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The xxx tv showfirst details on iOS 12 are right around the corner, but that doesn't mean Apple's done pushing out new features for iOS 11.

As part of iOS 11.4, rolling out on Tuesday, Apple's finally letting users pair two HomePods in stereo mode and stream music to multiple rooms using the long-delayed AirPlay 2.

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When Apple announced HomePod at WWDC 2017, it demoed both stereo pairing and AirPlay 2 music streaming. It's almost a year later, and the features are finally ready. Better late than never, right?

Apple invited me to check out the new HomePod abilities in the company's loft in New York City, and after a few minutes of listening I have to say they're pretty neat... if you own a HomePod.

Stereo pairing

Stereo pairing is finally here. Credit: AFP/Getty Images

Stereo pairing is exactly what it says on the tin: It connects two HomePods together and splits the audio into left and right channels.

However, because the HomePod automatically calibrates itself to the room it's in and then blasts out audio based on the space, the soundstage is more full compared to a unidirectional speaker like, say, the Amazon Echo.

With two HomePods paired up, the sound is doubly rich and warm. Just like with a single HomePod, the bass thumps, while preserving the vocals.

Apple attributes this excellent separation to the A8 chip and beamforming microphones inside the two paired HomePods that are constantly communicating in order to take measurements that help produce the rich tunes.

And don't you worry: Siri works just as well on two paired HomePods as on one. Even at 90 percent volume on both speakers, the HomePods were able to pick up a low "Hey Siri" audio command.

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AirPlay 2

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

The other big iOS 11.4 feature is AirPlay 2. Anyone who's ever used AirPlay to stream music from their iPhone or iPad to a compatible speaker knows it's laggy. Really laggy.

AirPlay 2 is the complete opposite. On iOS devices, you can control where to stream music via AirPlay 2 using Control Center.

On HomePod, it's even easier. Unlike other speaker systems where you have to tediously create groups for speakers, AirPlay 2 just works (assuming you've set up the speaker with the appropriate room identifier).

In my demo, we were able to play music in different rooms (i.e kitchen, bedroom, living room, etc.) simply by telling Siri to play a song in that room.

Furthermore, we were able to stop music in all rooms with a "Hey Siri, stop the music everywhere" command. My favorite HomePod feature enabled by AirPlay 2 and multi-room support was the ability to move music between rooms.

For example, if you're playing music through a HomePod in your living room and then want to move the playback to your bedroom just say ""Hey Siri, move music to the bedroom." It really was as easy as that and there wasn't any delay.

You also don't need to buy several HomePods in order to set up a multi-room speaker system. Several third parties including Bang & Olufsen, Bluesound, Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Libratone, Marantz, Marshall, Naim, Pioneer, and Sonos will have speakers that support AirPlay 2. Users will be able to pair a HomePod to these compatible speakers for Siri voice controls.

Extra goodies

Stereo pairing and AirPlay 2 are the two big iOS 11.4 features. But there are a few other goodies in the update.

For starters, HomePod also gets Calendar-sync support. When your iPhone or iPad within HomePod's range, it'll sync up your calendar so you can use Siri voice controls to create events.

iOS 11.4 also brings Messages in iCloud, which syncs all your iMessages across all your Apple devices. The feature was originally announced for iOS 11, but was removed due to it not being ready. Like the other features, it's ready now.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

It's great to finally see Apple release HomePod stereo pairing and AirPlay 2. It just feels like finally. Whether the new features will change enough people's opinions of the HomePod to start moving the needle on sales... that's another story.

As much as I love how HomePod sounds, it's still very expensive for a lot of people. Buying two balloons the price up to $700 and adding third-party speakers with AirPlay 2 will only add to the cost. But if you've got the money, I think you're gonna be very happy with the simplicity of creating a multi-speaker and room setup.

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Topics Apple iOS