The Problems with Apple's HomePods

[kirkmc]

The HomePod is okay, but not really. Chris's comment in his review is, I think, spot on: 

 

"Don't fool yourself into thinking this is an audiophile product. It's a me too voice control product that happens to play audio."

 

https://kirkville.com/the-problems-with-apples-homepods/

[kirkmc]

Why will that not be an option when you update? 

 

I stream to my HomePods either from my iPhone or iPad, or from my iMac, controlled by the Remote app. 

[kirkmc]

You have been able to stream to a stereo pair from an iOS device since it got AirPlay 2 in May, 2018.

 

https://kirkville.com/why-apple-shouldnt-have-released-the-homepod-without-airplay-2/

[kirkmc]

Yes, that is the only limitation. Only iTunes can stream to a stereo pair from a Mac. 

[kirkmc]

No, this has not changed in Catalina. Apple told me this is not something they are going to do right away. 

 

The Music app can stream to a stereo pair of HomePods. 

[kirkmc]

If you start streaming music from an app, and send it to a stereo pair of HomePods from iTunes, you can then use the Remote app to control it. 

[kirkmc]

Assuming you haven't updated, you're still using iTunes. If you have, you're using the Music app. 

[kirkmc]

19 hours ago, Snowdog said:

Is there a way to remotely control Apple Music on the Mac that is similar to the way iTunes Remote controlled iTunes?

With the Remote app. But if you're doing that, you might as well just control in from the Music app on your iOS device.