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Finally: More than just Apple Music on your Homepod
HomePod users can now look forward to enjoying not only Apple Music but also third-party services like Pandora, Deezer, and iHeartRadio. Although the list of compatible apps is limited, Apple aims to change this with iOS 17. This update allows users to ask Siri to play media from apps installed on their iPhone or iPad through HomePod.
With iOS 17, as revealed at WWDC 2023, Siri and AirPlay updates enable users to request their HomePod to play media from an app on their iOS device even if it lacks native HomePod support. The prerequisite is that the iOS app must be compatible with the SiriKit API for voice control via Siri.
Apple clarifies that "once HomePod processes a request, a SiriKit intent is sent to the iPhone; then Siri starts your app and AirPlays content back to the speaker." In essence, Siri will use your iPhone's connection via AirPlay to automatically play requested content.
While native HomePod apps function without needing proximity to your device, using iPhone or iPad apps requires both devices connected within the same Wi-Fi network. Apple reassures that "any app supporting SiriKit Media Intents today will work seamlessly without additional changes."
This integration accommodates music apps, audiobooks, podcasts, radio stations and meditation programs. In certain cases, commands such as liking or adding media are also available. As stated by Apple: "Everything your app can do on iOS today will work on HomePod," including playing artists' songs or albums across various genres.
For households with multiple registered users in the Home App, voice recognition directs requests accordingly. This significant change enhances usability for those who don't subscribe exclusively to Apple Music which comes pre-installed on every Apple device.
This will be a big and welcome change for me, a big radio listener using my iPhone which just won't work on my Homepod Mini if I try to initiate listening there. Hopefully this will fix that issue.
A+ Report is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Get full access to A+ Report at aplusreport.substack.com/subscribe
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By Sarb JohalHomePod users can now look forward to enjoying not only Apple Music but also third-party services like Pandora, Deezer, and iHeartRadio. Although the list of compatible apps is limited, Apple aims to change this with iOS 17. This update allows users to ask Siri to play media from apps installed on their iPhone or iPad through HomePod.
With iOS 17, as revealed at WWDC 2023, Siri and AirPlay updates enable users to request their HomePod to play media from an app on their iOS device even if it lacks native HomePod support. The prerequisite is that the iOS app must be compatible with the SiriKit API for voice control via Siri.
Apple clarifies that "once HomePod processes a request, a SiriKit intent is sent to the iPhone; then Siri starts your app and AirPlays content back to the speaker." In essence, Siri will use your iPhone's connection via AirPlay to automatically play requested content.
While native HomePod apps function without needing proximity to your device, using iPhone or iPad apps requires both devices connected within the same Wi-Fi network. Apple reassures that "any app supporting SiriKit Media Intents today will work seamlessly without additional changes."
This integration accommodates music apps, audiobooks, podcasts, radio stations and meditation programs. In certain cases, commands such as liking or adding media are also available. As stated by Apple: "Everything your app can do on iOS today will work on HomePod," including playing artists' songs or albums across various genres.
For households with multiple registered users in the Home App, voice recognition directs requests accordingly. This significant change enhances usability for those who don't subscribe exclusively to Apple Music which comes pre-installed on every Apple device.
This will be a big and welcome change for me, a big radio listener using my iPhone which just won't work on my Homepod Mini if I try to initiate listening there. Hopefully this will fix that issue.
A+ Report is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Get full access to A+ Report at aplusreport.substack.com/subscribe