Apple has introduced a new feature called Sound Recognition that allows HomePod and HomePod mini to detect smoke or carbon monoxide alarms and alert users when they are not at home. The feature was announced alongside the latest version of Apple’s speaker, and is now available to users.
To use Sound Recognition, users need to set it up in the Home app on an Apple device. Once set up, HomePod will listen for smoke or carbon monoxide alarms and send an alert to the user’s iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Users can also see a banner in the Home app in case they accidentally dismiss the notification. At that point, users can quickly check in on the app and hear the alarm, and call emergency services or take other necessary actions.
If the user has a HomeKit camera connected in the same space, the notification will include a video feed of the incident. To safeguard user privacy, all audio analysis occurs on the device, and checking in to hear the audio is end-to-end encrypted. Siri will also announce to anyone at home that the user is checking in.
Apple recommends adding an extra layer of protection by setting up an automation that will turn on any HomeKit-compatible smart fans and open smart blinds if the indoor temperature rises above a certain threshold. The feature uses built-in temperature and humidity sensors on the smart speakers.
The latest HomePod was launched in January after the discontinuation of the first-generation model in March 2021. The HomePod mini has temperature and humidity sensors, but Apple did not unlock that capability until January, nearly a year and a half after the smaller speaker’s launch.
With Sound Recognition, Apple is enhancing the safety and security of users’ homes by providing an additional layer of protection against fire and carbon monoxide hazards.
