Thanks to the U1 chip in HomePod Mini, it has now received the exciting Handoff feature! The latest iOS 14.4 beta 1 has revealed it for the speaker.
According to 9to5Mac, the Handoff feature is now added to the HomePod Mini after the latest iOS 14.4 beta 1.
The functionality was first announced in Apple’s iPhone 12 event. It works with the company’s U1 Ultra Wideband chip, also present on the latest iPhones. What it does is creating a spatial awareness among the iOS devices.
iOS 14.4 beta 1 and new Handoff functionality
Talking in-depth about the latest Handoff feature will bring a new music-listening experience for those having HomePod Mini. A U1 chip-enabled iPhone can interact with the speaker in a very smarter manner. Since the latter also comes with the Ultra-Wideband chip, it can connect with another such Apple device.
Previously, there was a gesture kind of trick used for transferring music to and from the Mini, using the new iPhones. It worked based on the precise placement of one’s phone near the speaker.
But now, the interaction among U1 chip-enabled iOS devices and the speaker will be even more amazing! Moreover, it will happen seamlessly too! The indication of a successful Handoff can be checked upon displaying a banner notification in one’s iPhone. It will be in the form of a full card that will pop up on the device’s screen.
How does the new feature work?
When the user is playing media on his/her iPhone, bringing it closer to HomePod Mini will activate the functionality. And it happens due to the great feedback of the Taptic Engine inside the smartphone. This feedback will become stronger as the user moves his/her iPhone closer to the speaker. A visual flair will also indicate that the Handoff is now working.
The LED on the Mini speaker will glow as well the moment it senses the phone.
There will be a banner notification on the user’s phone, informing that the connection has been made.
Upcoming reveals from Apple in 2021
Many people must have thought that iOS 14.3 was the last thing coming from the California tech giant. But even at the end of 2020, it decided to reveal an early version of its next software update.
In the next year, there will be a lot of things to watch out for. As iOS 14.4 beta 1 is already here, it means that more new additions will arrive in the coming weeks. Apart from this, AirPods Studio and AirTags are still a bit away from their official announcement. People were anticipating them this year, but it didn’t happen in any Apple event. Right now, they are rumored to launch in March 2021.
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