Oliver Haslam·

Download: Apple Releases Final Version Of HomePod 14.4, macOS 11.2 Big Sur, watchOS 7.3, tvOS 14.4

Apple’s big round of software refreshes has run its course once again, with a ton of new updates available to the public as of right now. That means you can download HomePod 14.4, macOS 11.2 Big Sur, watchOS 7.3, tvOS 14.4 in their final form right now.

And download them, you should. Every time Apple releases one of these new rounds of updates there are some features that are well worth getting your hands on. And then there are the usual bug fixes and performance improvements that you just don’t want to miss out on.

This time around is no different at all.

macOS Big Sur 11.2

On the Mac, Apple has released some important changes as part of this update with bug fixes very much the order of the day.

  • External displays may show a black screen when connected to a Mac mini (M1, 2020) using an HDMI to DVI converter
  • Edits to Apple ProRAW photos in the Photos app may not save
  • iCloud Drive could turn off after disabling the iCloud Drive Desktop & Documents Folders option
  • System Preferences may not unlock when entering your administrator password
  • Globe key may not display the Emoji & Symbols pane when pressed

tvOS 14.4

Sometimes the tvOS updates go under the radar and this time around is no different. There are no new features as far as we can see and Apple doesn’t get particularly granular about the updates in tvOS release notes. If it even shares them, that is. As always though, we’d suggest installing this update just to make sure you’re running the very latest version. Who knows what’s new, but it could be something useful!

watchOS 7.3
The new watchOS 7.3 update adds support for Time for Walk, an addition to the Fitness+ subscription service that lets users listen to celebrities as they go for a wander. While most people won’t notice any new health features, plenty will; Japan, Mayotte, Philippines, and Thailand all gained the ECG app while irregular heart rhythm notifications are coming to Japan, Mayotte, Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand. Apple also added a new Unity watch face as part of this update, too.

watchOS 7.3 includes new features, improvements, and bug fixes, including:

  • Unity watch face–inspired by the colors of the Pan-African Flag, the shapes change throughout the day as you move creating a face that’s unique to you
  • Time to Walk for Apple Fitness+ subscribers–an audio experience in the Workout app where guests share inspiring stories as you walk
  • ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 or later in Japan, Mayotte, Philippines, and Thailand
  • Irregular heart rhythm notifications in Japan, Mayotte, Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand
  • Fix for an issue where Control Center and Notification Center may be unresponsive when Zoom is enabled

HomePod Software 14.4

In terms of the HomePod, the big addition here is a new Handoff feature that will allow users to more seamlessly move audio from one Apple U1-enabled device to another. That means the HomePod mini and recent iPhones right now, but it will also presumably involve more devices in the future.

  • Hand off music with visual, audible, and haptic effects from iPhone to HomePod mini
  • Get personalized listening suggestions on iPhone when it is next to HomePod mini
  • Media controls automatically appear without having to unlock iPhone when it is close to HomePod mini

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