The Apple HomePod just got a potentially life-saving feature
Making good on its promise (opens in new tab), Apple is giving its HomePod line of devices the ability to detect smoke and carbon monoxide alarms via its Sound Recognition tool. Yes, that includes the discontinued first-gen HomePod model.
When it detects an alarm going off, the HomePod will immediately send a notification to either your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch device informing you of the potential emergency. You can then tap those notifications on either an iPhone or iPad to double-check if everythingâs okay. It could be a false alarm, after all. The device will then announce to everyone in your house that you’re checking in.
Apple mentions in its HomePod User Guide (opens in new tab) the device can double as an intercom (opens in new tab) via the Home app to talk with others if the need arises. âAnd if you have a HomeKit camera in the same room as the HomePod,â a direct feed will pop up on your handheld device.
If youâre at your house, you probably wonât need this new feature as youâll most likely be able to hear the smoke alarmâs ear-shattering scream. This update is meant for people who currently arenât at home and want that extra peace of mind knowing their HomePod will alert them to emergencies.
At-home requirements
To use the smoke alarm detector, you obviously need to have Sound Recognition turned on which you can do via the Home app. You will also need to have installed HomePod software version 16.4 or later as well as the latest Apple Home architecture. Instructions on how to upgrade your architecture can be found on the companyâs support website (opens in new tab). Plus, this goes without saying, you’ll need working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Sound Recognition isnât exactly foolproof as Apple points out it âmay detect… alarm soundsâ, seemingly implying the HomePod might not pick up every single alarm. You may be thinking of getting a smart smoke detector to ensure alarms are heard. However, the majority of smart smoke detectors in the US arenât compatible with Apple HomeKit with one exception being the OneLink Safe & Sound (opens in new tab). The temperature sensor found on the HomePod 2 and Homepod mini models are not being used to, for instance, detect the heat of a raging house fire.
That isnât to say the update is useless. Far from it, but keep those gaps in mind. Apple states âSound Recognition should not be relied upon in⊠emergency situations.â But still, this is a great feature to have. Hopefully, itâs one that you will never need to use in an actual emergency.
Check out TechRadarâs list of the best home security systems for 2023 if youâre looking for more ways to better protect the homestead.Â