Onkyo and Pioneer announce FlareConnect wireless multi-room platform

FlareConnect works in a similar fashion to other wireless multi-room platforms, such as FireConnect by Blackfire Research (which Onkyo and Pioneer products use) and DTS Play:Fi.

FlareConnect can access, play and share music from streaming services or from your network (whether it's stored on a PC, laptop or NAS drive), and works over dual-band wi-fi (2.4GHz/5GHz) between compatible Onkyo and Pioneer hi-fi components, systems and speakers.

Once connected, the app also gives you access to the multi-room functionality, allowing you to group compatible products together, allowing you to play music from your network or via Bluetooth or USB. Next year, a further update will allow users to stream from an external connected analogue source, such as a CD player or turntable.

Supported 2017 Onkyo products include: TX-8270 and TX-8250 stereo receivers; TX-NR474, TX-NR575E, TX-NR676E, TX-RZ720 and TX-RZ820 AV receivers; and the CS-N575D microsystem.

Current Pioneer products include the FS-W40 and FS-W50 hi-fi systems and MRX-3 and MRX-5 wireless speakers. Select 2016 models will also get the firmware update.

The FlareConnect firmware update is due to begin rolling out from 30th October.

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Becky is a hi-fi, AV and technology journalist, formerly the Managing Editor at What Hi-Fi? and Editor of Australian Hi-Fi and Audio Esoterica magazines. With over twelve years of journalism experience in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices.

In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.