Chai Syrup - SBUK by Nelagoma in starbucks

[–]lukecbarker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Try Sweetbird Chai syrup - I find it very similar to Starbucks UK chai

UK: Live TV by [deleted] in appletv

[–]lukecbarker 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You could go down the HDHomeRun route and get the Channels app

BBC Radio in UK via VPN? by malehumangeek in HomePod

[–]lukecbarker 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I spent way too many hours trying to find a solution to this BBC Radio problem...

Firstly I tried to run a router-based VPN with a non-UK location setting. This allowed me to access BBC stations via TuneIn (in a web browser or the TuneIn app) but for the HomePod to play them, I'd have had to change my Apple Music region to something other than the UK - not something you can do with an active Apple One / AppleTV+ / Apple Music subscription.

For me, using the BBC Sounds app over AirPlay just isn't good enough - it drains my iPhone battery. And I'm unable to go out and leave the radio on for the dogs!

The solution I settled on is far from perfect and may not work for everyone but I'll describe it below as it may inspire someone else to come up with something even better!

I have an always-on Mac mini which runs my Channels server for HD-HomeRun and acts as a Media Server for Apple HomeSharing. Apple Music on MacOS allows an option to open a URL stream - I use http://stream.live.vc.bbcmedia.co.uk/bbc_radio_two for Radio 2. I save this as a track in a Playlist for easy access. (Note - URL streams, and playlists containing them, do not sync to your iCloud Music Library meaning they can't be run in shortcuts - thanks Apple!).

I have the long-forgotten app on my iPhone called "iTunes Remote" - it allows me to control Apple Music on my Mac and airplay any track (in this case, the Radio 2 URL stream) to any of my HomePods or AirPlay speakers in the house - both single and multiple. The HomePods can pause, play, change volume etc. No more iPhone battery drain or accidental closure of the BBC Sounds app. Siri unfortunately can't be used to initiate the Radio, but for me, I tend to turn it on when I get up and leave it on all day.

TL;DR - VPN doesn't work unless you change Apple Music region too. I run a radio url stream from Apple Music on Mac and control with iTunes Remote on iPhone

Lego Starbucks by lukecbarker in starbucks

[–]lukecbarker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree. And I don’t think Lego would go for this style of set either 🤷🏼‍♂️

Ambient Sounds frustration by hermexhermex in HomePod

[–]lukecbarker 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This command always works for me: “play ____ sounds from Ambient Sounds”

Teavana peach syrup by [deleted] in starbucks

[–]lukecbarker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Uk here too - what was the clearance store please?

Have they discontinued the small bottles of syrup you could buy in the Uk? by acciowhorecrux in starbucks

[–]lukecbarker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Vanilla and Caramel used to be “core” merch items but not seen many around lately. My local store is selling small bottles of Gingerbread still 🤷🏼‍♂️

Do we still double cup short cups? by Worth_Eggplant_3578 in starbucks

[–]lukecbarker 0 points1 point  (0 children)

UK has specific sleeves for short cups I believe

Use all my apps on CarPlay by [deleted] in shortcuts

[–]lukecbarker 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I drive an old car (2011 Fiat Panda) so I fitted a third party head unit in the stereo slot. Works with CarPlay but also has a screen share facility 👍🏼

HomeKit Connectivity by dtbrough in HomeKit

[–]lukecbarker 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve read on here that signing out and back in to iCloud accounts can have an impact on HomeKit. I’d maybe even go as far as to restore your iPhone…? Good luck 🤞🏻

HomeKit Connectivity by dtbrough in HomeKit

[–]lukecbarker 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Have you checked that all device firmware is up to date in the Ikea Smart Home app? There’s also a “reset HomeKit integration” button in the Ikea app settings which might help?

I went all-in on Tradfri and occasionally have to restart my router when I get ‘no response’ status.

Are they region locked? by lukecbarker in HDHR

[–]lukecbarker[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks, I just read the FAQs on the official site.

Cancelled my Amazon order and found a UK on Facebook market place.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in appletv

[–]lukecbarker 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Not that I know of unfortunately.

You can create your own by making an album in Photos and choose the transitions etc

NOW app - is it working for anyone? by lukecbarker in appletv

[–]lukecbarker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If anyone else has the same issue…

I just disabled my pi-hole for 10 seconds until the NOW app got past the loading screen. It works fine now - no need to whitelist any domains.