Apple's second-generation HomePod marked the return of the company's full-size smart speaker, but it also came with a few software features that give Siri more functionality as a smart home assistant. That includes help finding the location of a user's friends and family with just their voice. The original HomePod was released back in 2018 for $349 but later discontinued following the release of the HomePod Mini. The latest version not only packs some hardware improvements, but brings software-based features too.
Previously, users had some Find My integration on their HomePod and HomePod mini with Siri. It was possible to ask a HomePod to play a sound on a user's iPhone to help them locate it, or to find the location of an AirTag. But the same functionality wasn't available for people sharing their location in the Find My app, until now. With the second-generation HomePod, users can ask Siri the current location of their friends and family using their voice and instantly receive a response. This could be useful if someone is looking to check in on someone while traveling without having to pull out their device each time.
Ask Siri For Someone's Location On HomePod OS 16.3 Or Later
In order for Siri to tell a user someone's location, that person must have shared their location with the user in the Find My app. People can share their location with others indefinitely, for the day, or for an hour. As such, the person must be sharing their location with the user at the exact moment Siri is asked for their location. Otherwise, Siri will say "Hm, it looks like that person doesn't share their location with you in the Find My app."
Saying "Hey Siri, where's John" will prompt the HomePod to recite John's current location and how far he is away from the user. For example, a reply to that command might say "Two minutes ago, John was about 10 miles away, near One Apple Park Way." Due to the way Siri responds to queries about a person's location, the feature seems like it would be helpful for users expecting company. If they're trying to get things in order, users can check how far away their guests are with just their voice.
Though the feature was announced alongside the second-generation HomePod, it was included in the HomePod OS 16.3 update. This can be installed on the original HomePod and the HomePod mini, so it figures that the feature will be available on existing devices. Screen Rant tested the feature on a HomePod mini, and it worked flawlessly. For users looking for quick insight on their friends and family's whereabouts, the HomePod's new Find My integration can help.
Source: Apple