Just like Amazon Echo devices, Apple's HomePod can also recognize the voices of different users. This is an important feature that enhances the user experience, because it ensures that music recommendations and even access to personal data are tailored to that user. The problem arises when this doesn't happen, but there's an easy solution.
Assigning a main profile to HomePod
When using any type of smart speaker, there's an option we've already discussed for devices like Amazon's that's very interesting: voice profiles . These profiles allow the device to know who's speaking at all times, improving the user experience.
Because, in the event that there are several people at home who use it, if they ask for a music recommendation or access to the calendar, for example, the data it will provide will be theirs and not that of another suitable person. Without also forgetting what it can mean in terms of the security of voice purchases.
Well, while Alexa and Google Assistant can identify and create profiles for each user, Siri can too, although it doesn't always work perfectly. But don't worry, because with iOS 14.3, the HomePod's operating system now allows you to set a default primary profile.
What is a main profile used for on HomePods? Well, so that, regardless of the account that configured the speaker or not, in the event that it does not detect which user is speaking to it, it uses the selected profile for everything related to the reproduction and recommendation of music and podcasts.
Thus, for example, if at home you have several HomePods distributed in different rooms and some of them are used mainly by another family member, then what appears in recommendations, etc., is to your liking. Which would also prevent your recommendations from being affected over time.
To set a profile as primary on your HomePod, first make sure it's updated to iOS version 14.3. Once that's done, simply follow these steps:
- Launch the Home app on the iPhone or iPad. You can also use the Mac app
- Select the HomePod to which you want to assign a main profile
- Once done, on the next screen you will see that a gear icon appears in the lower right corner that gives access to the configuration options
- Go to Music and Podcasts
- On the next screen you will see that there is an option that indicates Main user, select it
- Now all that remains is for you to choose which will be the main user profile to be used in that HomePod and that's it, you'll have it
An upgrade for homes with multiple HomePods
This detail, which has not been given much importance, not even in Apple's own update notes, is an improvement that users with several HomePods at home and that are used by different users will appreciate.
However, despite how the use of Siri is improving in the two models of smart speakers that Apple has, the truth is that compared to Alexa it is still behind. But if you bet on them, it is logical to think that you do it for that sound quality and, above all, for the value that having all the products of the same brand brings to the ecosystem.