A:AnswerApple HomePods will only pair to Apple devices (Apple TV, iPhones, Macs, & iPads). They will not pair to non-Apple BT devices. I have two stereo pairs, one controlled by an Apple TV and the other by an Apple iMac. But either pair can also by controlled by any other Apple device, including our iPhones or a guest iPhone.
A:AnswerIt does need to be plugged into an outlet in order to be used, so it definitely is not portable. Just like the Amazon Echo devices, the goal is to have someone purchase a device for every room ( really where the HomePod Mini joins the party ). The HomePod also is very much NOT water/weather-proof, so in my opinion it would be worth keeping it indoors at all times. I have two and use them as my TV/gaming sound system as well as streaming radio for my cat while I’m at work!
A:AnswerUnfortunately, “Hey Siri” doesn’t work to play from Spotify directly; only Apple Music. You can, however, AirPlay from an iPhone to any HomePod.
A:AnswerIt would only work if you were casting audio through your appleTV, using an apple device (or you could change manually through settings on your appleTV, but that would be a setting you would have to change every time you started your TV). Once your audio (TV show, movie, music, podcast etc.) has started playing, you can select on your iPhone to add an additional audio player. Once you do that, it would be playing out of both your appleTV and your homepod. I do this often.
A:AnswerHomePod is designed to work with the AppleTV set top box or most any other iDevice, like iPad, iPhone or Mac. It won't work directly from a television.
A:AnswerNo problem. The speakers will self calibrate to location and room size. I have a pair in a 25' x 20' with 14' vaulting ceiling. I placed each on end table of a 7' length sofa in the middle of the room. Wirelessly connected to an Apple TV the sound is great both with music and TV programming. The vocals are clearer than my Yamaha/Polk audio 5.2 sound system. Although the bass is not a pronounced as the Yamaha subwoofers, the sound is still impressive and pleasing. Go for it!