IFA 2014: Harman Kardon launches new Omni multiroom audio system

There's been a sudden surge in wireless multiroom systems in 2014 with recent announcements from the likes of LG and Sonos, and it looks like the trend is set to continue during IFA 2014.

Harman Kardon's Omni ecosystem uses Blackfire Research's wireless streaming technology, and allows you to stream music files with sample rates up to 24-bit/96kHz. The system is set up over wi-fi and playback is controlled through either Harman Kardon's HK Connect app or you can opt to stream using good 'ol Bluetooth.

MORE: Read all our Harman Kardon reviews and news

If you thinking of buying multiple speakers, Omni 10s and 20s can also be used as stereo pairs, or if you've got the urge, you can even hook up five to create your own, wireless surround sound set-up.

Omni's features include (deep breath) One Touch Follow Me Audio, which allows you to switch music from one speaker to the other as you move between rooms. Press the large link button in the middle the speaker's control panel and you can cycle through multiple ongoing streams and pick your favourite. Press and hold the same button and you'll engage Party Mode, where the same track is pushed to multiple speakers.

The Harman Kardon Omni 10 (£159.99), Omni 20 (£250) and Adapt (£100) will be available to buy from mid-October. In a first for the company, Harman is also going to open up Omni to members of its own development community, where members will be encouraged to develop Harman's app and design new features for this multi-room system.

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Andy Madden

Andy is Deputy Editor of What Hi-Fi? and a consumer electronics journalist with nearly 20 years of experience writing news, reviews and features. Over the years he's also contributed to a number of other outlets, including The Sunday Times, the BBC, Stuff, and BA High Life Magazine. Premium wireless earbuds are his passion but he's also keen on car tech and in-car audio systems and can often be found cruising the countryside testing the latest set-ups. In his spare time Andy is a keen golfer and gamer.