Bose’s latest firmware update brings AirPlay 2 functionality to a handful of SoundTouch and Lifestyle speakers and sound systems. Nine speakers, soundbars and home entertainment systems are in line for a boost.
AirPlay 2 will bring multi-room audio to any compatible device, meaning you could potentially pair the Bose soundbar in your living room with the Sonos in your kitchen and the Bowers & Wilkins in your bedroom.
Related: What is AirPlay 2?
Apple announced its latest wireless streaming protocol back at WWDC 2017, inviting users to pair Apple HomePods in stereo and to group speakers together and then control them individually in the control centre.
AirPlay 2-compatible devices can be controlled on the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch and adjusted with voice commands via Siri.
Bose began roll out of firmware update 24.0.7 on Tuesday, with AirPlay 2 expected to reach all of the below devices by February 25:
- SoundTouch 10
- SoundTouch 20 Series III
- SoundTouch 30 Series III
- Bose SoundTouch SA-5 Amplifier
- Bose Wave SoundTouch Music System IV
- SoundTouch 300 soundbar
- Lifestyle 550 home entertainment system
- Lifestyle 600 home entertainment system
- Lifestyle 650 home entertainment system
Once you’ve installed the update, you’ll be able to find some speaker settings in the iOS control centre – touch and hold the audio card in the top-right corner of the screen and tap the AirPlay 2 icon to open them.
You’ll also be able to control your speaker directly through a number of popular streaming services.
One of these services is SiriusXM. Bose revealed updates to SXM just two weeks ago, including better stability and access to additional SiriusXM content.
To get the improvements, SXM users will need to ensure they have the new Bose firmware and the latest version of the SoundTouch app installed.
Related: Best multi-room speakers
Once updated, a message will appear asking SXM users to add their account again. You’ll need to re-enter your SXM log in details to continue using SXM with the latest features.
If you have any SXM presents, you may be required to add them again once the update has been installed.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
