be welcome as well.
HomePod mini
Of course, Apple claims HomePod isn’t really meant to be a virtual assistant on your desk. I don’t know if I buy that, but either way, I think a lot of us want one. A smaller HomePod geared at Siri requests would be a fantastic addition.