Hello,
I just received my HomePod Mini today. I was disappointed by the fact that I can't use it as a chime without having an Apple Music subscription. It won't allow me to select a music file (the chime sound) in an automation without an Apple Music subscription. Why is that?
Thank you,
Pascal
Indeed, I understand what you want. More than Apple have chosen to give. You can use Feedback - HomePod - Apple to suggest improvements or comment on their marketing strategy. While not an explicit declaration that Apple Music is required music on the device is advertised thusly:
Over 70 million songs. Three months on us. Try it free > Link to small print > $9.99/month after free trial. Plan automatically renews until cancelled. Terms apply.
If you don't want to pay for access to the whole catalog you can use AirPlay.
tt2
Indeed, I understand what you want. More than Apple have chosen to give. You can use Feedback - HomePod - Apple to suggest improvements or comment on their marketing strategy. While not an explicit declaration that Apple Music is required music on the device is advertised thusly:
Over 70 million songs. Three months on us. Try it free > Link to small print > $9.99/month after free trial. Plan automatically renews until cancelled. Terms apply.
If you don't want to pay for access to the whole catalog you can use AirPlay.
tt2
I'm not sure the question admits of any other explanation than because that is they way Apple have designed it. HomePod is most powerful and flexible when you have an Apple Music subscription. Content is streamed to it on demand, not stored locally.
tt2
That may be so but there are plenty of people without an Apple Music subscription. There are also plenty of people who want to use their local music library. And, as mentioned, I want to use the HomePod mini as a chime as well (without a subscription).
I stream music from my local music library using Logitiech Music Server in a Squeezebox ecosystem. The HomePod Mini is acting as a Squeezebox device to LMS, using AirPlay. This works great.
And if that's the way Apple wants to go with the HomePod then they need to clearly advertise it as such. The HomePod Mini might have a "low" purchase price of $99 but if you need to spend another $10 each month just to "get the most out of it" then it becomes a very expensive device.
Thank you tt2.
As per your suggestion, I have send Apple some feedback in regards this topic.
Thank you,
Pascal
You're welcome. 🙂
tt2
Using HomePod as a chime
