Wiim's tvOS application represents yet another challenge to Sonos.

      Wiim, the wireless audio company that's making significant strides in a market previously dominated by Sonos, subtly unveiled a version of its Wiim Home app for Apple TV users earlier this month. While it may not be revolutionary, this launch exemplifies how quickly this emerging audio brand is progressing compared to its main rival.

      Wiim and Sonos take a similar approach with their mobile apps for iOS and Android that manage their products. Although Sonos offers a more extensive range of features—despite ongoing issues stemming from a poorly received redesign—it has never released an app for tvOS or Android TV.

      Remarkably, none of Sonos' soundbars that connect to a TV via HDMI ARC utilize that connection to display a now playing screen when the soundbar is used for streaming music instead of TV shows. When Sonos revealed its updated flagship model, the Sonos Arc Ultra, promotional images included what appeared to be a now playing screen, but the company clarified that it was not a feature available at launch or planned for future updates.

      Until March 2025, it was widely anticipated that Sonos would introduce a streaming video device to rival the Apple TV. Known by the codename Pinewood, this device was expected to feature multiple HDMI ports and a lag-free wireless connection to Sonos speakers and soundbars. It was assumed the device would include a comprehensive TV interface for managing Sonos devices. However, on March 12, Sonos management informed employees that this product had been removed from the company's plans, without any indication of a potential return.

      The Wiim Home app for tvOS offers a more straightforward approach—at least for the moment. Beyond merely providing a large version of the song information displayed on the Wiim Ultra network music streamer, the app resembles native tvOS streaming services like Apple Music or Tidal. It functions as a mini player, providing playback, volume control, repeat/shuffle options, and scrubbing controls for the current track, along with a means to switch between Wiim devices on the network.

      Users can choose from two different styles for the song info screen: a color block or a blurred background based on the album cover.

      John Darko conducted thorough testing of the tvOS app and found that it could display song information on the Wiim device, even when using music sources not originating from the Wiim mobile app, such as AirPlay 2 or Tidal Connect. Some bugs were identified: the queue list did not populate correctly, and the play/pause and forward/back buttons on the Apple remote could not be used for direct control (users must utilize the d-pad to select the appropriate on-screen controls).

      The app also lacks a search function to find music, similar to what is available in the mobile app, which makes the tvOS app somewhat akin to the basic controls on an Audio Pro Wiim Edition speaker.

      Wiim has mentioned that it is gathering user feedback on the new app—and has confirmed that an Android TV version is on the way—so these minor issues shouldn't be a major concern. Furthermore, the current feature set could still evolve.

      Should the Wiim Home app for tvOS aim to replicate every feature of the company's mobile apps? I believe that's unnecessary. For many users, simply having the ability to display what's currently playing on the largest screen in the house is a compelling reason to download and install the free app. As for Sonos? Let's hope they’re taking notes—lots of them.