Apple's HomePods are great products when it comes to audio quality, but connectivity options are a different story. There are many questions about how they can actually be used, so we're going to answer those questions that might make you see them as the least versatile smart speakers on the market. Because, can they be used with non-Apple devices? Could they be used as system speakers?
HomePod, great in sound and limitations
Anyone who has tried Apple's HomePods will agree that the sound quality they offer is very high. However, compared to the rest of similar solutions that already exist on the market, it must be recognized that they are very limited in terms of connectivity. But if you think we're going to go in parts.
Leaving aside the original HomePod, which has been discontinued but is still available while supplies last, the HomePod mini is a device that can only be used via Wi-Fi connections . In other words, it doesn't offer Bluetooth audio streaming and doesn't include any auxiliary inputs like those offered by other devices such as the Amazon Echo.
What's more, the 4th generation Amazon Echo is one of the most versatile. And it is that, for an identical price if we do not count the promotions that Amazon's proposal enjoys, this is a product that offers more connectivity options. To begin with, the 3,5mm Jack connection can be configured for both input and output. So, if you want, you can use it as a conventional wired speaker connected to any sound system.
In addition, the Amazon Echo also allows you to connect it via Bluetooth to any device with said connection and use it as a conventional Bluetooth speaker. This is ideal when you don't have internet to access any of the streaming music services that it supports or you simply want to improve the sound quality of your smartphone or computer, share music with others, etc. You can even use the device as a hands-free for your mobile phone.
However, this isn't the case with the HomePod. As we've mentioned, it lacks an auxiliary audio input, and despite having Bluetooth 5.0, it can't be used. The purpose of this type of wireless connectivity is to allow detection and pairing with Apple products. Because once the setup is complete, audio is sent via AirPlay. But to make everything clearer, let's break it down.
Can I use HomePod as a Bluetooth speaker?
The answer to this question is: no, the HomePod cannot be used as a conventional Bluetooth speaker. Furthermore, only Apple devices can actually send content via AirPlay. This is why its use within an ecosystem that includes devices from other manufacturers and with operating systems other than Apple's is less appealing.
There's a small chance of circumventing this whole system. It's an app called AirMusic . However, it only works on Android devices and requires root access to use codecs that aren't officially supported by the HomePod. In short, it's an incredibly complicated solution and not worth the effort. This app uses an AirPlay trick that can be functional, but it's impractical. The app is paid, but it has a trial version so you can decide if it's worth buying. We find it an overly complex solution.
Why doesn't Apple allow you to use Bluetooth with HomePod?
For Apple, that its products work without problems is an essential requirement. To do this, they usually guarantee the simplicity of their devices. The more complex an electronic product has, the more chances it will have to break down and the more universal it will have to be. Apple does not like that its products are universal. In fact, Steve Jobs in his youth was already selling Apple's philosophy as "end to end", that is, creating a totally closed ecosystem that guarantees that the user experience is perfect - that is, that there are no complications - even if that means lose some of the compatibility with third-party products.
Bluetooth on HomePod and HomePod Mini is used to communicate with other HomeKit-enabled devices. However, you cannot use it to play music. In fact, the device doesn't even have the necessary licenses or software to function as a Bluetooth audio device. It does not have the necessary codecs to decode the audio information for playback.
Can HomePod be used as a system speaker?
This time, we really have good news. We can use the HomePod as a speaker for our computer. However, this only works with Apple devices. This is possible thanks to AirPlay . Even so, you should know that while you can play audio from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac through the HomePod, the experience can be quite uneven.
For example, so that you are clear about what to expect in each of the most common situations that you might encounter in daily use. When you play video through applications or platforms such as YouTube, Netflix and the like, there are usually not many problems and both the image and the sound are synchronized. If at any time said synchronization is lost, you just have to pause and play again so that everything is solved
However, if your intention is to use the HomePod as a system speaker that you'll then use with applications like Final Cut Pro for video and audio editing, then you should know that you won't be able to, as the lag is a major issue . And we're not talking about milliseconds, but a considerable amount that makes it highly inadvisable. This is one of the biggest problems with AirPlay, so using the HomePod with your Mac can be quite cumbersome.
Therefore, if the device is already limited in terms of its use with other devices that use operating systems other than iOS, iPadOS, tvOS or macOS, you should also know that with Apple equipment things improve, but it continues being insufficient for those who seek to squeeze a little more out of its great quality when it comes to playing audio.
HomePod as a stereo sound system?
Finally, it should be said that while using video platforms like YouTube or Netflix on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac doesn't cause any problems, the best way to get the most out of it in multimedia playback situations is with Apple TV.
Here Apple has shown interest and allows the use of two HomePods to create a stereo audio configuration that does provide quality and improves the entertainment experience. In addition, as we already mentioned, the configuration is very simple:
- Once your HomePods are set up, open the Casa App from your iOS or iPadOS device
- Long press on Apple TV and then tap on the gear icon to access the settings
- Now, in the Default audio output option select the HomePod or the pair of HomePod speakers if you have opted for a stereo configuration
- Done, now you can enjoy improved sound with Apple's set top box
Hopefully Apple in a future version of the product or update of its operating system some kind of solution to this type of use. Because the product is well worth it for audio quality. But if you are looking for something versatile, for now it is not.