The Wiim Ultra, a new network music streamer from Wiim, has been making waves in the tech world with its impressive feature set and affordable price tag of $329. However, a recent discovery has left many users and reviewers alike scratching their heads. The device, which was launched in May, does not support Apple’s AirPlay 2 wireless streaming protocol.
At first, it seemed like a simple oversight, as all of Wiim’s previous streamers, such as the Wiim Mini, Wiim Pro, Wiim Pro Plus, and Wiim Amp, do support AirPlay. But as the reality of the situation set in, the lack of AirPlay support in the Wiim Ultra became a major concern.
The discovery was made by a tech reviewer who received the Wiim Ultra’s preview guide, which revealed that neither Apple AirPlay nor Apple HomeKit were listed as supported features. A subsequent search of the original press release and online marketing materials failed to yield any mention of AirPlay support. It wasn’t until a blog post on the official Wiim website was found, dated July 1, that the explanation for the omission became clear.
The Wiim Ultra’s Missing AirPlay Feature Raises Questions About Transparency
The blog post revealed that AirPlay certification was “pending” and that Wiim had chosen not to delay the launch of the Wiim Ultra. However, this left many users wondering why the company didn’t communicate this situation more clearly from the outset. The product page on Amazon also bears a warning that the device is “incompatible with AirPlay and cannot function as an AirPlay receiver”, which could potentially alarm potential buyers who are relying on AirPlay compatibility.
The lack of transparency surrounding the Wiim Ultra’s AirPlay feature has left many users and reviewers feeling frustrated and confused. The decision to launch a device without a critical feature like AirPlay, while simultaneously highlighting its other features, seems puzzling. The fact that the Amazon product page does not accurately reflect the AirPlay situation only adds to the confusion.
Wiim’s decision not to delay the launch of the Wiim Ultra despite the pending AirPlay certification raises questions about the company’s priorities. Was the desire to get the device to market quickly more important than ensuring that it met its customers’ needs? The decision could potentially impact the reputation of the company and the user experience of its products.
The lack of AirPlay support in the Wiim Ultra has raised concerns about transparency and priorities. While the device still has many great features, the omission of AirPlay support is a significant one. Wiim must do more to communicate clearly with its customers and provide a better explanation for its decision.
