BluOS, the premium multi-room music management platform by Lenbrook International, announces a new and improved BluOS 4.0 update to its mobile application platform. A preview demonstration of BluOS 4.0 will take place at the Integrated Systems Europe conference in Barcelona, Spain from January 31st – February 3rd, ahead of its public launch in the spring of 2023. For over a decade, BluOS has positioned itself as the industry leading, multi-room hi-res music control platform underpinning notorious hi-fi brands such as Bluesound, NAD Electronics and PSB Speakers. The 4.0 mobile app updated revives the BluOS app experience with cosmetic enhancements such as a cleaner layout, easier access around its navigation and menus, and customization options to suit individual listening needs.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
An all-new home screen display in the BluOS 4.0 update is an exciting way to start the listening experience. A sleek, tile-based layout provides easy access to users’ most frequently listened-to stations, music selections, recently played, services, news, updates and more.
IMPROVED NAVIGATION
A relocation of the navigation bar placement to be at the bottom of the screen will provide users with easier reach of the menu and one-tap access to the most important features of the BluOS app: Home, Favorites, Music, Players and Search.
SEARCH FROM EVERYWHERE
A globally accessible Search feature will improve on the previous search function by providing a default music service selection based on the users’ listening behavior, making it significantly easier than before for users to navigate to the contents they’re looking for. For instance, if a user has only a single Music Service set up, the Search function will default to it. If they have multiple, the Search function will default to the one that was last browsed.
EASIER THAN EVER
One-tap access to important features will improve the logical flow of the app and increase ease of use in areas such as music management, adding or removing Favorites, and accessing the Player Drawer and Play Queue.
Music Management
In the browsing view, a ‘+’ button on the top right will directly lead to Music Services, making it quicker for users to switch, manage and control streaming services.
Choosing Favorites
Adding to or removing from Favorites will be possible with one click by using the ‘star’ icon in top right corner of the Albums & Playlists page (if the Service provides the option).
Selecting Players and Play Queue
Controlling and managing players in the Player Drawer will be directly accessible with one click from the ‘Now Playing’ screen. A selector for the Now Playing / Play Queue will improve user experience when switching between both while a quality Indicator on Now Playing screen will toggle between the basic and detailed information.
“BluOS 4.0 brings added depth to personalized, multi-room hi-res listening” says Andrew Haines, BluOS Product Manager, “this comprehensive redesign of the mobile app interface reflects a commitment to delivering seamless user experiences for BluOS and BlueSound Node (read the review) users.”
Key Highlights of the BluOS 4.0 update
- Easy-to-reach navigation and menus
- One-tap access to search, favorites and more
- A ‘home’ for your most recent and most frequently accessed music
- Modern, clean layout for quick glance information
The History of Bluesound and Lenbrook
Bluesound is a Canadian audio company focused on high-resolution wireless music playback. It is owned and operated by Lenbrook International, a private company based in Pickering, Ontario. Lenbrook was founded in 1978 as a distributor of consumer electronics and eventually evolved into a global brand owner with a focus on premium audio. It owns several key brands, including NAD Electronics and PSB Speakers. Bluesound was introduced in 2013 as a Lenbrook initiative to address the growing demand for high-quality streaming audio.
As digital streaming became the dominant way people consumed music, Lenbrook identified a gap in the market. Most wireless speaker systems prioritized convenience over fidelity, which left more discerning listeners underserved. With engineering support from NAD and PSB, Bluesound was developed as a purpose-built platform that prioritized sound quality while maintaining ease of use and wireless flexibility.
At the center of Bluesound’s product line is BluOS, a proprietary operating system created by Lenbrook. BluOS serves as both the control layer and streaming platform, allowing users to manage playback across multiple devices and rooms. It supports lossless and high-resolution audio formats, including FLAC, WAV, and MQA. BluOS is designed to work across a growing range of hardware, including dedicated Bluesound devices and selected NAD and DALI products.
The BluOS ecosystem supports a wide range of music services, including Qobuz, TIDAL, Spotify, Amazon Music, and others. It also includes internet radio, local library support, and networked storage playback. BluOS is frequently updated and maintained by Lenbrook’s internal software team, allowing it to evolve alongside changes in streaming technologies and user expectations.
Bluesound’s hardware lineup includes a variety of products tailored to different use cases. The Node is a compact, standalone streamer that can be added to existing audio systems. The Powernode includes amplification for direct speaker connection. The Vault offers local storage and CD ripping capabilities. Pulse speakers are designed for all-in-one use, while the soundbar and subwoofer options are aimed at home theater integration. These products are all BluOS-enabled and can be used individually or as part of a synchronized whole-home setup.
One notable feature of the Bluesound system is its use of Mobile BluOS. The BluOS Controller app is available for both iOS and Android devices, providing access to playback controls, system configuration, firmware updates, and service integration. Mobile BluOS allows users to manage multiple devices, group rooms, create presets, and stream from supported services, all from a single interface. The app also enables control over external inputs and volume, offering a comprehensive system management tool that doesn’t rely on a physical remote.
Bluesound’s integration capabilities extend beyond mobile apps. It is compatible with Apple AirPlay 2, and many devices support voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa. BluOS also integrates with smart home and control platforms like Control4 and Crestron, making it suitable for residential installations.
Lenbrook’s decision to develop and maintain BluOS internally has given it long-term flexibility. It avoids dependence on third-party software platforms and allows for consistent updates across supported devices. This model also enables faster implementation of new features and services.
