HomePod Failings

Why are HomePods the worst product Apple makes? I bought two new HomePods on sale from Verizon this week and set them up as a stereo pair with my Apple TV. The setup was simple, and everything seemed fine until I noticed issues with two main apps.

First, with the MLB TV app, when using multi-view, the audio from the main game switches to a secondary game added to the multi-view. You can’t get the audio to return, the only way to fix is to exit Multi-View and choose a different video feed of the main game. I am stuck watching only one game. Restarting the HomePods, Apple TV, the MLB TV app, and the network doesn’t fix it. This problem doesn’t occur with my Sony Sound Bar system. Uninstalling and reinstalling the MLB TV app didn’t help either.

Second, with the Plex app, audio drops randomly when playing a movie from my collection using the HomePods. Again, restarting and reinstalling the app didn’t resolve the issue. This problem also doesn’t occur with my Sony Sound Bar system.

I really want the HomePods to work, but my previous experience with the HomePod mini was similar. I might return these as well. It’s frustrating because I want them to work and can’t understand why Apple can’t get this device right.