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Apple's new HomePod 'Intercom' feature works with CarPlay

Users of Apple's compact smart speaker have a new avenue to send and receive messages to loved ones on the road.

Antuan Goodwin Reviews Editor / Cars
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Expertise Reviewing cars and car technology since 2008 focusing on electrification, driver assistance and infotainment Credentials
  • North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
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Antuan Goodwin
Apple CarPlay
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Apple CarPlay

Apple's smart speaker now has a direct-access intercom feature to communicate with drivers using CarPlay. 

 Apple

Apple's newly announced HomePod  Intercom feature will give users yet another way to reach driving family members (and vice versa) through a new integration with Apple CarPlay .

Watch this: Apple reveals the HomePod Mini

Apple debuted the new feature on its latest HomePod Mini during Tuesday's Apple Event. The functionality allows the smart speaker to communicate with other HomePods as well as with connected iPhones , iPads  and Apple Watches .

Apple CarPlay
Apple

Drivers connected to Apple CarPlay while on the road will also be able to receive incoming messages from HomePods and hear them spoken aloud. They'll also be able to send or reply to Intercom messages using the Siri voice assistant.

Apple CarPlay users have always been able to send messages via SMS or iMessage, but the new Intercom features opens up communication with family members at home who may not have access to a phone or computer. For example, a child at home who doesn't have an iMessage account could send a voice update to a parent commuting home.