Apple may disable Hey Siri feature on some devices

Apple has integrated a feature that will change the way you interact with Siri. latest tvOS 18.2 beta includes a code update that blocks the “Hey Siri” command to prevent it from being activated by mistake on assistant-compatible devices. This feature will solve one of the most annoying problems Apple users face when watching shows on TV.

According to 9to5MacThe beta version of tvOS 18.2 introduces an ad blocker with some very unique features. According to the report, the source code shows that the new platform is associated with a process that controls the “Siri” and “Hey Siri” voice commands, as well as the Shazam API. Further analysis shows that this structure will prevent activation of the voice assistant due to advertising or TV program.

Erroneous activations are one of the most annoying problems faced by Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa users. This is most obvious on devices like HomePod and other smart speakers that receive instructions from an unknown source or advertisement. In more extreme cases – such as some TVs with Google TV – activation interrupts playback movie or TV series until the user cancels the command.

Apple will use Shazam to prevent accidental activation of Siri

According to the report, the code present in the tvOS 18.2 beta solves this problem by compare the sound recorded by the device’s microphonesor. To do this, the platform downloads audio from Apple’s servers and uses the Shazam API to compare whether it matches what Siri-compatible devices record.

In practical terms, if you have a HomePod and watch Apple TV showsthe system will analyze whether the sound recorded by the speaker matches the audio fingerprints downloaded from Apple’s servers. In this case, this feature will temporarily disable Siri activation commands so that they are not activated by mistake when mentioned.

Removing ad blocker commands isn’t the only thing coming to tvOS 18.2. The update also brings support for different aspect ratios, so you’ll be able to configure your Apple TV with aspect ratios beyond 16:9 and 21:9. This feature is especially useful for those who connect their device to a projector.

Other important features of the new update include Insight, a feature similar to X-ray Prime Video that offers information about the actors or music of the show you’re playing. Also included are improved dialogue options, smart subtitles and a redesigned Apple Fitness+ app, among other things.

Blocking “Hey Siri” commands will come to HomePod when the final version of tvOS 18.2 releases in December.