If you are a fan of Wiim and appreciate the convenience of a voice-activated remote, but find the standard plastic option that comes with many of their network music streamers unappealing, you’re in luck. The newly unveiled Wiim Voice Remote 2 offers a more stylish alternative. Made entirely of aluminum, this Bluetooth remote closely resembles Apple’s Siri Remote and will be available for purchase directly from Wiim’s website and on Amazon for $39 starting April 8.
At its core, the Voice Remote 2 is primarily a visual enhancement. Functionally, it mirrors the capabilities of the original remote included with every Wiim Pro Plus, Wiim Amp, Wiim Amp Pro, and Wiim Ultra. Users can activate Alexa-powered voice commands by pressing a mic button located on the side, while the directional pad manages volume and playback.
The remote features dedicated buttons for muting and switching inputs, along with four programmable buttons for your favorite presets, which can be assigned through the Wiim Home app.
One notable upgrade in the Voice Remote 2 is its power system. It includes a rechargeable battery, moving away from the two AAA batteries used in its predecessor. Although Wiim hasn’t disclosed the exact battery life, it does have a capacity of 475 mAh and can be fully charged in one hour via USB-C. In comparison, the current Siri Remote from Apple has a capacity of 398 mAh.
The Voice Remote 2 is designed to operate with any of Wiim’s streamers, although it does not support the latest non-streaming product, the Vibelink Amp. Interestingly, despite showing up in some Vibelink promotional photos, Wiim has clarified that if your Vibelink is connected to an Ultra, you can manage the entire system using the remote.
As of now, there has been no confirmation from Wiim about including the Voice Remote 2 with any of their existing or upcoming streamers. However, it seems reasonable to expect this integration, especially with their high-end products.
