Set HomePod timers from the Home app
Of course you could also set timers on the HomePod itself. Since iOS 12, it is even possible to set multiple timers on the HomePod at the same time, using Siri. But those who prefer not to shout commands across the room can do it via in the Home app as soon as iOS 14.7 is officially available (or already via beta). It works on the iPhone, iPad and possibly the Mac too.
In the Home app, go to the HomePd settings, where from now on you will find the option to choose timers without asking Siri. You'll find this under the option to set alarms on the HomePod. When you set a new timer, the Home app asks if you want to name it, just like Siri. After adding one or more timers you will see a countdown of all. Also, the code from iOS 14.7 shows that you can ask Siri on the iPhone about the status of HomePod timers. This can be useful if you are in another room. The feature is not yet functional in the first beta. What you can do is cancel an already running timer on the HomePod from your iPhone.
Just like the timers in the Clock app in iOS, you can choose minutes, hours and seconds. So you can also set a timer for only 10 seconds. As can be seen in the image below, the screen texts are not completely finished.
Multiple timers only on HomePod
It is interesting by the way that you have multiple timers on the HomePod w & eacute; l at the same time, but this is not possible on the iPhone itself. This new function can therefore be useful for people who are cooking and need several timers for the different dishes. You must have a HomePod.
To try this feature, you must have the first iOS 14.7 beta, which was released Wednesday evening. In addition, you must have HomePod software 14.7 installed on your smart speaker. It works on the normal HomePod as well as the HomePod mini.
Many other features have not yet been found in iOS 14.7. It appears to be a somewhat smaller update with mostly bug fixes and performance improvements, with few real innovations. That makes sense, as Apple is keeping the important and big innovations for iOS 15, which will be released in a few weeks.