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Apple Asks Developers to Start Optimizing Apps for HomePod Using SiriKit in iOS 11.2

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iOS 11.2 beta, released this morning, introduces SiriKit support for the HomePod, according to Apple. With SiriKit for HomePod now available, Apple is asking developers to make sure SiriKit-compatible apps are optimized for HomePod ahead of the device's release.

SiriKit is designed to allow iOS and watchOS apps to work with Siri, so users can complete tasks with Siri voice commands. SiriKit is available for a wide range of apps on those two platforms, but its availability is slightly more limited when it comes to HomePod.

apple homepod space gray
Third-party apps that use SiriKit Messaging, Lists, and Notes are compatible with the HomePod. Siri will recognize voice requests given to the HomePod, with those requests carried out on a linked iOS device. So, for example, users can ask HomePod to send a message to a friend, add an item to a list, or create a new note. Sample HomePod requests:

- Send a text to Eric using WhatsApp
- In WeChat, tell Eric I'll be late
- Add chocolate and bananas to my list in Things
- Create a note that says "hello" in Evernote

Developers can test the voice-only experience of their apps using Siri through headphones connected to an iOS device with the iOS 11.2 beta.

Apple plans to release the HomePod this December, but a specific launch date for the speaker has not yet been provided. When it becomes available, the HomePod will cost $349.

Related Roundup: HomePod
Tag: Siri Guide
Buyer's Guide: HomePod (Caution)
Related Forum: iOS 11

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Top Rated Comments

nutmac Avatar
nutmac
114 months ago
It's really dumb that like Apple Watch, HomePod cannot be used independently from iPhone. It should be similar to Apple TV in that it can be purchased and used without having to own an iPhone.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
K
KoolAid-Drink
114 months ago
iOS 11.2, released this morning ('https://www.macrumors.com/2017/10/30/apple-releases-first-beta-of-ios-11-2/'),
Hmmm, shouldn't it read as beta or something like that? It can easily mislead people into thinking the actual public release version of 11.2 was released.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GadgetBen Avatar
GadgetBen
114 months ago
The limitations are why I’ve opted for the new Amazon Echo 2.

Should be delivered this Friday along with my iPhone X :D
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
H
hagar
114 months ago
How does this work for multiple users? Or will everyone in the house need their own HomePod to enjoy the app-centric functionality?
I assume Apple will suggest to buy separate houses. Each with their own Homepod and Apple TV.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Regime2008 Avatar
Regime2008
114 months ago
Hahahahaha! Echo Dot hifi! Jolly good joke sir.

(As I listen to an UNCOMPRESSED original Eagles album on a Technics Turntable, Crown Amplifier, and JBL Studio Monitors.)
Pretty sure using the echo Dot, connected to those devices, would sound millions of years better than the homepod, which can't be hooked up to those devices...
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Internet Enzyme Avatar
Internet Enzyme
114 months ago
Hahahahaha! Echo Dot hifi! Jolly good joke sir.

(As I listen to an UNCOMPRESSED original Eagles album on a Technics Turntable, Crown Amplifier, and JBL Studio Monitors.)
Well of course it is not ideal, as the Echo Dot is feeding an already un-digitized, analog signal to the receiver, meaning you still have to put up with the Echo's internal DAC. But I don't think I'm mistaken when I say that speakers makes a larger impact on sound quality than DAC's do. Maybe I'm wrong. That doesn't change the fact that they should still release a Echo Dot style Siri box.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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