The HomePod is one of Apple's most controversial releases. Its undeniable audio quality is not matched by its "smart" capabilities., which lags far behind what Siri can do on other devices. And one of the most surprising shortcomings has been to access your calendar appointments.
It seems that iOS 11.4 could end, at least, with this inconceivable lack and the HomePod could finally access our calendar appointments, something really useful to be able to know which appointment we have next by simply asking him while we carry out some other task.
These 9to5Mac screenshots show the HomePod setup screen with iOS 11.3 (left) and iOS 11.4 (right). On this screen, permission is requested to access Messages, Reminders and Notes, and the one on the right also includes Calendar. This shows the possible intention of including access to these data to be able to access them and add appointments through voice instructions.
It would not be the first time that Apple added a new function from a Beta and then made it disappear in the final version. We have the perfect example in AirPlay 2 or in Messages in iCloud, two functions that appeared in the Betas of iOS 11.3 but that they were retired in the final version to appear again in the Betas of iOS 11.4. Hopefully it is one of the first novelties that gradually improve the smart functions of this new Apple speaker.
Now that Amazon Alexa could arrive in Spain shortly (There is no date or official confirmation) Apple will have to put the batteries, and should start by making the HomePod available in Spanish. The other great rival of the HomePod in the smart speaker market, Google Home, has not yet moved a tab on when it will arrive in our country.