HomePod

For the first time ever, Apple has included the HomePod in its long-running Apple Beta Software Program. This means that non-developers can try out the latest and greatest HomePod Software 16 on their devices. The original HomePod does not get to participate, however since HomePod Software 16 can only be installed on the HomePod mini. While Apple has not announced new features or the changes included in HomePod Software 16, it is likely the update brings Matter support to HomePod mini.

Whether you are troubleshooting a HomePod or preparing the smart speaker for trade-in or sale, a factory reset might be necessary. With no reset button or power switch, it's not clear how to get the HomePod and HomePod mini to start from scratch. The process to reset a HomePod differs slightly from restarting the HomePod, which preserves data and settings.

It may be a rare occurrence, but the HomePod and HomePod mini can freeze up and become unresponsive to any input. When this happens, there is no reset button to press or power switch to toggle. Luckily, there are ways to power cycle the HomePod without losing any settings or data in the process.

Now that Siri can recognize third-party music apps on the HomePod, users of other services can easily play content from sources other than Apple Music. For example, playing a song on Pandora is simple as adding the words "on Pandora" to the end of your request. But how can one change the default music service on HomePod?

Pandora fans can now use their favorite music service on the HomePod and HomePod mini. Support for Apple's smart speakers has arrived, with Siri recognizing voice requests to play tracks from Pandora's music library. iOS 14 has made it possible to use third-party apps for many services on the iPhone, iPad, and HomePod.