Can homepod play bbc radio stations?

Interesting new information:

HomePod users on MacRumors found that some radio stations can be accessed via Siri. Namely ones owned by Global group. So stations like Capital and Heart do appear to be working when requested.

Obviously this doesn’t solve the BBC issue, but it’s not a complete dead end and an interesting discovery.

MacRumors discussion: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/homepod-first-impressions.2105142/page-20

Capital and Heart work via Siri for me, however LBC doesn't, which I thought was part of the Global Group. Anyway, hopefully the access of Global Group Radio stations is a good sign that BBC Radio Stations will follow shortly!

Thanks for posting. Great that they are open to discussing. Appreciate the whole other layer of scrutiny the BBC operates under due to licence fee. They'll figure it out! So HomePod for the study with the tech nerd and keep the radio in the kitchen for now.

Wow, thanks for all the research on this guys. Not being able to play BBC radio is a deal breaker for me; HomePod order cancelled! Will pick one up when they integrate an API for this sort of thing. I'm genuinely suprised at how far behind Apple is with regard to third party integration.

I was not aware that BBC radio stations where accessible via iTunes. I use iTunes for Windows and I can't see the section you're referring to (other than the Radio tab at the top). Can you direct me to where you find the BBC stations within iTunes?

Edit: Just found what you're referring to. So it's certainly odd HomePod doesn't already have access to these known stations. Though it does remind one of how bloated a piece of software iTunes is, it's filled with features many will not even see - worlds apart from Music on iOS, in terms of cleanliness.

I did see someone suggest there was a quality loss from streaming radio, so this is possibly something Apple are trying to fix? No doubt it'll sound great on HomePod still, just maybe not as crisp as what comes from Apple Music.

Thanks for your in-depth response to the thread. I’m still really torn over whether or not to pick up a HomePod, after cancelling my preorder. I want it for streaming Apple Music first and foremost, but radio is a big part of my media consumption and I always like to have it on in the background. I’m trying to decide whether this, hopefully temporary, hindrance in regards to BBC radio steaming is liveable or a deal breaker, for now.

Don’t get me started on the fact HomePod can’t set more than one timer though!!

I understand Apple’s mentality with this product, and that they’re pushing it as a speaker above all else. But I feel like they’re only doing that because they need some way of justifying the release of a product that’s so far behind in its own category. Steve Jobs wouldn’t have allowed such a thing to occur. The HomePod is not the best smart speaker on the market, but it is the best wireless speaker you can buy.

I think I will end up buying one in the next few days, because I know I’ll love it. I just hope that we see some mention of HomePod software and services at WWDC18. I’m hoping they announce some kind of support for third party services and ‘skills’. Even if Spotify support is something they never choose to allow, there’s plenty other stuff HomePod should be able to do!

Just for clarification, you can set up multiple timed alarms on the HomePod (and these can be edited via the Apple Home app); Not sure if this is the same as the 'timer' option you mention but I thought I'd let you know.

Thanks for your reply. There's a difference between an alarm and a timer. An alarm is something you'd set for a time of day, for example '6AM'. The timer I'm talking about is what you might set whilst you're cooking, for example '10 minutes'. HomePod currently doesn't allow you to set more than one timer. Which is something both Alexa and Google Home are capable of doing. I can't see any logical reason for this lack of functionality, apart from possibly an oversight on Apple's part.

Was a bit of a deal breaker for me also. I have rf coverage problems too, and a 86 mother who needs something very simple. HomePod, Echo, and Google offer a great solution with voice control. This is a great accessibility opportunity market with the millions of elderly ( non tech oriented ), and disabled people. Just need it to communicate with the Sky box, so she can say what channel or programme she want to watch, then the sky box will change channel or steam it.

Look! I have one job on this ship. It's stupid, but I'm going to do it. Okay? Gwen DeMarco

Do you have contact details for the BBC's Head of Tech? I'd be interested in chasing that up...

Afraid I don’t. BBC only has his salary, expense, gift disclosures on his Bio Page. I tweeted the City AM article author but no response yet.

I think I've just found the same page you're referring to. I'll dig deeper, thanks!

Good luck and keep us posted.

Almost certain his email address is in the format forename.surname@bbc.co.uk. Keeping it vague for privacy reasons, but I've seen that address referenced on various sites.