Apple Shares New Video on Getting the Most From HomePod

[tywebb13]

The question I have about the stereo homepods is how will the stereo sound produced by the airfoil version compare with apple's version?

What apple's webpage https://www.apple.com/homepod/ actually says is

"Create stereo sound with a second HomePod. Put another HomePod in the same room and they automatically detect and balance each other. With advanced beamforming capabilities, a HomePod pair is able to create a wider, more immersive soundstage than a traditional stereo pair. Coming later this year"

But what the airfoil technology actually does is to force the homepods to act exactly like a traditional stereo pair. So this is obviously not what apple has in mind.

I will try out apple's version when the update comes and compare it to the airfoil version. Maybe it will be better - AND MAYBE IT WON'T!

At first I thought that my use of airfoil will be short-term until the update comes.

But having experiencing homepod stereo now for 2 days after a week of running just 1 homepod I am now thinking that there is a possibility that I might not necessarily embrace apple's version of stereo long term.

I might actually prefer the airfoil version - long term!

It depends which one is better.

I won't know till apple release the update. But this is something to think about. Do you actually want a traditional stereo pair despite what apple's website says?

The ultimate test for stereo is Verdi's Requiem: III Tuba Mirum. This is the first test I used for airfoil and it passed with flying colors. So as far as stereo is concerned I haven't looked back since then.

There has been too much emphasis on how the device sounds. Maybe the device sounds good. Maybe it doesn't. I'm not going to argue like others have done in this thread about that.

But my point is that this is really the wrong question.

A better question is how does the music sound?

And it sounds much better in stereo with 2 homepods than with 1 homepod.

So will apple's version of stereo be better than airfoil's? Maybe. Or maybe not. I'll give it the Verdi test to see.

 

[Applebot1]

well, objectively, while Apple's competitors have created "smart" audio devices that embrace the entire ecosystem of audio options available to consumers, Apple has decided to wall out those who don't participate in their "pay wall". Tell me, what do you have to say about that?

the best way to get the most of of Apples iPod is to not get one and but two Sonos instead.

I have both and you can’t go wrong with either.
[doublepost=1518935408][/doublepost]People complaining about Siri” on Home Pod. Lets be honest, It’s not like Siri has become any better on any device previously, so shouldn’t be a surprise. Works more than fine for basic controls of music and HomeKit devices. Just don’t expect it to be a general knowledge champion lol

HP function can be improved by software and it’s not like the hardware is lacking. Question is, will Apple do anything about it? because they do have a superb sounding speaker with great potential...typical generation 1 product I guess

 

[deanthedev]

The ultimate test for stereo is Verdi's Requiem: III Tuba Mirum. This is the first test I used for airfoil and it passed with flying colors. So as far as stereo is concerned I haven't looked back since then.

There has been too much emphasis on how the device sounds. Maybe the device sounds good. Maybe it doesn't. I'm not going to argue like others have done in this thread about that.

But my point is that this is really the wrong question.

A better question is how does the music sound?

And it sounds much better in stereo with 2 homepods than with 1 homepod.

So will apple's version of stereo be better than airfoil's? Maybe. Or maybe not. I'll give it the Verdi test to see.

The question I have is how does a HomePod react being fed a purely mono signal (which is what it looks like Airfoil is doing sending L & R to each specific HomePod). How can a HomePod create a wide soundstage when it’s fed what is essentially a mono signal? How does the signal processing in the HomePod react when it doesn’t have a stereo signal where it can compare the audio content of both channels to decide how to create that soundstage?

I don’t think Airplay 2 in stereo is something as simple as what Airfoil is doing (routing L & R audio to each specific HomePod). Apple mentions they “automatically detect and balance each other”. This suggests they are communicating with each other. It’s not a stretch to think that one HomePod can send out an audio signal and the other HomePod can use its microphones to measure it. This way they both understand their location in your room (even how far apart they are).

Then as a pair they send the appropriate audio to the respective tweeters to create that “wider soundstage” Apple is claiming. I think both HomePods will get a stereo signal but will handle them differently (for example, the left HomePod will primarily be outputting left channel audio, but will also use beamforming and a little bit of right channel audio to create that soundstage).

 

[tywebb13]

The question I have is how does a HomePod react being fed a purely mono signal (which is what it looks like Airfoil is doing sending L & R to each specific HomePod). How can a HomePod create a wide soundstage when it’s fed what is essentially a mono signal? How does the signal processing in the HomePod react when it doesn’t have a stereo signal where it can compare the audio content of both channels to decide how to create that soundstage?

I don’t think Airplay 2 in stereo is something as simple as what Airfoil is doing (routing L & R audio to each specific HomePod). Apple mentions they “automatically detect and balance each other”. This suggests they are communicating with each other. It’s not a stretch to think that one HomePod can send out an audio signal and the other HomePod can use its microphones to measure it. This way they both understand their location in your room (even how far apart they are).

Then as a pair they send the appropriate audio to the respective tweeters to create that “wider soundstage” Apple is claiming. I think both HomePods will get a stereo signal but will handle them differently (for example, the left HomePod will primarily be outputting left channel audio, but will also use beamforming and a little bit of right channel audio to create that soundstage).

Airfoil's stereo for homepods sounds so much better that 1 homepod it is hard to imagine how it could get even better. But maybe it can - and your post hints towards that possibility.

In any case apple's version of stereo is going to have to be at least as good - if not better than - airfoil's stereo for me to switch over to their version of stereo - however they manage to do it.

 

[legacyb4]

The sound quality is average and the volume is rubbish.

Sending it back.

Sound quality is heads and shoulders above my Sonos 1 and the volume (non-distortion and clarity) are remarkable.

I'm keeping it.

 

[Tech198]

The miracles of iCloud.

 

[shareef777]

Bought one and tried it with the Apple TV. For some reason, the playback from the AppleTV isn't as loud as if I airplay from my phone or play directly from the HomePod. I was really hoping I could use it as a sounde bar replacement.nAs such, I'll be returning it back to Apple.

 

[Abazigal]

the best way to get the most of of Apples iPod is to not get one and but two Sonos instead.

Sonos is a dead man walking...

 

[lars666]

Sonos is a dead man walking...

Apples HomePad has not the slightest chance to kill Sonos at this price point with this limited usage possibility. I expect the usual "That's what they said about the iPod, iPhone etc." answer, but this time really IS different. At least if Apple doesn't open up the HomePod to other music services besides AppleMusic.

 

[russelljg]

Sound quality is heads and shoulders above my Sonos 1 and the volume (non-distortion and clarity) are remarkable.

I'm keeping it.

As it costs over twice as much that’s the least you should expect.

 

[R10k]

Well put. This is why I bought two HomePods, and I’m getting a lot more out of my Apple Music subscription because the HomePod makes it so easy to access and puts out good sound. Siri does a good job managing music and I don’t really care about the rest. Not sure why people continue to trash a product because it’s not what they want.

This.

 

[ColdShadow]

Apple did it right with AirPods,they can connect to any Bluetooth source,from android phones to tablets;Windoss PCs,TVs everything.

That's why they are a hit,a truely great product,competitive pricing,great lerformance and really useful and well designed.

With HonePod they messed up big time by just limiting it to Apple services,it really should have supported Bluetooth connection.
This major shortcoming alone is enough to made it a poor choice.but there are more flaws.

I see no reason why Airpods can support Bluetooth yet Homepod can't.

Add to that very poor smart capabilities,negative reviews and we got a flop.DOA

 

[PickUrPoison]

How about Bluetooth? Like every other “smart” speaker out there?

The question to the OP was why wait for a HomePod 2—which is likely several years away.

If Apple decides they want to add Bluetooth streaming, they will do so. But the current hardware already has Bluetooth 5.0, so it wouldn’t require a 2nd generation HomePod, just a firmware/software update.

Like AirPods, Apple nailed the hardware on the HomePod. Not that either product couldn’t be improved, but I think a refreshed HomePod is at least 3 years away.

 

[Bacillus]

Ooooh man, Cook is sooo excited it may even get Bluetooth Streaming.
A function yet so immature and instable that Apple just decided to have it developed further by selling their...ehhh....Airpods

 

[Applebot1]

Sound quality is heads and shoulders above my Sonos 1 and the volume (non-distortion and clarity) are remarkable.

I'm keeping it.

Makes you wonder if they have listened to one!

 

[RickInHouston]

So tell me, will a Sonos speaker act as a HomeKit hub?

Sonos through Alexa.

Let's not go down the road on which one does more. We BOTH know how that turns out.
[doublepost=1518962869][/doublepost]Can you use it as an intercom like Alexa. Can you broadcast like Google Home?

Security, for the win, right fanboys?

 

[MartinAppleGuy]

Google uses your information as a seperate revenue source

Home doesn’t work with Apple Music

Home doesn’t work with podcast app

Home doesn’t work with AirPlay and probably won’t ever work with Airplay 2

The Max is too big (and ugly) for many of the places people put HomePods

The Max doesn’t have 360 sound

The Max won’t get AirPlay 2 Control

The home does work with Apple Music; and it can be made the primary music stream on the device as well...

 

[spazzcat]

Bought one yesterday and ready to return it today. Speaker quality is ok but Siri’s intelligence and lack of smart home integration with my google calendar, SiriusXM, Logitech harmony and Nest are showstoppers whereas my 2 yr Amazon echo supports all these devices. Simply not worth it and doubt Apple will ever catch up.

Why did you buy one, you knew all this before you bought it. This isn't a smart speaker, it is a music player...Save yourself some money and get an Echo Dot.

 

[jimmirehman]

I don’t see why there is so much HomePod bashing?

Is it because it won’t wipe your a$$ for you?

Audio-wise it’s the best sounding speaker in its price range. Nothing from Sonos comes close, period.

Do I see this opening the door for massive Siri and AI improvements? Absolutely!

That being said, if you don’t like the HomePod, the good new is, you don’t have to buy one.

 

[citysnaps]

Ooooh man, Cook is sooo excited it may even get Bluetooth Streaming.
A function yet so immature and instable that Apple just decided to have it developed further by selling their...ehhh....Airpods

Though hardly immature and unstable, I wouldn't count on it. OTOH, it's a software update away should Apple decide it plays into their strategy.
[doublepost=1518964055][/doublepost]

I don’t see why there is so much HomePod bashing?

Is it because it won’t wipe your a$$ for you?

Audio-wise it’s the best sounding speaker in its price range. Nothing from Sonos comes close, period.

Do I see this opening the door for massive Siri and AI improvements? Absolutely!

That being said, if you don’t like the HomePod, the good new is, you don’t have to buy one.

I think it helps some people to feel better about themselves when they can trash someone or some thing. It provides a short rush of power that's otherwise lacking.

 

[cfurlin]

All comments that seem out of place (such as Apple haters on an Apple site) originate from Russian troll farms to create discord amongst us.

I think it's more likely they are aging fanboys who still can't get over the death of their messiah.

 

[vipergts2207]

Sonos through Alexa.

Let's not go down the road on which one does more. We BOTH know how that turns out.
[doublepost=1518962869][/doublepost]Can you use it as an intercom like Alexa. Can you broadcast like Google Home?

Security, for the win, right fanboys?

So what you're saying is that you don't know the difference between a HomeKit hub and voice assistants like Siri and Alexa? Because only the ATV and HomePod can do the former.

 

[Pablo.A.Pucci]

We need:

- Macbook pro rumors
- Mac pro rumors
- Mac Mini Rumors

 

[Mark Booth]

The ultimate test for stereo is Verdi's Requiem: III Tuba Mirum. This is the first test I used for airfoil and it passed with flying colors. So as far as stereo is concerned I haven't looked back since then.

There has been too much emphasis on how the device sounds. Maybe the device sounds good. Maybe it doesn't. I'm not going to argue like others have done in this thread about that.

But my point is that this is really the wrong question.

A better question is how does the music sound?

And it sounds much better in stereo with 2 homepods than with 1 homepod.

So will apple's version of stereo be better than airfoil's? Maybe. Or maybe not. I'll give it the Verdi test to see.

As Apple’s website states, under AirPlay 2, when two HomePods are placed in the same room they AUTOMATICALLY detect one another to play as a stereo pair.

Once you upgrade your HomePods to AirPlay 2 the AirFoil stereo trick may not sound the same or possibly not even work at all.

No worries, I suspect Apple’s solution is going to provide every bit as good of a stereo effect and perhaps even better.

Mark

 

[bbrks]

So, correct me if I am wrong, but as far as I understood, Home Pod can only be used whit an Iphone and that's it.
So no chance to connect it as a bluetooth speaker to anything else. Woooooooww, what a fail. Disgusting