HomePod, HomePod mini now supports Swedish and Norwegian languages

The latest software version for the Apple HomePod and HomePod mini (version 15.6) suggests the speakers will make their way to new markets. It adds support for Siri in Swedish and Norwegian, hinting the mini might make its way to Sweden and Norway in the coming months. 

If you want to change the default language on your HomePod or HomePod mini, open the Home app on your iPhone. Long press on the white card for the HomePod you want to update. Scroll down and tap on the Settings gear icon. Tap on Language, then select your preferred language. 

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Rumours claim a new Apple HomePod is coming

Source: MacRumors

Apple has already discontinued the original HomePod, but it might be launching a new version of it. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the new HomePod will feature a new display on top with touch support. Size and audio quality will reportedly be similar to the original, but it will be powered by the future Apple Watch Series 8 chip, the S8. This S8 processor will have the same specs as the S7 and S6 chips. But it will be an upgrade from the current HomePod mini, which runs on the S5 chip. Are you one of those people waiting for the HomePod to come back? 

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Apple Music's Lossless audio will come to the HomePod in a software update

Apple

A future update will bring Apple Music's Lossless audio to both the HomePod and HomePod mini. According to a newly published Apple Support document, the speakers won't get the feature at launch. Still, they will get Spatial Audio at launch, a Dolby Atmos feature that offers an immersive, three-dimensional experience that makes it seem like music is all around the listener. 

Apple Music Lossless will come in two tiers and will be free for subscribers. The "Standard" Lossless tier has audio up to 48kHz, while the "Hi-Ress Lossless" has audio between 48kHz and 192kHz. The latter requires external equipment like a USB digital-to-analog converter. 

Source: MacRumors

Deezer gets Apple HomePod and HomePod mini integration

Photo by James Yarema on Unsplash

Deezer subscribers who own Apple HomePod or HomePod mini speakers can now connect their smart speakers to the streaming service and make it the default player, too. Now, you can take advantage of Siri's voice controls to navigate your playlists on Deezer. 

You will need to be a paying Deezer subscriber for this feature to work. If you are, head to the Deezer app on your iOS device that's running iOS 14.3 or later. Head to the settings cog in the top right corner and then scroll down and tap on "Connect with HomePod." And if you mainly use this streaming service to listen to your tune, you can make it your default player. Head to the Home Settings in the top left corner of the Apple Home app. Tap on your face under the People section and then head to Default Service, where you can choose Deezer.

Source: The Verge