www.rancakmedia.com – Apple’s HomePod mini speaker launched last November with new features like a home intercom. However, part of the device remains a secret: sensors that measure temperature and humidity
The Cupertino, California-based tech giant never released this component, and the device currently lacks features for consumers who use it. The company has discussed internally using sensors to determine room temperature and humidity so that an internet-connected thermostat can adjust different parts of the home to current conditions depending on those familiar with the situation. The hardware can also let the HomePod mini automatically trigger other actions, such as: B. turning the fan on or off, depending on the temperature.
When Apple finally activates the sensor, it will support a smart home strategy that sometimes gets out of focus and lags behind the competition. Amazon’s latest Echo speakers have temperature sensors, while Google Nest sells sensors that you can place in your home and plug into a thermostat to adjust the temperature of each room.
The new features will be of particular benefit to Apple’s software system called HomeKit that controls thermostats, lights, locks, plugs, and other household appliances. HomeKit works with fewer gadgets than similar software from Amazon and Google, and Apple doesn’t make its own smart home hardware outside of the HomePod and Apple TV streaming box. However, you can find about 40 HomeKit-compatible thermostats on Apple’s website.
The 1.5 x 1.5 millimeter sensor is located on the bottom edge of the plastic-encased housing of the HomePod mini near the power cord. The location of the components was confirmed by iFixit, which dismantled one of the speakers following a request from Bloomberg News. This sensor is manufactured by Texas Instruments Inc. and is referred to as the HDC2010 digital temperature and humidity sensor according to TechInsights, a company that analyzes components in electronics.
The section is located relatively far from the main internal components of the device. That is, it measures the external environment rather than the temperature of the other speaker electronics. Many mobile devices contain sensors that can cause the device to slow down or disable features to prevent components from overheating.
While this is rare, it’s not the first time Apple has incorporated dormant technology into its devices. The 2008 iPod touch had a Bluetooth chip, but support for Bluetooth connectivity was enabled via software the following year.
Apple typically releases important HomePod software updates every fall. It’s unclear if or when Apple will turn on the temperature sensor, but its presence in the HomePod mini devices already on sale suggests it’s only a matter of time. An Apple spokesman declined to comment.
Apple didn’t have a serious offering in the smart home market with the original HomePod until 2022. The device was recently discontinued after weak sales. Some of the company’s decision makers are concerned that it may be too late for Apple to enter firmly into the industry, especially as it focuses on other new categories such as virtual and augmented reality headsets and autonomous electric cars. Others believe that the company can take time and that customers will continue to be interested.
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Some insiders blame Siri, Apple’s improved voice-recognition service, but still behind Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, for the lack of progress in their own country. Whatever the reason, no unified strategy has emerged so far, said one person familiar with the situation. People asked not to be named to discuss sensitive issues. It comes after Apple tried to revamp its smart home efforts with a new team it formed in 2022.
Apple continues to take advantage of this opportunity with updates to individual devices. Prior to discontinuing the larger HomePod, the company had been working on an updated version for a 2022 release. A new speaker with a display and camera has also been developed, but such a launch isn’t likely to happen anytime soon. Apple is also updating the Apple TV set-top box. Until then, Apple will likely try to unlock most of the features on the HomePod mini.
