This Week's Sponsor:

Kolide

Ensure that if a device isn’t secure it can’t access your apps.  It’s Device Trust for Okta.


HomePod Gaining Multi-Voice Support and Handoff, AirPods Add Audio Sharing and More

Amid yesterday’s packed WWDC keynote, where iOS 13, iPadOS, the new Mac Pro, and more were announced, Apple also shared a few exciting updates coming this fall for its music-focused accessory products: HomePod and AirPods. The HomePod will soon support multiple users, a new Handoff feature, and radio apps, while AirPods will gain audio sharing and a special Siri feature for messaging.

HomePod

When iOS 13 launches, HomePod will offer support for multiple users for the first time. Up to six different voices can be configured with the HomePod, such that when different family members speak to the device, Siri will know who’s talking and respond in a personalized way. Multi-user personalization extends to both Apple Music and Personal Requests – with the former, HomePod will tie listening history to each individual’s preferences, so asking Siri to “Play some music” will result in hearing a station custom-tailored for you. Personal Requests are the feature HomePod uses to tap into a user’s reminders, calendar events, and more. Previously, Personal Requests could only be configured with a single user, and access to data from Messages, Notes, and the like would be unavailable if that person left home; now, each member of the household can have their own Personal Requests tied to their own Apple ID, offering a much-improved experience.

Beyond multi-user support, the HomePod is also gaining a new Handoff feature in partnership with the iPhone. Whenever you’re listening to music or a podcast on your iPhone, or if you’re on a phone call, holding your device next to the HomePod will seamlessly hand off that audio to the HomePod. The feature works in reverse too: if you’re playing something on HomePod but need to head out the door, you can hold your iPhone next to the HomePod to move audio routing to the iPhone. I’m curious to see how this works in practice, especially when you throw AirPods into the mix that are connected to the iPhone, but it’s an exciting idea that demonstrates Apple’s ability to craft seamless ecosystem integrations.

Finally in HomePod announcements, the device is gaining access to over 100,000 radio stations from around the world via support for iHeartRadio, Radio.com, and more.

AirPods

In a rare but welcome development, Apple announced software improvements coming to AirPods in its WWDC keynote. In iOS 13, a new audio sharing feature will enable AirPods to be shared between two people for listening to the same stream of audio – whether a song, podcast, or the audio component of a video. Audio sharing engages when you tap your phone on to someone else’s, splitting audio into two identical streams that can each have their volume levels adjusted separately. It’s the perfect feature for couples or friends who want to enjoy a song or video together.

The second new feature coming to AirPods is that Siri will automatically announce messages you receive and enable you to respond to them instantly by voice, without the need for a ‘Hey Siri’ activation phrase. This will work both with Apple’s Messages app and every other third-party messaging app – when a message arrives, depending on if you’re in the middle of something like a phone call, Siri will either deliver the message immediately or wait until the call’s over. Once Siri reads your message, you can dictate a reply instantly just by speaking naturally, with no ‘Hey Siri’ preface. Since messaging interruptions could quickly grow annoying if left unchecked, Apple will include the ability to custom-configure which of your contacts Siri should alert you of messages from. The only drawback of this feature is that it’s exclusive to the second-generation AirPods.


It’s unusual for software updates to the HomePod and AirPods, which Apple deems mere accessories, to be highlighted during the WWDC keynote. That said, I found it a welcome change from the norm. All the features announced for these products are thoughtful enhancements I can see myself using regularly. I’m especially glad the HomePod is gaining multi-user support, but the other enhancements for HomePod and AirPods have me excited too – they’re the kind of features that feel like magic when done right, and I’m eager to see if Apple can pull them off.


You can also follow all of our WWDC coverage through our WWDC 2019 hub, or subscribe to the dedicated WWDC 2019 RSS feed.

Our WWDC coverage is brought to you exclusively by:

Things: where ideas take shape – one step at a time.

Unlock More with Club MacStories

Founded in 2015, Club MacStories has delivered exclusive content every week for over six years.

In that time, members have enjoyed nearly 400 weekly and monthly newsletters packed with more of your favorite MacStories writing as well as Club-only podcasts, eBooks, discounts on apps, icons, and services. Join today, and you’ll get everything new that we publish every week, plus access to our entire archive of back issues and downloadable perks.

The Club expanded in 2021 with Club MacStories+ and Club Premier. Club MacStories+ members enjoy even more exclusive stories, a vibrant Discord community, a rotating roster of app discounts, and more. And, with Club Premier, you get everything we offer at every Club level plus an extended, ad-free version of our podcast AppStories that is delivered early each week in high-bitrate audio.

Choose the Club plan that’s right for you:

  • Club MacStories: Weekly and monthly newsletters via email and the web that are brimming with app collections, tips, automation workflows, longform writing, a Club-only podcast, periodic giveaways, and more;
  • Club MacStories+: Everything that Club MacStories offers, plus exclusive content like Federico’s Automation Academy and John’s Macintosh Desktop Experience, a powerful web app for searching and exploring over 6 years of content and creating custom RSS feeds of Club content, an active Discord community, and a rotating collection of discounts, and more;
  • Club Premier: Everything in from our other plans and AppStories+, an extended version of our flagship podcast that’s delivered early, ad-free, and in high-bitrate audio.