When Apple updated the HomePod mini to 16.3, they added the ability to Access to long hidden files Humidity and temperature sensors are hidden inside the speakers. The sensors open up a number of possibilities within HomeKit, including some great smart home automations you can set up to make your home just a little more comfortable.
HomePod small temperature and humidity sensors
The sensors aren’t quite perfect. Calibration takes a while, and it’s not the most accurate sensor on the market. Apple notes that playing music at high volumes from the device will reduce fidelity. In my experience, it’s been compatible with other temperature sensors, which is a nice addition to the usual $100 smart home speaker It doesn’t cost anything extra. Both humidity and temperature sensors within HomeKit trigger automation when a certain temperature or humidity is exceeded. The first and simplest automation I set up was to turn on a fan to circulate the air if it got too warm where the HomePod was.
HomePod mini is better than ever [Video]
Use HomePod sensors in HomeKit
With both your phone and HomePod updated to 16.3, setting up temperature-based automations is incredibly easy. Just head to the Automations section of the Home app and create a new automation. Choose “A Sensor Detects Something,” select the HomePod’s temperature sensor, then choose the temperature you want to trigger the automation. Then, you just need to select the smart device you want to play. This could be a standing fan or an overhead fan, but I choose my air conditioners fan so that if it gets too warm in one part of the house, the air will circulate throughout the house.
If you want to do a little more setup, you can even use the HomePod’s temperature itself to control the AC unit. Why do you want to do this? Well, if you have a single zone air conditioning unit, only one spot can control the temperature of the house. This can work great, but the temperature can vary a lot from room to room, especially if you have a multi-level home. There are some First party sensors You can use it to control the temperature seamlessly, but some creative automation can control the thermostat from the HomePods sensor exclusively.
You can use a single automation to turn on the air conditioner and set the temperature several degrees lower than required to ensure that it cools the entire house sufficiently. You can then set a second automation to turn off the air conditioner once the temperature on your HomePod reaches your desired temperature. Controlling the AC is a bit of a tricky fix, but there are plenty of other automations you can set up from these sensors—whether you open your curtains if it’s too cold or run a humidifier based on humidity.
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Of course, there are relatively many options Low cost temperature sensorsAnd no one should buy a HomePod mini exclusively for sensors. But the HomePod mini or Apple TV is truly an essential piece of any HomeKit-based smart home, serving as a Home Hub to allow automations to run and allow you to control your smart home devices when they’re not on your local network — in addition to being a good smart speaker. Whether you’re just getting started building your HomeKit smart home or already have a HomePod in every room of the house, a software update can save you money buying a sensor and the hassle of dealing with changing batteries – it’s always great when software updates add features to products you already buy . You can choose a file HomePod has been renewed On eBay for under $70.
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