Onkyo, which is distributed by Amber Technology, has announced a firmware update that activates FireConnect wireless multi-room audio distribution from selected Onkyo AV and hi-fi components and systems to compatible wireless speakers.

Powered by Blackfire, FireConnect is a wireless protocol that’s fundamental to Onkyo’s Next Generation Network Audio concept. This concept leverages dual-band 5GHz/2.4GHz WiFi together with the Onkyo Controller app for iPod touch, iPhone, iPad and Android devices to make music sharing simple and intuitive. Playback control for speakers in any room, as well as speaker-grouping functions and network audio selection are integrated within the app.

The firmware update enables mirroring of on-demand internet streaming services built into components, including TIDAL, Deezer, TuneIn and Spotify, as well as network-attached audio from entertainment systems to FireConnect-ready speakers, such as the Onkyo NCP-302 Network Audio System (available in Australia late April). Sampling rates of 44.1kHz and 48kHz are supported.

Firmware released will update the following models: PR-RZ5100, TX-RZ3100, TX-RZ1100, TX-RZ810, TX-RZ710, TX-NR656, TX-NR555, HT-S7805, TX-L50, TX-L20D, LS7200, LS5200 R-N855, NS-6170, and NS-6130.

Subsequent updates will enable wireless transmission of sources connected to the master component’s external analogue audio inputs. Users can look forward to a variety of easily accessible streaming music wherever they are in their home, with app functions that adapt to changing listening habits.

Firmware updates can be downloaded directly to the system or via the Onkyo website.