Now that Apple has released the second beta for iOS 14.4 developers, I’ve downloaded it to see what changes Apple has in store when the update is finally released.
Despite the long gap between the first beta version of iOS 14.4 and the second, not much has changed.
The most visible change is the continuous improvement of the updated HomePod mini handoff experience. This updated experience is based on the U1 ultra wide band chip found in the HomePod mini, as well as recent iPhones.
Transfer to HomePod mini
This enhanced experience has auditory, physical, and visual cues to signal the transfer of your sound from your phone to the HomePod mini and back. This feature was present in the first beta version, but is much smoother in the beta version than the very buggy initial implementation. It was so buggy that it was difficult to perform the procedure reliably, and iPhones would often freeze in the processor – or not recognize the HomePod mini at all.
When transferring audio back to the iPhone from the HomePod mini, the “transfer to iPhone” button works correctly, while before it was simply a substitute.
New home screen in the Find Me app
The other notable change is in the Find Me app. After the update to the second beta version of iOS 14.4, at the launch of Find Me a new start screen appears that explains the new features of the application.
New features include third-party accessory support, enhanced notifications for your friends and family, and Find the network that helps you locate lost items, even when you’re not connected to Wi-Fi.
Belkin is the first to support the Find My app with the upcoming SoundForm Freedom True Wireless headphones that were announced at CES 2021.
All this seems to further pave the way for AirTags that are expected to arrive in the near future. Recently, a new URL scheme was discovered that would launch a new panel in the Find Me app for use with compatible accessories. However, this is also supported in iOS 14.3.