Apple released its iOS 11.2 beta update for developers not so long ago. While not much was known about the firmware at that time, we are now seeing what new additions are part of it. Apple detailed a new feature in the iOS 11.2 developer beta called SiriKit for HomePod. Even though the company's Siri-enabled smart speaker has not hit the shelves at this point, the feature will allow developers to use HomePod as an access point for sending commands to their host apps on iPhone and iPad. So let's dive in to see what the new SiriKit for HomePod feature is all about.

iOS 11.2 Introduces 'SiriKit for HomePod' Supporting Only Limited Third-Party Apps

SiriKit was initially launched alongside iOS 10 which allowed developers to take control of the virtual assistant in order to send commands to their apps. The support was then expanded to other apps in iOS 11. However, SiriKitfor HomePod is not an example of direct integration with the hardware as the company is allowingapp developers to test their apps with Handoff-like feature.

iOS 11.2 introduces SiriKit for HomePod, the powerful speaker that sounds amazing, adapts to wherever it’s playing, and provides instant access to Apple Music. HomePod is also a helpful home assistant for everyday questions and tasks. With the intelligence of Siri, users control HomePod through natural voice interaction. And with SiriKit, users can access iOS apps for Messaging, Lists, and Notes. Make sure your SiriKit integration is up to date and test your app’s voice-only experience today.

Apple Smart HomePod speaker will be launched in December of this month and since it is absent at the moment, Apple recommends that developers should test SiriKitsupport using Siri with headphones and an iPhone or iPad.

With the intelligence of Siri, users control HomePod through natural voice interaction and can conveniently access iOS apps that support SiriKit Messaging, Lists, and Notes. Sirirecognizes SiriKit requests made on HomePod and sends those requests to the user’s iOS device for processing. To prepare your app, make sure that your SiriKit integration is up to date and that you’ve adopted all of the appropriate intents.

Test the voice-only experience by using Siri through headphones connected to your iOSdevice with iOS11.2beta.

SiriKit for HomePod relies on a nearby iPhone or iPad, which indeed is not a direct implementation of the feature. In addition to this, this will be quite different from what the Amazon Echo has offered. Nonetheless, more details await to be heard. HomePod will be available in December, coming at a price of $349.

This is it for now, folks. What are your thoughts on SiriKit for HomePod? Do you think it's a neat idea for Apple to integrate Siri support with limited third-party apps using one's iPhone or iPad? Share your views with us in the comments.