The Apple HomePod smart speaker isn’t known for saving lives like the Apple Watch is, and dogs aren’t known to start potentially deadly fires like some people are. But this strange turn of events is what makes this story so interesting. This all took place in Colorado on June 26th when the Colorado Springs Fire Department was alerted to a house fire. As far as we can tell, the dog did not make the phone call.
- Open the Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap the More button, then tap Home Settings.
- Tap Safety & Security.
- Tap Sound Recognition, then turn on Smoke & CO Alarm.
Luckily, the family was alerted by the HomePod notification, called the fire department, and extinguished the fire before they arrived. Outside of a little smoke inhalation, the family escaped any serious injury, and the dog managed to bark his way out of an arson arrest. Seriously though, you might not have known that Apple’s smart speaker has a sound recognition feature. Now that you know, you should take advantage of it. That is not why they call it a “smart” speaker, but you probably knew that already.
