"HomePods now equipped to alert you of smoke alarms and drop in price"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Verge
Apple's Sound Detection feature is now available on the first- and second-gen HomePods and the HomePod Mini, allowing the smart speakers to listen for smoke and CO alarms and send a notification to your phone. The feature does not require smart smoke alarms or an internet connection, making it an attractive option for Apple Home users. The feature is free and all audio analysis is done on-device, with end-to-end encryption for remote check-ins. Amazon's Echo and Google's Nest smart speakers also have similar features, but with different limitations and requirements.