Apple just released HomePodOS 16.3 alongside iOS and iPadOS 16.3.most family podcast The updates are fairly average, with various improvements and optimizations.However, this update opens up a chip located inside the HomePod mini From day one. The chip can detect the humidity and temperature of the air surrounding the room it is assigned to.
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With this information, you can create automations in the Home app to do things like control a HomeKit-connected thermostat or turn a fan connected to a smart plug on or off.
In order to activate the sensors, you need to do two things: First, install HomePodOS 16.3 on your HomePod Mini. Second, you’ll need iOS and iPadOS 16.3 installed on any device you want to view and use the readings on.
Both processes were straightforward, with the HomePod taking the longest to update. Below I will walk you through the steps.
On your iPhone or iPad, open the Home app and tap three dots icon In the upper right corner.From there, click home page settings.
Scroll down and find and select Software update from the list of options. The following screens take a few seconds to update, but eventually you’ll see a prompt letting you know an update is available for your HomePod.click renew button to be processed.
During the installation process, your HomePod will stop playing any music and become unresponsive.
While your HomePod is updating, update your iPhone or iPad to 16.3. If you continue to use 16.2, you will not be able to see or use the new temperature and humidity readings in the Home app.
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Install the update by following the standard process of opening the Settings app and going to General > Software update.
After updating your iPhone or iPad, you will be able to see the corresponding readings in the Home app. Below are some screenshots of the readings from the HomePod Mini in my office.
FAQ
Can I turn off the temperature and humidity readings?
As far as I know, there’s currently no way to remove temperature or humidity readings from the Home app without removing the HomePod Mini from your home.
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Thankfully, they’re not very prominent in the Home app and you can ignore them.
Does the original HomePod have the same capabilities?
It is not. Only Apple’s just-announced HomePod Mini and the second-generation HomePod feature sensors.