AI

Apple’s HomePod, which has struggled to make waves this year, is finally getting some attention. The latest software update, HomePod 18.2, brings a key improvement to the device’s most-used feature: Siri’s handling of Apple Music requests.

The HomePod 18.2 software update, released today, marks a notable improvement for Apple’s smart speaker. The update enhances Siri’s ability to understand and process natural language requests for Apple Music, which has long been one of the most frequently used features of the device.

Apple has expanded its Apple Intelligence offerings to users in Australia and New Zealand with the release of iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2. This update introduces a suite of new AI-powered features designed to enhance user experience while maintaining a strong focus on privacy.

Apple has announced a strategic collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to enhance the efficiency of its AI model training processes. The partnership includes leveraging Amazon’s custom chips, a move expected to significantly improve performance and reduce costs.

Apple Intelligence has garnered attention for its innovative features, but not all of its outputs hit the mark. A particular highlight of the system’s capabilities is its ability to create ‘Memories’ videos from a text prompt, a feature that surprisingly excelled in creating a heartfelt tribute to a beloved pet.