Skip to main content

An ‘NBA on TNT’ ad is triggering people’s HomePods and they are not pleased

Grovemade

You may not be the only one controlling your smart assistant — savvy advertisers are in on the game, too. Per a new report from Apple Insider, there is an NBA on TNT ad that features the phrase, “Don’t wanna miss out? Hey Siri, show me the NBA schedule,” which triggers the HomePod (or any other device with always-on “Hey Siri” support), much to a user’s chagrin.

The tactic is nothing new. Previously, advertisers used similar practices to go after Amazon Echo or Google Home owners, causing Alexa or Assistant to kick into gear upon hearing the requisite wake word. While that does not appear to be quite as popular of a technique any longer, given the HomePod’s relative newness to the market, it’s no surprise that advertisers are looking for new ways to reach potential customers.

Recommended Videos

Part of the reason the HomePod is so susceptible to this advertising trick lies in one of its greatest attributes — the microphone technology of the smart speaker is extremely sensitive, and meant to hear and respond to a listener from more extensive distances. Alas, that also means that if your television set says something following “Hey Siri,” your HomePod will likely do it.

Moreover, while iPhone and iPad owners generally have to train Siri to respond more exclusively to their unique voices, this is not the case with HomePods. Indeed, there have been quite a few instances of Siri on the HomePod responding to people who are not her owners.

More broadly, folks have pointed out the HomePod is not the best in terms of being able to differentiate among various users, which could be particularly problematic given that the smart speaker actually recites some personal information, like text messages. And the only thing more embarrassing than having a parent read your text messages is having your smart assistant read them to said parent — really, where do your loyalties lie, Siri?

That said, given that Apple recently hired Google’s former head of artificial intelligence and search, John Giannandrea, in order to improve Apple’s A.I. and machine learning technologies, these problems could very well soon be addressed.

Lulu Chang
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
Apple might launch a HomePod smart display in 2024
Apple HomePod 2023 in a home office.

Apple just launched the revised HomePod earlier this year, but rumors are already swirling about the company’s next big smart home launch. And if the speculation is true, we could be seeing a radically new type of HomePod hit the market in early 2024.

The rumors come from industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. According to Kuo, the upcoming HomePod will feature a seven-inch touchscreen panel and would be designed to allow easier integration with other products in the Apple lineup. In other words, it sounds like a smart display -- which isn’t revolutionary, but it would be the first smart display produced by Apple.

Read more
Sonos One vs. HomePod mini: which smart speaker is best?
The Sonos One smart speaker on a countertop.

When it comes to smart speakers, the
Buy at Amazon
and
Buy at Apple
are two of the best. Offering impeccable sound, great smart home connectivity, and sleek designs, few products can match the style and performance of these two behemoths. But which one is right for your home?

While it’s impossible to go wrong with either, there are a few key differences between the two smart speakers that might make one a better fit for your home. Here’s a closer look at the Sonos One and HomePod mini to help you decide which is best.
Pricing and availability

Read more
Apple HomePod Mini vs. Apple HomePod
A white HomePod mini sitting on a desk.

Apple's HomePod mini is one of the most popular smart speakers of 2023 -- but the newly announced HomePod is going to give it a run for its money. While the miniature HomeKit hub can control your smart home gear and engage with Siri, the HomePod 2023 can do all of that while also pumping out some impressive audio. But does the HomePod do enough to warrant its $299 price tag? Here's a closer look at both the HomePod and HomePod mini to help you determine which is best for your smart home.
Pricing and availability

One of the most common complaints about the original HomePod (released in 2018) was that it was one of the most expensive smart speakers on the market. That’s still true, as the HomePod 2023 clocks in at $299.

Read more