Apple’s HomePods have evolved in function since their introduction as Apple has pushed out firmware updates and related operating system changes that enabled originally promised features. But there are still some missing pieces, some of which may remain outside the speaker/Siri combo.
Macworld reader Colin wondered about two clearly missing items as he considers whether to purchase HomePods:
- Can a HomePod take audio input from a TV, cable tuning box, or receiver?
- Can four HomePods link together for surround sound?
On the first count, no: there are no audio inputs on the HomePod. It lacks an audio input jack and only supports Bluetooth 5.0 for its own purposes, not for streaming audio. To send audio to a HomePod, you have to have a device capable of using the original AirPlay or AirPlay 2. (AirPlay 2 added multi-room synchronized streaming, multi-device control, and enhanced buffering.)
