Bluesound is upping the ante on cool ways to control a wireless home audio system with its recent launch of BluOS 2.0, an upgrade for BluOS-enabled wireless hi-res music systems. The release includes a major update to its mobile controller apps for iOS and Android. Version 2.0 is Bluesound's first phase in a fresh new user experience that features an enhanced interface, improved playlist and playback logic, additional Player functionality, widgets, and support for Apple Watch.

The new BluOS Controller app is built to be a universal one-app solution for all BluOS-enabled systems. Here are a few of the new features:

Better Music Access: A new search engine allows users to browse networked music collections, and select custom playlists and favorites stored in a local library, on a mobile device, or streaming music service with quick on-demand access to enhanced browsing functions.

SmartPlay Playlist Creation: A faster and easier way to queue up music, enabling users to instantly add and listen to tracks without limitations, while the rest of the album or playlist is auto-filled into the queue.

Assisted Player Setup: With guided in-app tutorials on startup, users can easily connect Players to an existing stereo system, powered loudspeaker, or home network.

Apple Watch: BluOS Controller is now available for Apple Watch, where you can instantly check what's playing, select a Player, or change the track.

Controller Widget: Access Player presents and control music playback at a glance with a single swipe, without ever launching the app.

"At Bluesound, we're committed to delivering the most intuitive, interactive, and immersive music experience for BluOS users," says John Banks, Bluesound chief brand officer. "This is a major enhancement, and we're confident that our new design and feature updates will connect BluOS users more deeply with their music than ever before."