Just thought I would set this out there for anyone looking at Homepod.
This is not a review of the device. Rather, a complaint for the audio it can play, and why it could have a negative impact on sales.
Homepd requires some form of Apple music subscription/purchase. It will only play audio files that are A) iTunes purchases; B) iTunes Match (annual subscription); or C) Apple Music (monthly subscription). In other words, you have to be paying Apple for your music, or Homepod does not work.
The word is still out as far as Airplay-ing an iTunes library, but the understanding I have been able to glean is that it requires the above. If anyone has anything else to add/correct, be my guest. However, if I can't play my ripped collection, then I can neither buy one nor recommend to my customers that they buy one.
If this turns out to be true, then Apple has made a very bad [software] engineering decision, IMO.