Apple today updated its HomePod tech specs page with a new Audio Sources section that lists all of the ways in which the speaker can stream audio, setting the record straight on some conflicting information.
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• iTunes Music: HomePod users can ask Siri to play any songs, albums, or audiobooks purchased from the iTunes Store.
• iCloud Music Library: HomePod users can ask Siri to play any songs uploaded to a user's iCloud Music Library, including songs imported from other sources such as CDs, with an Apple Music or iTunes Match subscription.
• Beats 1: HomePod users can ask Siri to play Apple's official radio station.
• Podcasts: HomePod users can ask Siri to play any podcast episodes from the iTunes podcast directory.
• AirPlay: HomePod users can use AirPlay to play other audio from an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV, and Mac. AirPlay 2, coming later this year, is only required to stream audio from these sources to multiple HomePods.
Earlier this week, iMore's Serenity Caldwell put together a useful breakdown with more detailed information about how the HomePod works with Apple Music, iTunes Match, iCloud Music Library, AirPlay, and more.
HomePod orders began last week ahead of the speaker's official launch on February 9 in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)And the obvious Bluetooth is left out. Why?
So that it remains anti-competitive and forces users to stay within the Apple ecosystem. (That way you can't use it with an Android device or something)And the obvious Bluetooth is left out. Why?
Because if you're having a party, no one wants the music to stop when you get a phone call.Sonos speakers don't support Bluetooth audio either.
So that it remains anti-competitive and forces users to stay within the Apple ecosystem. (That way you can't use it with an Android device or something)
...or Spotify without doing it through a phone/tablet.Valiant effort, Apple, but it won't be appearing in my home anytime soon. Voice control of Spotify would sell me, but bleh.
I know I am going to get flak for this but lets face it there is no perfect speaker that is bluetooth and wifi and chrome casting and airplay 2.
the day that speaker is made people will flock to it. I think Sonos is trying to decide if they want to build that speaker and let people out of the app echo system they created. Sonos could be the white knight but I have to say I am returning all of mine this weekend cause I can not cast anything to them. I use my speaker for more than just music and podcast. I use it to play audio from the iPad in the kitchen for the news while I cook. Sonos can not do that task from android or ios. This is a huge limiting factor for them
So I am buying a home pod why cause I will more than likely never own said device IE android so what am I losing nothing.
My friends are almost all ios.
If this supported bluetooth audio then down the road that would be nice when they came over with the 2 droids I know.
That still does not make Sonos better.
No Spotify or Bluetooth connectivity, NO DEAL
You can play Spotify via AirPlay!