Users of the Denon HEOS wireless multi-room audio system (which also works with select Marantz and Definitive Technology products) are finally gaining functionality that Sonos users have been enjoying things like universal search for years. The update is visible in the app from now on. If you don’t see it, check the Apple App Store or Google Play for an app update.
The new version has improved navigation that brings another popular Sonos feature: a permanent Now Playing area at the bottom of the screen. Masimo, the parent company of Denon Marantz, Polk Audio, Definitive Technology, and Bowers & Wilkins claims the new design makes navigation more intuitive while providing a sleek and modern interface.
The home screen has also been redesigned. It now serves as a personalized music hub with instant access to recently played songs, favorite music, and preferred content from music services. You can also create your own HEOS-based playlists, which can be compiled from songs on various music services (if you’re a subscriber)—another feature that used to be exclusive to Sonos.
The universal search stands out as one of the most valuable features among them. Instead of first selecting a music service and then entering a search, you can start with your search terms and get matches from every service you’ve set up in the HEOS app.
HEOS has surpassed Sonos in the total count of speakers or accessories that can be managed. Currently, HEOS offers control for 64 products, whereas Sonos has maintained a count of 32.