While the beta of iOS 14, iPadOS 14, tvOS 14, watchOS 7 and macOS 11 Big Sur is available to registered developers, only a small number of testers have access to the new software version for the HomePod.
Apple released the second preview of the new operating systems this evening publishedThe beta version of the HomePod has also been updated. The new build is said to contain an option that allows users to set default services for music, podcasts and audiobooks – this is reported by MacRumors. So far, the HomePod can only be used in combination with Apple Music - a point that has annoyed many users and caused poor sales figures. This means that anyone who owns a HomePod and is a Spotify subscriber, for example, can currently only play music via AirPlay.
Apple allows more freedom
Although Apple did not address the change at WWDC 2020, the innovation was confirmed in a HomeKit session. Now it seems that the whole thing is ready. According to this, the option for third-party providers has been integrated as a standard service. However, the testers cannot activate this because the applications in question are not yet compatible. This means that developers must first integrate an API in order to access the HomePod. Unlike with the HomePod, Apple announced an important change in terms of freedom in iOS 14 during the keynote. Accordingly, users will be able to set third-party mail and browser applications as the standard service in the future. This means that users will have more freedom this year when it comes to choosing their favorite services. (Image: Apple)