You can use the HomePod mini as an intercom system with your other Apple devices

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Apple unveiled a new, small, low-cost (for Apple) version of the HomePod smart speaker yesterday, the HomePod mini. One of the new “innovations” unveiled on this new device was Intercom, a way to send voice messages across most of your Apple devices. Neat, right?

Now if you’re a family that’s heavily into the Apple ecosystem already, you’ll be able to say “Hey Siri, tell everyone…” and send a message to the entire family at once, like if you want to call them down for dinner in your palatial home that’s too big for uncouth shouting. Intercom works across the HomePod range, on iPhones, on iPad, on Apple Watch, and even on AirPods and CarPlay.

If you’re using an audio-first device you’ll get the audio version of the message, with notifications on devices that have a screen instead. That’s a nice addition to the same functionality that Google and Amazon already have on their smart speakers, one of the perks of having control over a full device ecosystem as Apple has. Every other manufacturer has to rely on apps for mobile devices although Google could bring the notification version to its Pixel range if it wanted.

Is $99 too much to pay for not having to shout up your stairs? Only time will tell.

What do you think? Could you see yourself using this feature? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Apple is already discontinuing the iPhone 11 Pro range
• The iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max features 5G, a pro camera system, and the biggest Super Retina XDR display
• The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini features 5G, OLED screens, and more
• Apple TV+ subscribers are getting an extension on their free subscriptions

Joe Rice-Jones

Maker, meme-r, and unabashed geek with nearly half a decade of blogging experience at KnowTechie, SlashGear and XDA Developers. If it runs on electricity (or even if it doesn't), Joe probably has one around his office somewhere, with particular focus in gadgetry and handheld gaming. Shoot him an email at joe@knowtechie.com.