HomeKit HomePod + Apple TV + HomeKit

[Bushel of Apples]

I'm setting up a HomePod, new user, with an Apple TV and eventually will include HomeKit for lights, fans, etc.. I'm already stuck on the first question on the Home app. Do I want the Apple TV or HomePod to be the center of my home? I have an iPhone and iPad too, if that makes a difference.

 

[StumpyBloke]

I'm setting up a HomePod, new user, with an Apple TV and eventually will include HomeKit for lights, fans, etc.. I'm already stuck on the first question on the Home app. Do I want the Apple TV or HomePod to be the center of my home? I have an iPhone and iPad too, if that makes a difference.

Either, or. I’ve got both and occasionally I’ve noticed that the main hub swaps between my Apple TV and my HomePod.

 

[TimFL1]

There is no longer a „hub“ setting. HomeKit picks the device that is available at the time.
Ideally you want multiple hubs in your home due to the limited range bluetooth has.

 

[MistrSynistr]

There is no longer a „hub“ setting. HomeKit picks the device that is available at the time.
Ideally you want multiple hubs in your home due to the limited range bluetooth has.

You can turn off certain things though. Like the Apple TV and iPad to make the HomePod(s) your hub.

 

[TimFL1]

You can turn off certain things though. Like the Apple TV and iPad to make the HomePod(s) your hub.

I don‘t see how that would improve your HomeKit setup. Having multiple devices scattered around your home improves the range for your smart devices. My parents even have their iPads set up as hubs because they‘re usually positioned in rooms with no ATV or HomePods, allowing remote control of devices there.

Think of a hub like a mesh router. The bigger your mesh the better.

 

[Bushel of Apples]

Now that I have my HomePod working, what will it do (if anything) with my Apple TV other than working as an external speaker?

 

[ipedro]

Now that I have my HomePod working, what will it do (if anything) with my Apple TV other than working as an external speaker?

That's a question for this year's tvOS.

Apple is clearly paying a lot of attention to the living room, getting HomeKit and Airplay on every major TV brand. HomePod isn't even a year old and has already gained substantial functionality and I expect it to continue.

As a HomeKit device, Siri on HomePod and everywhere else really, should be able to control your TV. It should function no differently than a handsfree Siri remote. I expect it to. tvOS is going to get a big update this year with the TV subscription service and other partnerships being announced and with Apple moving aggressively on HomeKit.

 

[imac wannabe]

There is no longer a „hub“ setting. HomeKit picks the device that is available at the time.
Ideally you want multiple hubs in your home due to the limited range bluetooth has.

The problem is I have a garage door opener that has to work on 2.4gz and I want my Apple TV on 5gz. When it randomly switches to the ATV my garage door quits responding...turned ATV Hub off all works perfect

 

[Bushel of Apples]

Now that I have my HomePod working, what will it do (if anything) with my Apple TV other than working as an external speaker?

Answer, thus far, it does everything that holding down the button on the Siri Remote does... I can play/pause a movie (once I've manually opened it), fast forward/rewind, ask about actors, search movies/actors and the volume works too. I have my Apple TV connected to a surround sound and it's possible to use both but I turn the HomePod down or it will give a echo sound. I don't ever see a HomePod(s) sounding better than my 1,000 watt 7.2 surround sound system.