Introducing the WiiM Voice Remote 2: The Ultimate Control for Your Audio Experience

[Steve Woodhouse]

I find voice control to be next to useless on just about everything, when it comes to streaming music.

Tried it for a while. List count if the number of times I’d ask for a particular song, and it’d play the live version, or the 12” dance mix, or the 7” edit, or a re-recorded version.

And if you wanted a different version, and asked for that particular mix, you’d inevitably just get the vanilla version.

That’s not a criticism of WiiM, it’s every voice control for playing music I’ve ever tried.

 

[Burnside]

With voice control, you often need to be quite specific in what you ask for, sometimes having to include the artist or album as well as the track title. At its heart, it’s doing a text search so needs as much info as possible to identify the correct version you’re after in amongst a host of possible hits. I guess they also use some algorithm based on popularity to rank results too. In the car, I always use voice for playback and often just for my own playlists.

 

[slartibartfast]

With voice control, you often need to be quite specific in what you ask for, sometimes having to include the artist or album as well as the track title. At its heart, it’s doing a text search so needs as much info as possible to identify the correct version you’re after in amongst a host of possible hits. I guess they also use some algorithm based on popularity to rank results too. In the car, I always use voice for playback and often just for my own playlists.

I as Alexa to play Radio 2, sometimes it plays something completely different

 

[Wiimer]

I find voice control to be next to useless on just about everything, when it comes to streaming music.

Tried it for a while. List count if the number of times I’d ask for a particular song, and it’d play the live version, or the 12” dance mix, or the 7” edit, or a re-recorded version.

And if you wanted a different version, and asked for that particular mix, you’d inevitably just get the vanilla version.

That’s not a criticism of WiiM, it’s every voice control for playing music I’ve ever tried.

It is not necessary to use voice for all music control. At all..

It goes without saying now,
I believe the advantage of WiiM is that it has a wide variety of control methods (phone, pc, remote, voice, routine, alarm, physical buttons on the device, screen) and the we can choose according to the situation .

 

[Pragmatist]

 

[slartibartfast]

View attachment 19645

Wrong thread?

 

[Pragmatist]

Wrong thread?

No

 

[slartibartfast]

No

I don't understand the significance then

 

[Steve Woodhouse]

With voice control, you often need to be quite specific in what you ask for, sometimes having to include the artist or album as well as the track title. At its heart, it’s doing a text search so needs as much info as possible to identify the correct version you’re after in amongst a host of possible hits. I guess they also use some algorithm based on popularity to rank results too. In the car, I always use voice for playback and often just for my own playlists.

Yeah, tried that. Had done tracks that I tried from Amazon HD and I read the title word-for word, still got it wrong.

The other issue is that a normal text search brings you up a list to choose from. Voice search just plays what it thinks you mean, first guess, no options.

 

[Steve Woodhouse]

It is not necessary to use voice for all music control. At all..

It goes without saying now,
I believe the advantage of WiiM is that it has a wide variety of control methods (phone, pc, remote, voice, routine, alarm, physical buttons on the device, screen) and the we can choose according to the situation .

I totally agree. Truth is, even if it worked perfectly, first time every time, it’s never felt like much of an advantage for me.

 

[pjorgenunes]

Can only find it in Amazon.com. Will it be available directly from Europe?

 

[azoriusmage]

Clearly has never read the two-year old WiiM Remote manual either or visited this forum where voice control via the remote has often been mentioned

You expect that clown to actually do a decent review? Laughable

 

[Burnside]

You expect that clown to actually do a decent review? Laughable

I had no expectation, risible or otherwise…

 

[Steve Woodhouse]

Key Features:​

1. Intuitive Voice Control - WiiM Voice Remote 2 is the ultimate tool for effortless control, premium design, and personalized audio interactions. Whether you’re using voice commands, smart presets, or Bluetooth control, this remote brings power and convenience to your fingertips.
2. Perfect WiiM Compatibility – Designed Exclusively for WiiM Streamers & Amplifiers - Ensures full compatibility and seamless integration with your audio system, making every interaction smoother and more intuitive.
3. Built to Impress - Crafted with a sleek aluminum body, the WiiM Voice Remote 2 combines modern aesthetics with durability. Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, making every interaction smooth and intuitive.
4. Seamless Voice Control - No need for an extra Alexa device—simply press the Push-to-Talk button and speak to control your music.
5. Instant Access with Smart Presets - With 4 programmable preset buttons, you can instantly launch your favorite content or customized audio control.
6. Rechargeable & Eco-Friendly - Forget constantly replacing batteries—the WiiM Voice Remote 2 features a USB-C rechargeable battery, providing long-lasting power while being environmentally friendly.
7. 360° Bluetooth Control - Control your WiiM streamer or amp from anywhere in the room—no line-of-sight needed, thanks to Bluetooth connectivity.

Okay, so this is from the perspective of someone who already owns a WiiM remote, though with some consideration of those not having one yet, and considering which to buy.

1 - Voice Control. Not for me, I don't use voice control. Each to her or his own, I suppose.
2 - It'd be extremely odd indeed if it weren't compatible with WiiM devices.
3 - Yes, it looks nice, and I bet it feels nice. Quite premium, and certainly more impressive-looking than the old one.
4 - See 1.
5 - That's the same as the old remote.
6 - Not sure how eco-friendly that is. Most UK supermarkets have a bin for batteries to be recycled, but I'm not sure that, at the end of its life, anyone will be tearing this apart to ensure the battery doesn't go in landfill. Not sure if I prefer replaceable batteries, or a rechargeable unit. Not a deal-breaker either way, and not something that causes me to immediately think I need to replace my old control.
7 - The old remote is also bluetooth.

If I didn't have a WiM remote already, I'm looking at £15 for a black one vs £39 for this, that's a £24 premium. I think I might be tempted, or maybe not.

But I'm not tempted to pay £39 to replace something I already have. Maybe if I have a month where I'm flush.

I'm not sure if this has been covered yet, but what about people looking to buy a Pro Plus or Ultra. If they like this remote, are they going to be forced to buy the old one with the unit, then this as well, or are WiiM going to offer the option?

Now, where's that rumoured WiiM subwoofer...

 

[pieterv1]

Okay, so this is from the perspective of someone who already owns a WiiM remote, though with some consideration of those not having one yet, and considering which to buy.

1 - Voice Control. Not for me, I don't use voice control. Each to her or his own, I suppose.
2 - It'd be extremely odd indeed if it weren't compatible with WiiM devices.
3 - Yes, it looks nice, and I bet it feels nice. Quite premium, and certainly more impressive-looking than the old one.
4 - See 1.
5 - That's the same as the old remote.
6 - Not sure how eco-friendly that is. Most UK supermarkets have a bin for batteries to be recycled, but I'm not sure that, at the end of its life, anyone will be tearing this apart to ensure the battery doesn't go in landfill. Not sure if I prefer replaceable batteries, or a rechargeable unit. Not a deal-breaker either way, and not something that causes me to immediately think I need to replace my old control.
7 - The old remote is also bluetooth.

If I didn't have a WiM remote already, I'm looking at £15 for a black one vs £39 for this, that's a £24 premium. I think I might be tempted, or maybe not.

But I'm not tempted to pay £39 to replace something I already have. Maybe if I have a month where I'm flush.

I'm not sure if this has been covered yet, but what about people looking to buy a Pro Plus or Ultra. If they like this remote, are they going to be forced to buy the old one with the unit, then this as well, or are WiiM going to offer the option?

Now, where's that rumoured WiiM subwoofer...

Also: unlike some of the remotes that come with Chinese DAC's using a CR2032 cell, the original WiiM remote works with AAA's so you can easily put rechargeable batteries in as well. I have yet to replace mine for the first time.

 

[WiiM Team]

Can only find it in Amazon.com. Will it be available directly from Europe?

Hi, it should be available on Amazon Europe sites in a few weeks. Currently on it's way there