Just think how much more versatile the HomePod could be with an audio input in addition to AirPlay.

The HomePod Mini Experiment — MacSparky

I have a studio pair that sits on my desk for podcasts and YouTube videos during the day, which are usually AirPlayed from my iPad. I wish I could use them as speakers for my Mac, but each time I try, I can’t overcome the lag.

An additional audio input capability would have been amazing.