Is it dinner time? Let your housemates know via Intercom that they can join. With this brand new feature you can talk to each other via Apple devices, such as your HomePod and iPhone.
Using Intercom on HomePod and other Apple devices
That way you can share voice messages through your smart household. The feature works from iOS 14.2, which is rolling out soon. For example, use the HomePod speaker in the kitchen to signal that the table is set, after which your family members receive this message via their own Apple device. Before the function works, you have to set up Intercom. It goes like this:
- Set up
Grab your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and open the Home app;
- Home settings
Tap the house icon at the top left and select ‘Home settings’;
- Who do you want to talk to?
Tap on ‘Intercom’, the option below the pictures of your housemates and indicate which people can use Intercom, how many notifications you want to receive and which HomePods can participate.
Check? Intercom works closely with Siri, so you send a voice message with the “HeySiri, Intercom” command. For example, say “Hey Siri, intercom ‘It’s time to get up’”, or say “Hey Siri, ask everyone ‘Has the dog had any food yet?’”
You can also fine-tune Intercom voice messages. For example, say “Hey Siri, ask the kitchen ‘What’s for dinner?'” To ask what breakfast is on the menu. You respond by saying “Hey Siri, reply”, followed by the content of your message.
English and Dutch
Unfortunately, Intercom does not (yet) work in Dutch. However, the content of the message can be in our native language. It’s all about activating the feature with the “Hey Siri, Intercom” command. What you say after this can simply be Dutch. It is not yet known when our language will be added.
So Intercom works on almost all Apple devices. You can use the announcer on a HomePod, HomePod mini, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods and even with CarPlay. The HomePod and HomePod mini are not officially available in the Netherlands. Via gray import you can buy the HomePod: you can probably also buy the mini in due course.
November is living month on iPhone
Throughout November, your favorite Apple website will be all about (smart) living. From the differences between HomeKit and Google Home, the best accessories for your smart garden to how to bring the HomePod mini to the Netherlands: a lot of topics are discussed.
What would you like to read about? Leave your suggestion (s) in a comment below this article, or send an email to redactie@iphoned.nl: we would love to hear from you! We previously wrote these articles about our monthly theme:
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Tip: This is how you stream music to a Sonos speaker with AirPlay 2
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Using HomePod as an Apple TV speaker: this is how you do it
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Smart house, smart pet: 5 playful apps for your furry roommate
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HomeKit: 5 tips for smarter operation of your smart home
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HomeKit vs Google Home: the best option for your smart home