Latest news with #AppleHomePod
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Smart homes, silent spies: 6 ways to safeguard your privacy
Did you know the number of smart devices worldwide has surged from 10 billion in 2019 to nearly 18.8 billion by the end of 2024! Now, with this rapid growth in smart device usage, there's a fair chance we all have at least one smart home device in our home, starting from robot vacuum cleaners to security cameras, AI refrigerators, smart cooking appliances and more. While these gadgets bring incredible convenience, they also come with a hidden risk of exposing your personal data. Here's how some most common smart home devices store the data Robot vacuum cleaners Robot vacuums are equipped with advanced mapping technology. They use cameras and sensors to scan your home's layout, every corner, furniture placement, and obstacles that are digitally recorded. While this helps with cleaning efficiency, much of that data is stored in the cloud and shared with third parties to improve AI or form partnerships, raising privacy concerns. Smart TVs Remember how you watch a TV show or a movie, and it starts suggesting similar content? Smart TVs track your viewing habits through Automated Content Recognition (ACR), identifying everything from live TV to streaming. This data is sent to manufacturers and often sold to advertisers to create detailed viewer profiles for personalised recommendations. Voice Assistants Alexa, 'how's the weather today?' Makes your life easier, doesn't it? Devices like Amazon Echo, Google Nest, or Apple HomePod are designed to listen for wake words like "Alexa" or "Hey Google." But privacy researchers warn that these assistants can sometimes misinterpret background noises or conversations, inadvertently recording audio clips. These snippets are stored on cloud servers, and in many cases, reviewed by human contractors for quality control, raising serious concerns about what private moments are being overheard and stored. Security cameras Perhaps the most privacy-invasive of them all, smart security cameras often operate on continuous recording modes. For both indoor cameras and video doorbells, footage is typically stored on company servers, and in some cases, accessible to law enforcement upon request. Smart home appliances AI-powered refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers track how often and when you use them. Some appliances even send alerts when you're low on items or suggest recipes, all based on your usage behaviour. This means your lifestyle habits are being constantly analysed and monetised. 1. Secure your Wi-Fi network: Use strong, unique passwords for your Wi-Fi and enable WPA3 encryption. 2. Use strong, unique passwords for devices: Make sure to change the default passwords set by the brand when you purchased them and set strong, unique passwords for each smart device. 3. Regularly update device firmware: Keep all your smart devices updated with the latest firmware and software patches. 4. Limit data sharing settings: Adjust and restrict unnecessary data collection. Disable features like voice recordings, storage or location tracking when not essential. 5. Disable unused features and voice activation: Turn off features you don't use, especially always-on listening modes or remote access. 6. Choose trusted brands: Opt for reputable brands with a strong security track record. They're more likely to offer regular updates and robust data protection.
Geeky Gadgets
30-05-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
The Apple Smart Home Hub: What We Know So Far
Apple is preparing to introduce its highly anticipated smart home hub, the Apple HomePod Hub, a device designed to compete directly with established players like Google and Amazon. Expected to launch by the end of the year, this hub promises to deliver a seamless experience for users already invested in the Apple ecosystem. Combining functionality with a sleek, modern design, the hub is set to enhance convenience and security in your home. While some advanced features have been delayed, Apple has focused on delivering essential capabilities that prioritize usability and integration. The video below from SaranByte gives us more details about the new Apple HomePod Hub. Watch this video on YouTube. Key Features and Design The Apple Smart Home Hub is designed with versatility and practicality in mind, featuring a 7-inch display that serves as both a stationary hub and a portable tablet. Its detachable design offers flexibility, allowing it to be mounted on a wall or carried around your home for added convenience. The hardware is packed with features aimed at improving your smart home experience, including: Built-in speakers for high-quality audio playback and real-time notifications. for high-quality audio playback and real-time notifications. A camera for FaceTime calls and enhanced home security monitoring. for FaceTime calls and enhanced home security monitoring. An advanced A18 chipset to ensure smooth performance and responsiveness. The hub will operate on a specialized 'Home OS' platform, offering a streamlined and intuitive interface. Customizable widgets will allow you to tailor the display to your specific needs, making it easier to control your smart home devices. Additionally, the hub will integrate seamlessly with Apple's HomeKit, making sure a unified and consistent experience for managing connected devices across your home. Connectivity and Ecosystem Integration Apple's smart home hub is equipped with advanced connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6C and Bluetooth 5.3, making sure faster and more reliable connections with your smart home devices. As part of the broader Apple ecosystem, the hub is designed to work effortlessly with other Apple products, such as iPhones, iPads, and HomePods. This integration will allow you to: Adjust lighting and temperature settings with ease. Manage security cameras and smart door locks for enhanced safety. Stream music or control media playback across your devices. This seamless connectivity highlights Apple's strategy of using its ecosystem to provide a cohesive and user-friendly smart home experience. By integrating the hub with existing Apple devices, users can enjoy a more connected and efficient home environment. Delayed Features and Market Positioning While the Apple Smart Home Hub offers a range of useful features, some advanced capabilities—particularly related to Siri's intelligent functions—have been postponed. Apple appears to have prioritized an earlier release by focusing on delivering core functionalities first. Despite these delays, the hub is positioned as a more affordable alternative to an iPad for smart home control, with a projected price of approximately $199. Apple's ecosystem advantage gives the hub a competitive edge over rivals like Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show. However, its higher price point may pose a challenge for budget-conscious consumers, especially in a market where affordability often influences purchasing decisions. By emphasizing its seamless integration and user-friendly design, Apple aims to attract users who value quality and compatibility over cost. HomePod Mini Updates In addition to the smart home hub, Apple is rumored to be updating its popular HomePod Mini. The new version is expected to feature the S11 chipset, which will enhance both performance and connectivity. Key upgrades include: Support for Wi-Fi 6C and Bluetooth 5.3 , making sure faster and more stable connections. and , making sure faster and more stable connections. Improved sound quality for a richer and more immersive audio experience. Despite these enhancements, Apple plans to maintain the HomePod Mini's $99 price point, making sure it remains an accessible option for a wide range of consumers. This update reflects Apple's commitment to refining its existing products while keeping them affordable and competitive. Consumer Expectations and Future Possibilities The success of Apple's smart home hub will largely depend on its ability to meet consumer expectations in terms of pricing, functionality, and overall value. While many users are likely to appreciate its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, others may question its necessity, given the availability of similar products from competitors. Consumer feedback has also highlighted interest in additional offerings, such as: New color options for the HomePod Mini to match diverse home aesthetics. A dedicated soundbar for enhanced home entertainment experiences. These suggestions reflect a growing demand for more diverse and innovative smart home solutions. By addressing these needs, Apple could further solidify its position in the smart home market and expand its appeal to a broader audience. Strategic Implications for Apple's Smart Home Vision Apple's new smart home hub represents a significant step in its broader strategy to establish a foothold in the competitive smart home market. By using its ecosystem and focusing on user-friendly integration, Apple aims to differentiate itself from competitors and provide a unique value proposition. However, its success will ultimately depend on how well it balances functionality, pricing, and consumer expectations. As the release date approaches, the tech community and consumers alike will be watching closely to see how this device shapes Apple's smart home strategy and its ability to compete in this rapidly evolving space. Here is a selection of other guides from our extensive library of content you may find of interest on Apple smart home hub. Source & Image Credit: SaranByte Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Waking up to gaming music: How I turned my HomePod mini to the perfect alarm clock
Waking up every morning to your favourite gaming music and getting out of bed sounds like a lot of fun. It's a picture-perfect scene—just like something out of a fantasy movie. If I told you I have already been experiencing it for about a week, you would be surprised. In fact, it's quickly becoming my morning routine, pulling me out of bed with gaming music. All of this is thanks to my Apple HomePod—a smart speaker I have had for months but only recently discovered can be used as an alarm clock. And the best part? You can set it to play any music of your choice, thanks to the ability to change your alarm sound to an Apple Music song, playlist, or radio station. I have been sleeping next to one for weeks now. It wakes me up in the morning—a musical start to the day. Switching from the iPhone to HomePod mini to set up an alarm I love my HomePod mini. It feels incredibly well-made and, most importantly, it's a great-sounding speaker. I have been using it to listen to music—it's essentially a smart speaker and does all the smart things you would expect. However, I never used the HomePod as an alarm clock. I used to set the alarm on my iPhone (and I think that's the case for most people), but somehow, when that alarm goes off every morning, it instantly triggers anxiety. I needed to change that, honestly. I thought about getting the Nintendo Alarmo Clock, a motion-enabled alarm clock that delivers dozens of Nintendo sounds each morning, but it was way beyond my budget, so I dropped the idea. The HomePod feels like a little companion. I am shocked that Apple never marketed the alarm feature on the HomePod mini. But there's a catch: if you subscribe to Apple Music, you can choose a song, playlist, or radio station as your alarm sound. Apple charges a monthly fee for Apple Music, which I am already subscribed to. That's what I did, and since I listen to video game music a lot and Apple Music has a huge catalogue I used it to set up the alarm, waking up to gaming music every morning. Choose the music for your alarm. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express) Create an alarm *Open the Home app on your iPhone and tap on your HomePod mini. *Scroll down and tap New to create an alarm. (If you have already set an alarm with Siri, tap on it and go to the next step). *Set the time of your alarm, and if you want it to repeat, name it if necessary. Choose the music for your alarm *Under Alarm Sound, Tap Play Media, then tap Choose Media. *Search Apple Music for the song, playlist, or radio station you want to use as your alarm, then tap on it. For example, I'm currently listening to the official soundtrack of Assassin's Creed Shadows, Ubisoft's latest Assassin's Creed game, which has become a sensation—and one I am planning to play soon. I selected that soundtrack as my alarm sound. Choose the music for your alarm. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/ Indian Express) Adjust music settings for your alarm *Turn on Repeat to have the song or playlist repeat once it ends. *Turn on Shuffle to randomise playlist order. *To change the HomePod alarm volume, tap Use Custom Volume, then drag the slider to your preferred level. *Tap Done. Since the HomePod mini sits next to my bed, it has become more of a tool for waking me up—beyond just playing music, which is what I had mainly been using it for. It's not a sleep aid, nor is it trying to be one. It isn't a traditional clock, either. I can't help but wonder if Apple would ever consider making a dedicated alarm clock, or at least add advanced alarm features—like unlocking multiple alarms, more customisation options, achievements, and rewards—through some kind of gamification on the HomePod. That would be really fun.
WIRED
07-03-2025
- WIRED
Which Sonos Speakers Should You Buy?
The Sonos Era 300 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) has a rather awkward and startling appearance (we think it looks like a robot's butt), but the sound quality makes up for it. Under the hood are six speaker drivers, four tweeters, and a couple of mid/bass drivers—all of which deliver detailed, big, and confident sound. The standout feature, however, is spatial audio. With sound that spreads in all directions and for a substantial distance without lacking definition, we think the Era 300 surpasses the Apple HomePod by a wide margin when filling rooms. It's worth noting that it supports Amazon and Apple's spatial audio catalog, but not Tidal's library of Dolby Atmos content. As with the Era 100, the Era 300 has physical controls including a volume slider, play/pause, skip forward/backward, and voice-assistant interaction (with a choice between Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control). In the back, you'll find a socket for power, a switch to mute the mics, a USB-C auxiliary input, and a button for Bluetooth pairing (which means you don't have to use the Sonos app to control it). If you opt for the Sonos companion app, you can adjust EQ, tune the speakers to your environment via the TruePlay feature, and pair other Sonos speakers together. The Sonos Roam (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the company's smallest and most portable speaker. With built-in Bluetooth connectivity (it's one of our favorite Bluetooth speakers), you can easily throw it into a tote bag and play music on the go. Using the Sonos app, available for Android and iPhone, you also have the ability to stream from major services like Spotify, Apple Music (with support for AirPlay 2), Tidal, and more. And you can control the speaker via voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. It may not offer audiophile-approved sound for its stature, but it's still fairly impressive. The dual-driver system, subwoofer, and tweeter work in tandem to provide a bold bass and clear highs—with zero distortion when the volume is cranked up. And with up to 10 hours of listening, it'll last you a full beach day—and then some.
