HomePod

Apple has updated the Siri voice assistant with information about COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and US Public Health Service. Asking Siri a question such as "Do I have coronavirus?", or saying "I'm feeling sick today" prompts Siri to begin a triage process. Through a series of questions, Siri helps to determine an appropriate course of action. In severe cases, Siri will ask to call 911 for emergency medical help.

Apple is reportedly discussing whether to allow the HomePod to directly stream third-party music services such as Spotify or Pandora. Currently Apple Music is the default streaming service. Playlists from other services can only be opened by connecting to the HomePod via AirPlay.

The HomePod is currently priced at $299 from Apple. Refurbished HomePods are not in stock, so how can one get a deep discount on a new HomePod smart speaker? Turns out that anyone can get a white or space gray HomePod delivered to their door while saving a cool seventy bucks.

Best Buy is offering Apple's HomePod for $279.99 or $46.67/mo.. That's $20 less for the smart-speaker than the new listed price on apple.com. Apple on Wed. reduced the price of the HomePod from $349 to $299.

HomePod owners already know that Siri can help with a variety of tasks. Asking Siri to deliver the weather forecast, play music, or answer iPhone calls is just the beginning. For anyone using Find My iPhone to track a lost or missing device, Siri on HomePod can help with that, too.