To commemorate its tenth anniversary, the wireless audio platform HEOS, developed by Denon, Marantz, and Classé, has embarked on a transformative journey. The companies have introduced a refreshed identity, a redesigned app experience, and expanded platform capabilities under a new branding strategy, “Powered by HEOS.” This initiative aims to redefine whole-home sound capabilities for the modern listener, leveraging HEOS’s presence in over 50 premium audio products worldwide.
Originally conceived by Denon engineers in 2014, HEOS—short for Home Entertainment Operating System—was born from a simple yet ambitious question: “What if you could fill your home with incredible sound without wires, while maintaining the quality of high-end audio brands?” This vision positioned HEOS as an alternative to the standalone powered speakers that were gaining popularity at the time, offering a seamless, high-quality sound experience throughout the home.
The Evolution of HEOS
Over the past decade, HEOS has solidified its status as a leading wireless audio platform, known for its ability to deliver high-quality sound without the need for complicated wiring. While it remains the primary streaming platform for Denon, Marantz, and Classé, HEOS is now owned by Harman International, opening the possibility for further expansion into other brands.
HEOS’s core functionality allows users to stream music, podcasts, and other audio content to multiple rooms and devices, including AV receivers, sound bars, and wireless speakers, all managed through a single app. This capability has made HEOS a trusted name in wireless audio, with over five million products now “Powered by HEOS.”
Recent Developments and Future Directions
In December 2023, HEOS launched version 3.0, a completely redesigned experience built on a new architecture that promises faster performance, greater stability, and a music-first interface. The platform’s evolution from 2023 to 2024 included home page customizations, centralized searches, and room and speaker grouping presets. Today, HEOS supports music services including high-resolution platforms like Qobuz and boasts Roon Ready certification.
Looking ahead to 2025, a significant update to the HEOS app will further enhance the user experience. The shift from “HEOS Built-in” to “Powered by HEOS” underscores the platform’s open ecosystem, emphasizing its role as the wireless engine inside products from trusted brands. This rebranding unites more than fifty products under the “Powered by HEOS” banner, offering systems that range from a single speaker to expansive setups with up to 64 products in 32 zones.
Design and Connectivity Enhancements
Part of the new update includes a new logo, inspired by radio waves, symbolizing the freedom of wireless sound and the effortless flow of music throughout the home. The logo’s directional form captures how HEOS integrates streaming services, personal libraries, and high-performance systems into one cohesive listening experience. The refreshed app icon reinforces this mission, offering a powerful, flexible, and intuitive platform designed to deliver music according to the user’s preferences.
HEOS stands out in the streaming platform arena with its support for high-resolution audio formats and seamless integration with premium AV receivers from Denon and Marantz. Unlike many wireless platforms, HEOS offers flexible connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, and auxiliary inputs, granting users greater control over their streaming experience. The platform supports major streaming services and voice assistants like Alexa and AirPlay 2, blending high-fidelity sound with smart convenience.
Implications for the Audio Industry
For the past decade, HEOS has consistently delivered on its core principles of high-end performance, versatility, and ease of use, while maintaining the sophistication and audiophile credentials of legacy brands such as Marantz, Denon, and Classé. The move to “Powered by HEOS” not only marks a significant milestone in the platform’s history but also signals a commitment to innovation and expansion in the competitive audio industry.
As HEOS continues to evolve, its impact on the audio landscape is expected to grow, potentially influencing how other brands approach wireless audio solutions. By maintaining a focus on quality and user experience, HEOS is poised to remain a key player in the market, offering consumers a robust and flexible audio ecosystem that meets the demands of modern listeners.
