An “update” for the HomePod has appeared and, with it, some curiosities about the product

A few days ago, unintentionally wanting, Apple released a software update (OTA, that is, over-the-air) to an unknown device.

Check out this tweet:

@MacMagazine New device? Or is it that new speaker that I don’t remember the name? Rs pic.twitter.com/urwzpHV0BQ

– Vinícius Porto (@InsuportaVinni) July 28, 2017

Note the description: AudioAcessory1,1.

Because just connect the dots and see that such an “update” is for the HomePod, that speaker commanded by Siri presented at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2017 and which will reach the international market later this year.

A reader of MacMagazine – who chose not to identify himself – obtained a copy of the software.

He then extracted it and observed some curiosities (some of which have already been noted by the famous developer Steve TS).

System and screen

According to our reader, even without having a screen through which we can interact, HomePod runs the complete iOS.

I mean, it even has a «screen» (at the top), but it is just an array of LEDs, which allows HomePod to draw different color patterns.

In addition, the device’s software also has functions that appear to activate specific icons, which can be above this array of LEDs.

In the “iOS of HomePod”, however, there are only two applications installed: the AirMusic it’s the AirPodcasts, which are basically the Music and Podcasts apps that we know very well, from iOS.

In Apple’s mobile operating system, the name of the internal process that manages the home screen and its applications is called the SpringBoard; on HomePod, Apple decided to call SoundBoard.

Sounds

At first, the speaker will emit three different sounds: one for an alarm clock, another for a timer and another when it reaches the maximum possible volume.

Check them out below:

HOMEPOD ALARM CLOCK

HOMEPOD TIMER

MAXIMUM VOLUME OF HOMEPOD

Configuration and update

The configuration of the HomePod will be done entirely by approximation, per iOS device.

Remember the Apple TV feature that allows us to configure the set-top box just bringing an iPhone to her? So, that’s it.

Regarding device updates, everything indicates that HomePod will update automatically, OTA, without any type of feedback or control by the user – much like what happens today with AirPods.

· • ·

The HomePod will be launched by Apple in December, in white and space gray.

Initially it will be sold only in Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom, for $ 350.

The device will be compatible with iPhone 5s and newer versions running iOS 11.

thank you, source!