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Pandora Update Adds HomePod Support

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Prior to the launch of the HomePod mini, Pandora today updated its app designed for iOS devices to add in HomePod integration. HomePod support for Pandora was a feature that Apple promised would come in software updates this fall, right alongside iOS 14.

pandorahomepod.jpg

With the Pandora HomePod integration, HomePod owners (and future HomePod mini owners) can ask Siri to play content directly from Pandora as an alternative to Apple Music. Prior to iOS 14, HomePod was designed to work only with Apple Music, and third-party music services needed to be streamed to HomePod using AirPlay.

According to Pandora, HomePod integration requires the latest version of the Pandora app. Once it's installed, open the Pandora app on an iPhone or an iPad, and then select Profile > Settings > Connect With HomePod > Use in Home to get it working. Music can be requested from Pandora by adding "on Pandora" to any Siri request for a song.

Apple also allows third-party music services to be set as the default service instead of Apple Music. Pandora can be added as the default music app by opening up the Home app on the iPhone, tapping on the Home icon, selecting Home Settings, tapping on your avatar and then tapping to set the default service to Pandora. Other music services like Spotify will also likely implement HomePod support in the future now that Apple allows it.

Pandora can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Article Link: Pandora Update Adds HomePod Support
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2020/11/02/pandora-update-adds-homepod-support/
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The thing I want to know is if I will be able to cast (not airplay) from the non-Apple music apps.
 
ignatius345 said:
You mean have those apps stream directly to the speaker itself?
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Correct. As an example, with Spotify and an Alexa, I can currently either ask Alexa to play a song or go into my Spotify app and cast that song to my Alexa. I like this option because it streams directly to my Alexa and doesn't drain my Iphone battery. I would like to have the same two options with the HomePod.
 
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^Agreed. I’ve tried all the streaming services and always come back to Pandora. Much better algorithms for radio stations. I’ve found more music through this service that I wouldn’t have found otherwise. Glad to see them move quick to add HomePod support too.
 
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greenbreadmmm said:
I gotta say, they still have the best music algorithm for channels.
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Yup, this has been my experience as well - Pandora does a much better job of quickly figuring out my tastes and presenting me with new artists and music I really like, compared to Spotify and Apple Music.

But for people who want to hear Album X by Artist Y, it doesn't seem to be as good a fit (my daughter complains about this).
 
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chicago19 said:
Correct. As an example, with Spotify and an Alexa, I can currently either ask Alexa to play a song or go into my Spotify app and cast that song to my Alexa. I like this option because it streams directly to my Alexa and doesn't drain my Iphone battery. I would like to have the same two options with the HomePod.
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Actually, I’m pretty sure that’s what this is doing. I set it up on my phone and HomePod all on the latest software update, made some Pandora requests through my HomePod, then shut off my phone, and I still was able to make at least some Pandora requests, including personalized requests like playing my Thumbprint Radio station. I think my punny, clever station names from a few years back don’t work all that well with voice control, however, as I tried a few of my individual stations, and it wasn’t bringing them up.

Pandora is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, they’re all in on the Apple ecosystem (even use iTunes subscriptions as an option) and move to update their app to take advantage of features like this quickly. (I think there’s some back-end server stuff that needed to be done as well to support this, good luck getting Spotify to support it.) They’re also great for discovering new music, and they’re probably the cheapest option, especially for pure ad free streaming without the cloud library features. But, on the other hand, the lack of direct playback clearance for songs they have streaming clearance for is disappointing. It’s also possible to get your stations stuck in a filter bubble where they don’t really surface new music. It can also be hard to find new genres on Pandora. And Pandora stations really aren’t good for playing a collection of songs on a theme (ie a playlist). A few years back, I created a station I called Positive Mental Attitude (yes, a Chris Farley reference) that was supposed to be upbeat, optimistic, rock and possibly metal tracks, but I just couldn’t get the station to narrow in on that theme.

So, given integration with the HomePod, Apple Watch, and Siri (which I realize Pandora integrates with now, too), and the default music app, I’ve defaulted to Apple Music (where I can put together thematic playlists from multiple genres, even, search songs and albums by artist easily, etc.). And I’ve been favoring spoken word audio while working. I’ll switch back to Pandora every now and then when I get tired of my Apple Music playlists, spoken word, and/or want to try to create a new station. And when I do, I’ll typically subscribe to a paid tier because the ad free tier just has so few skips anymore. I probably wouldn’t have the ability to jump back in to Pandora as readily if it didn’t use iTunes subscriptions, actually.
 
haganah said:
Now if only Spotify hurries up and integrates with SiriKit or whatever they need to do, I'll be super happy.
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Good luck with that. Given their track record, they will when and complain and not do it. Funny how they are the biggest streaming service by far, don't pay the artist's fairly and can't make better software, you would think they would have tons of money to do that with. Besides shouldn't you boycott them until they pay the artists? Just sayin
 
LaloG said:
Is YouTube music able to be used with the HomePod mini?
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but if google did that, would they spy on you like they do with their google home? They probably don't want to put it on HomePods, because they can't spy on you, just a thought
 
Agree with others that Pandora has by far the best radio algorithm. Not sure if they have more hands on deck behind the scenes, but they are a clear step above everyone else.
 
Westside guy said:
Yup, this has been my experience as well - Pandora does a much better job of quickly figuring out my tastes and presenting me with new artists and music I really like, compared to Spotify and Apple Music.

But for people who want to hear Album X by Artist Y, it doesn't seem to be as good a fit (my daughter complains about this).
Click to expand...
Can't say I've use pandora, but Apple Music has been awesome for me, the recommendations are fantastic. Of course I am pretty diligent about saying "love this song" and "Never, never, ever play this song or anything like it again"
 
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