HomePod mini with a Mac - 1 year later

[@GeeksTable]

Hey folks! An updated version of the script to support the macOS 13.0 Ventura is out! The same link works. Enjoy!

[@rafasinger]

HI! I', trying to make your script with the Ventura's version and it does not work, showing the message "The “Run AppleScript” action encountered an error: “The operation could not be completed. (Com.apple.Automator error -212.)”" Could you help me? Thank you so much for your work!

[@GeeksTable]

@@rafasinger You might wanna check if the necessary permissions are granted. In this case Finder should have access to Accessibility permission.

[@rafasinger]

@@GeeksTable Hi again! Thanks for answering! I have granted access to the application i make, to finder and still says Sintax error. Any other idea? Thanks a lot in advance!!!

[@GeeksTable]

@@rafasinger “syntax error” means you may have a typo in the code. For example, it could happen if you delete quotes while putting your HomePod’s name. Or if you add a line break in the middle of the code sentence.

[@rafasinger]

@@GeeksTable WORKING! thanks so much!!!!

[@shaunazar]

Very much appreciate this video. These are great work arounds but I’m kind of floored that pairing a wireless speaker should take this much of a hack, especially on a closed system we all pay a premium for.

[@AnthonyJoh]

This is a perfect example of the utter incompetence at Apple. When Steve was in charge there's no way they would have releases a speaker that only works with iPhone and not with a Mac, but now that the beancounters are in charge you get crap like this. So glad I watched this video as I was planning on buying a Homepod mini for use with my Mac Studio.

[@stevedowning4824]

bruh I bought one Homepod mini today for my Mac Studio. Man I'm so disappointed. Nearly $120 for such a waste...

[@AnthonyJoh]

@@stevedowning4824 That sucks sorry to hear that. That's exactly what I was looking to do as well but luckily I researched it first and found this video.

[@kamimaza]

Absolutely unacceptable, Apple is sitting on 40 Billions in cash and can't hack together something a beginner programmer could do in a shell script...

[@chowyeung]

Was about to buy two homepod minis but now I know I should not. Thanks for your great video!!!

[@yocreason]

Thanks for this video, I just bought a pair to use for my Mac as high quality external speakers and Im very disappointed to say the least. Looks like I'll be returning them. I'm really surprised as Apple is known for ease of use and synchronization, I feel they've really dropped the ball on this. Guess I'll be looking for another pair. Your video was spot on and told me exactly what I needed to know , thanks!

[@ZachGrabill]

I cannot believe how hacky this is! Thank you SO MUCH for putting all this together.

[@Claude-tj6ud]

Great video. I wish Apple could see it! I have one HomePod mini that’s sitting on the shelf doing nothing. I was wondering what was the situation in 2022 and if I should buy another to make a stereo pair for my Mac mini. Your video answered my question. No! ☺️

[@mirkomion9682]

Thanks for your useful advices!! I resolved most of the problems with my HomePod minis and my M1 Mac mini!!

[@BreakTime10101]

Absolutely ridiculous that you can’t just plug them in to the USB-C ports and use them as a pair of wired speakers, come on Apple!

[@Anakena3]

Thanks so much for sharing those scripts! 2 secondes delay are just so desappointing

[@Himynameisadrianc]

Thanks for the tips! Was looking for a way to get the HomePod minis to automatically connect on boot up! Thank you. Agree with you that the 2 sec delay is very annoying

[@DutchAussieProductions]

Thanks for the video, Alex. I will hold off buying the MomePod minis.

[@daviddoanpro]

Thanks for your excellent video what I was looking for but never found.

[@pokeemon1474]

thanks for the reset homepod app! so helpful!

[@lucky777films]

Thank you for this useful video to organize my workplace.

[@Ghostzy01]

They're my biggest love hate, love the sound, the look, the wireless connection and Siri controls. Hate the auto unpairing with Mac, sound delay (although it is in sync) and inability to use their brilliant microphones on macOS, just a confusing group of choices accumulated into a single device that overall make them hard to enjoy.

[@sachadcx]

wait i dont understand it. is the audio not synced with the video? like is there a delay between the audio and the video?

[@DigiDriftZone]

The delay makes it a terrible user experience and why I would never consider these as desktop speakers. It's a real shame as it seems like something solvable in software.

[@TheKimNeeper]

It's not resolvable in software, it's because AirPlay is sent over WiFi in packages, it can never work for "live" stuff, only sync up so there's no lip-sync issues.

[@DigiDriftZone]

@@TheKimNeeper Zoom? Skype? Gaming? hell.. Apple Screen Mirroring from your phone to a TV? - WiFi is used for a lot of live stuff, including audio/video broadcasting, there are WiFi camera monitors with extremely low latency for audio/video. It's just a shoddy implementation that needs to be fixed in software.

[@carloscolin543]

Gret video, I was thinking to use a couple of these homepods mini this way and it will be very usefull your tips and tricks.

[@youtubechannel12371]

Just bought a stereo pair for my Mac mini. Had no idea of the lag issue and this is a total deal-break. Just wish I would have realized this before buying them 😬

[@ricgmar]

There's 2 second delay on play and pause but it's synced all the time with video, meaning lips moving will match the sound always. Also if you airplay from KZbin icon there's no delay

[@AdiGsH]

unfortunately, the lag problem still occurs even on macOS Ventura. When I filed this issue as "feedback", I got information that the delay was on purpose, so they will never fix it. I wonder if other WiFi speakers with AirPlay 2 also have such a problem with delay, eg Sonos

[@AngeAlexiel]

I'm happy that in Ventura all of this isn't necessary anymore, but the delay is weird, cos on apple apps like TV, Music and all others Apple apps there is no delay anymore, but if u launch a video outside of TV app on VLC or INA on any other 3rd party apps there is still this delay. I think all these things will be sorted on the next Mac OS release, cos I think originally Apple launched these just for music, then to pair them on Apple TV , but never thought that people would like to use these as a stereo pair on a Mac... so frustrating but it's apple and the sound the can produce if a good track is playing is quite amazing.

[@aleksandargradina2770]

Dude, as a 15y experienced software developer. Even the junior ones would tell you that you need to cover all of the edge cases with such an expensive device.

[@greghao]

⁠@@aleksandargradina2770 sadly, it’s not a qa/edge case problem. AirPlay functions within the Apple software ecosystem but breaks down outside of it. It is intentional.

[@arinickel]

HI, It's not working anymore the link for sonoma for the first script... System Events got an error: Can’t get group 1 of window 1 of process "System Settings". Invalid index..... Do you have a fixed script?

[@libinzhou1285]

Any updates guys? I'm wondering if Apple does anything better regarding the only speaker they have yet.

[@redrakham8060]

Hey, what speakers did you pick if you returned the HomePod minis?

[@TJCCBR47]

The 3 sec delay is present in wireless carplay too! maybe a airplay limitation? when connected with the USB-C cable the Mac says that needs more power, have you tested with a powered USB hub with USB-C PD support? maybe would fix the problem, just like The 3 sec delay on carplay is fixed using the wire.

[@improvingyoursoftwareproject]

Awesome video. thanks. Will probably return my unopened home pods and stick to wired speakers

[@shutteraperture]

Thanks a lot for Automator "kill the Airplay proces" script!

[@greghao]

Perhaps you could update the first script for Ventura? >> click radio button 1 of tab group 1 of group 2 of scroll area 1 of group 1 of group 2 of splitter group 1 of group 1 of window 1

[@micksmithson6724]

Alex, brilliant video, very useful, as I recently decided to use my homepod minis with my Mac and docked iPadPro (Via KVM switch). The automator scripts work brilliantly, just remember people, for the first script/link just cut and paste the part of the script relevant to your version of MacOS. (I didn't notice this at first, doh!) Having previously used a pair of Edifier bookshelf speakers, I prefer the clean look of the homepods, the delay is infuriating but only really on youtube for me, so if I preselect the homepods using airplay, the delay is eliminated, Same thing with apple music, so maybe a script that did this when opening youtube or applemusic might work?

[@danielecampoli1885]

Dear Geek, recently I bought a Mac Mini M2Pro and I hoped to have audio and microphone via the HomePod but you showed the limits of this choice. Meanwhile did you find other solutions? It’s a pity that the HomePod cannot be used for FaceTime or Zoom calls.

[@growheroteam]

hi have you resolve the problem? i have. new mac mini with amazon echo dot 3 e wotk good. i want to buy a new home pod mini. what is your experience now?

[@danielecampoli1885]

@ I gave up!! Time now to find new products!!

[@growheroteam]

@@danielecampoli1885😂

[@honestview]

I can't even play a video... youtube works fine, but VLC or Elmedia player with any video has a 2 second delay from video to audio... they sound and picture does not sync at all... no matter how many restarts I do.

[@robert3gr]

Hi still receiving error on Mac OS Sonoma The action “Run AppleScript” encountered an error: “System Events got an error: Can’t get group 1 of window 1 of process "System Settings". Invalid index.” can you please check ?

[@cesarbejarp]

Very helpfull! TKS.

[@chrisobrien3574]

I just bought a pair after my old Bose wave died to use with my MacBook as everyday speakers. But I can't use because of the delay, so annoyed about this as I don't have money to waste, I saw nothing about the delay in any reviews I watched and many said it was a good option, shame on Apple for this rubbish.

[@robert3gr]

Hi still get an error with the script on Mac OS Sonoma can you please check ?

[@noehyun]

I was going to buy for my MacBook speakers, but I decided not to; thanks for the review

[@the2wheeldon157]

Thanks for the video 👌🏽

[@tecnocriptoarg]

2 of splitter group 1 of group 1 of window 1 error sintaxis

[@m.gasteasoro834]

HI! Will this work on Mac OS Ventura 13.4.1? I was able to create the application and don't have any errors on the script, but seems to be that it is not selecting the Bluetooth device. I've make sure it is written correctly and accessibility permissions are granted. Any ideas?

[@AdamMcNutt]

Great content, really helped me decide whether to get another to pair them for desktop use or just keep the one as my assistant/hub. Real question: Where did you get that shirt?

[@gianlucagianferrari]

thanks!!!!! really helpful! since i need a speaker for my mac studio i thought HomePod Mini was a good idea but after your video i'm changing my mind.... so which speaker do you recommend? easy to use, good sound and possibly small? only as a speaker for my mac studio. thanks

[@KristinaKozerski]

Hello Alex, I have just upgraded to Sonoma and the HomePod mini selection script is no longer working. Would there be any chance of an updated script. Thank you in advance.

[@GeeksTable]

I’ve updated the script recently, check the link once more please.

[@junsys88]

it don't work on macOS Sonoma Syntax Error System Events got an error: Can’t get table 1 of scroll area 1 of group 2 of scroll area 1 of group 1 of group 2 of splitter group 1 of group 1 of window 1 of process "System Settings". Invalid index.

[@GeeksTable]

I've updated the doc with a script for Sonoma. Give it a try.

[@henrikhelmers1412]

I hope Apple has the issues you worked around on their Radar (see what I did there), and I like how your grit got you through. Such issues makes it difficult to recommend the HomePod minis as a computer speaker, which is so frustrating when it is so close.

[@seansapir1]

Hey, I have 2 BeoLab m3 speakers from B&O, they are not designed for being used as desktop speakers but I really like them. I bought a line in splitter cable L + R and it works but there's a problem. the speakers will auto-sleep if no sound is outputted for 3 minutes. To wake them up, continuous sound must be played for 3 seconds. this means I lose 3 seconds of a KZbin video and usually don't hear any system sounds (like messages). I like your channel as you always have clever work arounds. Any idea how to fix this? thanks

[@dhurogizta]

Hi, still no fix for the delay?

[@lpestudiocreativo]

Thank you for the excellent video, I really don't know English but your video helped me a lot, the only problem I have is that using the design programs and placing music, the audio apparently flickers or comes and goes a lot and on occasions it has disconnected Let's hope that with these steps it will improve, and I have the same audio delay problem; It takes time to stop and start ringing, you still don't have a solution? thanks again

[@lpestudiocreativo]

@MIAWQUIZ I have 2 homepod mini and I have them in stereo

[@robert3gr]

Hello can you please update the script to work with macOS 14.0 Sonoma

[@GeeksTable]

Done. I've updated the doc.

[@pritam_kaushik]

Can we use homepod mini to take calls on Teams or Google meet? Does it use homepod mini’s mic?

[@GeeksTable]

Nope, it’s mic is for “hey siri” only. And the speaker has a 2 sec delay with the Teams video.

[@sulogno]

why can't I hear sounds from KZbin videos on the HomePod? it only plays sound from Apple Music from my MacBook

[@johnhollister3]

On my m1 mac mini running Ventura, I have to select the Room with the speakers from Control Center -> Sound. Then it works with KZbin. However, if I put my mac to sleep, when I wake it up, I have to perform a warm restart to restore "things" to a workable state, meaning I have to select the Room again for KZbin. If I don't restart, only one or the other speaker works. Sometimes, restarting the HomePod app will reset "things", but not always. It's all hit or miss. Buyers remorse I'm afraid.

[@PhamTienPhong]

Why don't you combine 2 fixes in 1 code? so mac mini will reset the connection and connect again every time logging in.

[@GeeksTable]

Oh you can, if you wish. Having them separate adds flexibility.

[@leomedeirosrj]

It didn’t work here 😭😭😭

[@Dred242]

Made the Apple Script and got the error message “The operation could not be completed. (Com.apple.Automator error -212.)”". I'm completely stuck so I'll just have to do without.

[@sumnerman2]

Thanks!

[@piwinesia]

where can i get the cool wallpaper on your mac?

[@GeeksTable]

The credit goes to the BasicAppleGuy: drive.google.com/drive/mobile/folders/1j2OXcy0CNHdjdbJQO7IO1Yq-T7SIwIM4?usp=sharing

[@piwinesia]

@@GeeksTable Thank you so much, to BasicAppleGuy too...

[@liquiditytraderjournal]

didnt work :( but i had fun learning how to program my laptop :)) thanks you Sir

[@adrianaojeda]

I'm so disappointed... this is the hardest device for simple and basic usage that I ever had from Apple. IS A PAIN TO CONNECT WITH A MAC!

[@tasneem2397]

Does the homepod mini connects to a apple TV?

[@supposedlysavvy]

With no problems 👍

[@davidarmstrong1657]

Does the log-in script only work when you log-in each time or will it work every time i wake my Mac mini from sleep (i have no password requirement when i wake it from sleep)?

[@GeeksTable]

It’s bound to the login event. So if the system does an autologin-without-password, then it will be executed. If it’s just a wake-up event, then it won’t.

[@davidarmstrong1657]

@@GeeksTable thanks

[@davidarmstrong1657]

@@GeeksTable I can't download the script files, it says they have expired or my permissions don't allow downloading

[@GeeksTable]

Seems like the cloud provider issue, sorry. Updated the links, you should be good now.

[@davidarmstrong1657]

@@GeeksTable Thanks for doing that so quickly. All working at login, but unlock Mac with apple watch doesn't seem to prompt the login items.

[@henriquefreitas7154]

crazy that we cant use the MIC on the HomePod... i use external display on my macbook air m2... and would be so , so sooo awesome if apple just made continuity or something like it for the homepod... Anyone has news about it ? how can we ask apple for it ? shoud be simple, lol @geeksTable

[@quinntsang]

Okay I thought we have something to figure it out delay🥲

[@KristinaKozerski]

Hello Alex, I have just upgraded to Sonoma and the HomePod mini selection script is no longer working. Would there be any chance of an updated script. Thank you in advance.

[@GeeksTable]

I've updated the link with the first fix. It has a script for Sonoma now.