Apple is getting ready to go big on multiroom audio.
At WWDC Apple has announced an update to the popular AirPlay streaming protocol. It’s called AirPlay 2 and it supports multiroom audio for music streaming around the home.
While there’s been no word on an Apple multiroom audio system, this clears the path for Apple to move in that direction by using other manufacturers’ products.
AirPlay 2 is also going to be part of Apple Homekit, with the idea that you can control your speakers the way you might control your lights. In theory, you’ll be able to use your existing speakers, from different brands, all from one app.
Which speakers will be compatible? Apple has confirmed it’s working with a few big names:
Bang & Olufsen
Beats
Bluesound
Bose
Bowers & Wilkins
Definitive Technology
Devialet
Dynaudio
Libratone
Marantz
McIntosh
Naim
Polk
Would you use an Apple-driven multiroom audio system, or do you already have an existing setup? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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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.