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Our findings are intended to help parents and teachers make better informed decisions about whether to buy this device or similar smart devices for use with their children at home or with students at school. We can observe what data goes to and from the device, but we can't necessarily see what happens with the data when it reaches the external destination. Our approach lets us compare what the smart tech company says they do with data with what our limited testing can observe about what they actually do with data. When evaluating whether to use smart tech paired with a mobile app at home or in the classroom, parents and teachers need a comprehensive understanding of both the privacy and security practices of a smart device. In addition, we also performed a hands-on basic security test of the device for parents and teachers to learn more about its security practices and how they compare to other popular smart speakers that have virtual assistants. The Privacy Program evaluated the privacy practices of a popular smart tech device called Apple HomePod, which contains a virtual assistant called Siri. This means that you can also route sound from any Mac app to your HomePod.Īpple has also released a series of how-to videos on YouTube that cover topics like using the Home app, using VoiceOver, listening to Podcasts, playing audio via AirPlay and more.The Common Sense Privacy Program evaluates the privacy policies of popular consumer and education technology applications and services that are currently used by millions of children at home and in the classroom. All AirPlay devices appear in the Sound pane of your System Preferences app. Just keep in mind when you choose AirPlay, the device that sends audio to your HomePod takes control of the HomePod so if you interrupt the audio doing something else like watching a video, the music or sound stops instantly. You can also select and stream Spotify tracks, Overcast podcasts and other audio on your iOS device using AirPlay 1.
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You can even use your iTunes shortcuts to control the HomePod. What you do on your iTunes from clicking on the volume, navigating and selecting new music, playing or pausing will all happen on your HomePod. Your iTunes will instantly control the HomePod remotely. You can also see devices here that you can access remotely such as your Apple TV and HomePod.
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You will see all available AirPlay devices on your network with a volume slider.Another way to do this is to open the Music app and tap the AirPlay icon at the bottom of the Now Playing screen. When you click on the Audio Controller option, you will see different tiles for your device.You can swipe up from your iPhone or iPad running iOS 11.2.5 or later.
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Pull up the Control Center from your iOS device.This is perfect if you have guests, are up at odd hours or just want to do things without having to speak to Siri. You can control your HomePod without calling out commands right from your iPhone or iPad.
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Here’s how you can control the HomePod directly from your iOS device (iPhone or iPad) or Mac.įrom Your iOS Device Using Control Center You also can access the HomePod from your Apple TV as one of your audio sources. You can control your new HomePod using the Home app and not the Settings app as you might expect. Unlike other Apple devices that come with a dedicated app, touch screen or keyboard, HomePod is hands-free.
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