Two Questions about Homepod..

[MistrSynistr]

Perhaps some of you can answer...

1.) Will you be able to use Ecobee3 + 4 thru this (setting AC)

2.) Will you be able to use this as a sort of soundbar/speaker for movies to your TV?

 

[wesley96]

1) If Siri command can do that, then HomePod should support it as well.

2) The movie would have to be played from AppleTV or other AirPlay(2) compatible devices in order for that to work. I doubt it could be used as a generic soundbar/speaker for a TV as it does not seem to have a regular AUX/BT input.

 

[MistrSynistr]

1) If Siri command can do that, then HomePod should support it as well.

2) The movie would have to be played from AppleTV or other AirPlay(2) compatible devices in order for that to work. I doubt it could be used as a generic soundbar/speaker for a TV as it does not seem to have a regular AUX/BT input.

Sorry. I forgot to mention that. YES it would be used for movies off iTunes thru Apple TV4....

 

[rhett7660]

Perhaps some of you can answer...

1.) Will you be able to use Ecobee3 + 4 thru this (setting AC)

2.) Will you be able to use this as a sort of soundbar/speaker for movies to your TV?

If it can connect to homekit then in theory it should work. I know they are touting it as a speaker first and assistant second. So I am wondering what type of functionality they will enable in it.

The TV one is also tough, since we haven't seen or heard of it working in any capacity as a speaker for TV programming. The AppleTV doesn't currently have any means of connecting a speaker to it. Or at least one that I have been able to find. I know you can connect to it for airplay.

I have a feeling we will hear more about this at the next event. I am wondering if the new ATV will have some add functionality because of the Homepod.

 

[576316]

Functionality at the beginning will be restricted to purely music playback, I think. I'm hoping they announce some more compatible services for it at the iPhone event. When they announced the product it sounded like they had the hardware down, but they were still working on software/services. Tim said the idea would be the develop the product further after launch and turn into more of a home assistant, but initial efforts would be on music playback only. That said, it won't have any IO so you won't be able to run audio through it, unless you're connected to an Apple TV wirelessly/using as AirPlay device.

 

[MistrSynistr]

Functionality at the beginning will be restricted to purely music playback, I think. I'm hoping they announce some more compatible services for it at the iPhone event. When they announced the product it sounded like they had the hardware down, but they were still working on software/services. Tim said the idea would be the develop the product further after launch and turn into more of a home assistant, but initial efforts would be on music playback only. That said, it won't have any IO so you won't be able to run audio through it, unless you're connected to an Apple TV wirelessly/using as AirPlay device.

Thanks for all these responses. If I can do my Ecobee thru this along with most of the features of my Alexa I will probably get this and dump Alexa as I do want a home speaker in my living room.

 

[576316]

Thanks for all these responses. If I can do my Ecobee thru this along with most of the features of my Alexa I will probably get this and dump Alexa as I do want a home speaker in my living room.

That's my plan too. Had Echo since December and honestly I think its gotten much worse as a service and as an AI - can't answer basic questions and constant ignoring. Plus the speakers are really lacking and I'm looking forward to hearing what Apple's done. I love Echo in that Amazon were brave enough to be first to market with a product like this, but I don't think they've rode the wave well. That said, I expect them to announce a partnership with a well known audio brand to bring out a new Echo with improved speakers, around the time we see the HomePod hit the market.

 

[AustinIllini]

That's my plan too. Had Echo since December and honestly I think its gotten much worse as a service and as an AI - can't answer basic questions and constant ignoring. Plus the speakers are really lacking and I'm looking forward to hearing what Apple's done. I love Echo in that Amazon were brave enough to be first to market with a product like this, but I don't think they've rode the wave well. That said, I expect them to announce a partnership with a well known audio brand to bring out a new Echo with improved speakers, around the time we see the HomePod hit the market.

Pretty sure it's going to be on October 4th ;-)

 

[576316]

Pretty sure it's going to be on October 4th ;-)

Probably.