Apple has made steady improvements to its HomePod lineup; the most recent update is a PCMag Editors' Choice pick for Apple-first smart speakers, while the HomePod mini gives you a similar experience for less. Got more than one? Pair them together for a true stereo experience or have the music follow you through the house. But these sleek devices do more than play music. Your HomePod is also a smart home device that can control alarms, smart lights, and more. Here are a few tricks you should know to improve your HomePod experience. Apple HomePod (2nd Generation, 2023) Review 4.0 Excellent $299.99 at Best Buy See It Apple HomePod mini Review 4.0 Excellent $99.99 at Best Buy See It 1. Set Up a Music or Ambient Sounds Alarm It’s easy to set a timer or alarm through your HomePod, but you're not stuck with one of Apple's jarring presets. Instead, ask Siri to play music or ambient sounds at the appoint...