As the HomePod is basically an Apple product, it’s not surprising that it only works with Apple services like Apple Music. However, if you’re not an Apple Music subscriber, you’ll be pleased to learn that in a recent update, HomePod and HomePod mini owners will be able to stream Pandora directly through the HomePod.
All users need to do is update their Pandora app, connect it to the HomePod, and after granting it permissions, it should be good to go. Once it’s been setup, users can ask Siri to start streaming music from Pandora through the HomePod speaker. This also makes Pandora the first third-party music service to be playable directly through the HomePod.
It should be noted that prior to this, you could stream third-party services through the HomePod. However, you could not do so directly and you would have to stream it over AirPlay. This isn’t that big of a deal, similar to how you would stream music to a Bluetooth speaker, but the direct integration now expands on the capabilities of the HomePod and at the very least, gives users more options when it comes to choosing non-Apple services.
We’re not sure if there are plans to eventually add Spotify to that list, but given that Apple and Spotify’s relationship isn’t that great at the moment, maybe Spotify subscribers shouldn’t hold their breath.
Filed in . Read more about Entertainment, HomePod, Music, Pandora and Speakers. Source: macrumors