‘HomePad’ is coming next week, with three features I’ve long wanted

Apple is set to unveil its long-awaited 'HomePad' device next Tuesday at the 'Welcome home' event. Among the anticipated features, three particularly resonate with the reporter's desires.

Firstly, the HomePad aims to integrate seamlessly with Apple's Photos app. For years, digital picture frames have existed but lacked native compatibility with Apple's ecosystem, which the HomePad reportedly intends to remedy. This integration would allow the HomePad to automatically cycle through personal photographs from Apple Photos, eliminating the hassle of manual selection.

Secondly, the HomePad will enable users to view song lyrics while listening to music. The reporter, who owns several HomePods, has long wished for lyrics visualization while listening. Although the AirPlay feature allows lyrics to be displayed on iPhone screens, it's not a convenient solution when family is present. With the HomePad, the Music app is expected to facilitate lyrics display onscreen while a song plays.

This enhancement would enable better song learning and foster more engaging listening experiences during family gatherings.

Lastly, Apple's HomePad is expected to benefit from significant improvements in Siri AI. Unlike the limited capabilities of the old Siri on the reporter's HomePods, the new Siri AI boasts enhanced intelligence. Moreover, Siri AI on the HomePad will offer visual responses, providing a more interactive user experience. Asking Siri to set reminders or provide weather updates is already a breeze on the iPhone, but the HomePad promises a more comprehensive deployment of Apple's new AI assistant, promising to enrich daily interactions throughout the house.