This year hasn’t been particularly kind to the HomePod, but Apple is finally giving its smart speaker some attention. The new HomePod 18.2 software update introduces a significant enhancement to what is likely the most frequently used Siri feature: requests for Apple Music.
Siri Can Now Process Natural Language Apple Music Requests
AI has had a monumental year, yet the device designed entirely around Apple’s ‘intelligent assistant’ has been somewhat ignored in 2024.
What could have been a landmark moment for the HomePod has turned into… a barely noticeable color change that most won’t even distinguish from its predecessor. Additionally, several software updates have only seemingly addressed minor bugs.
However, all hope isn’t lost for HomePod enthusiasts. Today, Apple is rolling out the first notable software update of 2024.
The HomePod 18.2 update is launching today with a remarkable upgrade.
Here are the highlights from Apple’s release notes:
Siri on HomePod is now integrated with Apple Music’s natural language search, allowing you to express your listening preferences with any combination of categories, such as genre, mood, decade, or activity.
For HomePod owners, making requests for Apple Music has likely become a routine activity.
Now, Siri can comprehend those requests even when you articulate them in a more conversational manner.
Traditionally, we’ve been accustomed to the rigid phrasing that guarantees Siri’s understanding, but with the HomePod 18.2 update, it seems we can relax our language a bit.
Theoretically, Siri should now recognize requests like, “Play some chill pop hits from the 90s.”
I haven’t had the chance to test this yet, but if it performs well, the support for natural language requests in Apple Music could greatly enhance the Siri experience—without relying on AI enhancements.
Have you experimented with natural language search in HomePod 18.2? How’s it functioning for you? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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