Are Full Version of Apps a Possibility?

[amil]

I see this discussed partially in other threads, but why can't the Ultra be a client for full or simplified versions of the music apps it supports via phone/device?

I bought the Ultra assuming I would be able to download the Spotify app (and others) because it has a screen, much like I can on a TV or other smart device with a touch screen.

Is this a possible feature in the future, or am I making a wrong assumption about the Wiim Ultra's ability to do such a thing?

My Ultra is right next to my turntable, so interacting with the touchscreen while listening near my stereo was also a reason for purchasing.
I don't see much call for that now that I understand how that the Ultra assumes the user defaults to phone control in spite of its screen.

So, other than being able to offload my Spotify stream to the Ultra's DAC, I feel a little like I just bought a super-expensive Bluetooth adapter.

Had I understood, I probably would have stepped down to the Pro Plus.

Thoughts, anyone? Can you help me feel like I didn't waste the extra cash l, otherwise?Especially any devs who might see this.

 

[EddNog]

I see this discussed partially in other threads, but why can't the Ultra be a client for full or simplified versions of the music apps it supports via phone/device?

I bought the Ultra assuming I would be able to download the Spotify app (and others) because it has a screen, much like I can on a TV or other smart device with a touch screen.

Is this a possible feature in the future, or am I making a wrong assumption about the Wiim Ultra's ability to do such a thing?

My Ultra is right next to my turntable, so interacting with the touchscreen while listening near my stereo was also a reason for purchasing.
I don't see much call for that now that I understand how that the Ultra assumes the user defaults to phone control in spite of its screen.

So, other than being able to offload my Spotify stream to the Ultra's DAC, I feel a little like I just bought a super-expensive Bluetooth adapter.

Had I understood, I probably would have stepped down to the Pro Plus.

Thoughts, anyone? Can you help me feel like I didn't waste the extra cash l, otherwise?Especially any devs who might see this.

The WiiM devices utilize their own OS/UI, and so third party apps are not developed for native operations on WiiM devices, nor do WiiM devices hook up to any of the official app stores (Google Play, Apple App Store, etc.).

It sounds like you might have been better served by an Android-based streamer such as FiiO R7 based purely on the manner you are looking to utilize it. The FiiO connects to Google Play store and lets you download the native Android apps available there, but still bypasses Android's system resampling engine so is able to play high-res bit-perfect audio (unlike, "normal," Android devices).

Alternatively you could buy an Android-based DAP (portable digital audio player) such as a HiBy R4, and then set it up on a desktop stand such as xDuoo DT-01 (which will permanently keep it charged, and allow it to be connected to your sound system), and use that as your streamer. This is a lot cheaper than a dedicated desktop streamer like the R7 and will still work the same (SRC bypass for high-res, bit-perfect output). In a way, it is better, because if you download HiByLink app to your smart phone or tablet, you can screen-clone and remote touch control the HiBy R4 remotely, as if it were still right in your own hands. This is how I and my father both used to stream our music before we bought our WiiMs. You would get a lot more out of a DAP setup with an external/desktop DAC hooked up to the dock via USB, though, and a desktop streamer like FiiO R7 would avoid this extra clutter.

-Ed

 

[Burnside]

I fear you’ve made a wrong assumption about the Ultra - it’s a streamer not an app platform like a phone. It runs its own compact version of Linux (Tina Linux if memory serves me) and the likelihood of it hosting a version of streaming services apps is very low indeed in my opinion. WiiM are developing an interface to access the contents of an attached usb drive and you can load its presets with saved playlists etc from streaming services, but beyond that you’d be struggling.

Streamers further up the market which use a modified version of Android might allow the installation of apps however.

 

[Wiimer]

I see this discussed partially in other threads, but why can't the Ultra be a client for full or simplified versions of the music apps it supports via phone/device?

I bought the Ultra assuming I would be able to download the Spotify app (and others) because it has a screen, much like I can on a TV or other smart device with a touch screen.

Is this a possible feature in the future, or am I making a wrong assumption about the Wiim Ultra's ability to do such a thing?

My Ultra is right next to my turntable, so interacting with the touchscreen while listening near my stereo was also a reason for purchasing.
I don't see much call for that now that I understand how that the Ultra assumes the user defaults to phone control in spite of its screen.

So, other than being able to offload my Spotify stream to the Ultra's DAC, I feel a little like I just bought a super-expensive Bluetooth adapter.

Had I understood, I probably would have stepped down to the Pro Plus.

Thoughts, anyone? Can you help me feel like I didn't waste the extra cash l, otherwise?Especially any devs who might see this.

It is streamers with built-in Android OS that can do that; the Ultra (all WiiM devices) is not..

 

[amil]

Welp. . . That stinks. Looks like I'll be returning this Ultra. Thanks for setting me straight, everyone!

 

[EddNog]

Welp. . . That stinks. Looks like I'll be returning this Ultra. Thanks for setting me straight, everyone!

You're welcome! Consider the HiBy R4 option. Doesn't cost much more than WiiM Ultra and will likely do exactly what you want. Set output to Line Out mode and use a 4.4mm balanced to stereo XLR adapter cable or 3.5mm single-ended to stereo RCA adapter cable to output to your speaker chain.

And enjoy the music!

-Ed