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This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022

 

Halo 6+ months on?

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seethroughyou
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seethroughyou Posted: Wed, May 26 2021 3:54 PM
What do members make of the Halo a few months on? Hoping to view it again soon.

Happy you bought it?

What new things can it do now?

What negatives have you identified?

.

 

 

Present: BL90, Core, BL6000, CD7000, Beogram 7000, Essence Remote.

Past: BL1, BL2, BL8000, BS9000, BL5, BC2, BS5, BV5, BV4-50, Beosystem 3, BL3, DVD1, Beoremote 4, Moment.

.

andy_js
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andy_js replied on Wed, May 26 2021 5:31 PM

I'm interested to know if you can search for tracks on Deezer.

beojeff
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beojeff replied on Wed, May 26 2021 6:34 PM

I have four and use them regularly. The only feature that's been added since launch is the ability to choose among multiple sources that are playing to "join."

I wish that support would be added for the BeoSystem 4 and for NL/ML Converters.

laseralex
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laseralex replied on Wed, May 26 2021 7:44 PM

I've had mine some months now, and to be honest I use it less than the Essence remote that sits in the same room.

 

The features I use most are volume control and Touch-to-Join.  For volume control I find the essence fits my hand perfectly, while the halo's ring feels less exact because I can't get my fingers around the whole thing.

I do prefer the Halo's ability to show volume level.  Particularly since an essence remote that hasn't been used in a couple of days can take a moment to sync up, and I have to wait till that happens before I can actually set volume.

Touch-to-join is easier on the essence remote as well - just a simple press as I walk into the room.  The halo has to wake up and then target the correct tiny button on a touchscreen without tactile feedback.  (I don't ever miss the button, I just have to be much more accurate than when using the essence remote.)

I do like that the Halo displays current track - I wish they had released a version of the Essence Remote that had an e-paper display to also show track name.

The battery life in the Halo is a problem for me.  I have Essence remotes all over my home - since they run almost a year on a set of batteries I can mount them anywhere.  The Halo's battery dies within a few days, so it spends its life sitting on a charger - I take it off the charger perhaps once per month.  I do wish the  Essence had a low-battery indicator the way the Halo shows it, but I generally know the battery is low when it stops responding. :-)

 

Happy you bought it?

Well . . . I'm not unhappy that I bought it.  It's an interesting conversation piece and a thing of beauty.  But I own one now and won't be buying any more.  Since buying the Halo I've purchased two more Essence remotes, and I hope to buy two or three more before I'm done.  (Only available used through eBay, now.)

 

Sources: 2x Beosound Moment • 4x Beosound Essence Mk II
Speakers: 3x Beolab 8000 • 2x Beolab 6000 • 2x Beolab 3 • 3x Beolab 2
Integrated:  1x Beosound 2 • 1x Beosound Level • 4x BeoPlay M5 • 1x BeoPlay A6
Control:  16x* Essence Remote  • 1x Beoremote Halo

* Yes, really! 🤦‍♂️

driehoek
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driehoek replied on Wed, May 26 2021 9:25 PM

Bought it 4 months ago. I have oppositie experience. Since halo I don't use essence remote anymore.

Halo has simplicity in display and control options and very intuitive. I have a q charging pad which is ideal to charge e.g. every night but still use it mobile in te room.

 

I got a lot of positive comments from visitors. It is surprisingly fast with almost no lag between action and response for volume and track changes. Tactile feedback on volume adjustments if perfect. 

Essence has more lag due to wake up time. 

 

I wish halo would allow google home commands (lightning scenes) and deezer track selection.

 

I would buy again immediately. If you consider Beolab 28 that is now build into the speaker though and might be future for all devices.

laseralex
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laseralex replied on Thu, May 27 2021 12:37 AM

driehoek:
I have oppositie experience

I'm very glad to hear this.  I smile every time I look at my Halo, and I think it's a brilliant concept.  I'm just not as blown away as I expected to be.  I must be getting old, LOL.

I also agree with what you say about the halo's response time being better, and the tactile feedback is also great.  The visual feedback on the halo is also excellent.

And yes, I wish I could talk to my Halo for google assistant commands . . . but especially full voice control over BeoLink Multiroom (source, volume, track controls) would be amazing.  I hope that the new collaboration of Google, Apple, Amazon, and others on the Matter platform will allow this to finally become reality.

I feel like I should clarify my stance on the Halo.  I do like the product and have no regrets buying it.  I just get more value from 4x Essence Remote than 1x Halo at the same price.  With the Essence remote discontinued it doesn't really matter, the Halo is the way to go.

driehoek:
Since halo I don't use essence remote anymore.

Will you sell me yours?  Big Smile  (Seriously, if you don't use yours, I'd like to buy it.  I'm looking for 2 more wall-mount and one ore table style.)

Sources: 2x Beosound Moment • 4x Beosound Essence Mk II
Speakers: 3x Beolab 8000 • 2x Beolab 6000 • 2x Beolab 3 • 3x Beolab 2
Integrated:  1x Beosound 2 • 1x Beosound Level • 4x BeoPlay M5 • 1x BeoPlay A6
Control:  16x* Essence Remote  • 1x Beoremote Halo

* Yes, really! 🤦‍♂️

Beozip
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laseralex:
And yes, I wish I could talk to my Halo for google assistant commands . . . but especially full voice control over BeoLink Multiroom (source, volume, track controls) would be amazing.  I hope that the new collaboration of Google, Apple, Amazon, and others on the Matter platform will allow this to finally become reality.

 

Please do not forget that the first concept that FCC ID have test it had a microfone. But the final Version from B&O had it NOT inside.

Maybe the MK II goes back to voice control.

BrianP
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BrianP replied on Thu, May 27 2021 6:43 PM
I hesitated a bit before buying it due to the limited functionality. Though, I needed an additional remote and instead of buying another BR1 or Essence, I decided to try it out.

I have not regret it a second - I really love the Halo. I am considering to replace a wall mounted Essence with Halo no. 2. I am tired of the lagging response of the Essence remote even with new and quality batteries.

I really appreciate Halo’s quick response and the lovely wheel for adjustment of sound level. Further, the display with meta data is the pay worth - I like to be able to see info on the artist and song playing in the radio or other sources.

As other members, I wish to be able to choose playlists etc. from Deezer but I guess that will not happen as B&O is going in another direction with the new products on the Mozart platform.

Go buy Halo!

Br

Brian
driehoek
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driehoek replied on Thu, May 27 2021 10:04 PM

I have a wall mount essence that I no longer need and can sell to you. Send me personal message please

Beozip
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Beozip replied on Fri, May 28 2021 8:41 AM

The black anthracite version is now online .... Smile

 

https://www.bang-olufsen.com/en/gb/accessories/beoremote-halo?variant=beoremotehalo-table-black-anthracite

 

 

Duels
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Duels replied on Fri, May 28 2021 9:39 AM
Beozip:

The black anthracite version is now online ....

https://www.bang-olufsen.com/en/gb/accessories/beoremote-halo?variant=beoremotehalo-table-black-anthracite

That looks very nice!
laseralex
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laseralex replied on Sun, May 30 2021 5:36 AM

driehoek:

I have a wall mount essence that I no longer need and can sell to you. Send me personal message please

I did send a personal message but haven't heard back.  Can you please message me on the forum or via email at yahoo.com - my email address there is eealexhay. (Email address split to prevent harvesting by spambots.)

Thanks!

Sources: 2x Beosound Moment • 4x Beosound Essence Mk II
Speakers: 3x Beolab 8000 • 2x Beolab 6000 • 2x Beolab 3 • 3x Beolab 2
Integrated:  1x Beosound 2 • 1x Beosound Level • 4x BeoPlay M5 • 1x BeoPlay A6
Control:  16x* Essence Remote  • 1x Beoremote Halo

* Yes, really! 🤦‍♂️

seethroughyou
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Yep. It’s great some are enjoying the look and feel of this remote. At present, I’ve not seen the post-release progress in this to justify £700 in terms of functionality. Let’s hope B&O integrate some more functionality later this year to make this product really shine.

.

 

 

Present: BL90, Core, BL6000, CD7000, Beogram 7000, Essence Remote.

Past: BL1, BL2, BL8000, BS9000, BL5, BC2, BS5, BV5, BV4-50, Beosystem 3, BL3, DVD1, Beoremote 4, Moment.

.

DocLeisure
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Hi,

I would love if B&O would unveil a bit more of the potential of the Halo:

- BeoSystem4 / BeoVision 11 / Avant Engine

- BLGW (BLI or MLGW) integration

- Lights

It could be kind of an universal remote for almost everything out of the B&O universe (and even more e.g. Philips Hue).

I am not sure if B&O does not see this potential, if they are ignoring it or if they are simply not able to do the software magic...

Best regards

Doc Leisure
seethroughyou
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Although I spoke of being ‘hopeful’ the likelihood is that B&O will do little if anything further with the Halo. They had a great quirky design and got distracted like an arty architect whilst neglecting the functionality of a building. The B&O 5 and 6 remotes got dropped within a few short years of release and I’m wondering if the Halo will have the same fate. Let’s be ‘hopeful’ and ‘positive’….

.

 

 

Present: BL90, Core, BL6000, CD7000, Beogram 7000, Essence Remote.

Past: BL1, BL2, BL8000, BS9000, BL5, BC2, BS5, BV5, BV4-50, Beosystem 3, BL3, DVD1, Beoremote 4, Moment.

.

TWG
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TWG replied on Sat, Jun 12 2021 9:31 AM

any new functions?

Is the volume wheel only for volume control or does it allow scrolling through lists / menu items? Like a gigantic jog dial, that would be a great idea for nowadays big music libraries.

Curly
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Curly replied on Mon, Jun 21 2021 4:07 PM

For those familiar with Halo operation, two questions:

1. From Halo directly, can a user initiate the “Timer” function? For clarity, this is the function within the B&O app that allows a user to tell systems, among other things, “Go to Standby after x minutes.” (I use this to listen to music as I fall asleep and set my bedroom system to turn off automatically after 10min when I’m asleep.)

2. From the Halo directly, can a user manipulate the “Alarm” function for a given device as it operates within the B&O app?

Thank you!

Currently: BeoLab 17, BeoLab 18, BeoSound Core, Beosound Level, Beosound A1 2nd Gen, BeoPlay S8 Connection Hub, Halo, Essence Remote

Previously: BeoSound 1 non-GVA

Curly
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Curly replied on Sun, Aug 1 2021 2:50 PM

Just thought I’d give this a bump again in case anyone has familiarity with the above. :)

Currently: BeoLab 17, BeoLab 18, BeoSound Core, Beosound Level, Beosound A1 2nd Gen, BeoPlay S8 Connection Hub, Halo, Essence Remote

Previously: BeoSound 1 non-GVA

BrianP
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BrianP replied on Mon, Aug 2 2021 9:14 AM
It’s a no to both questions, unfortunately. No alarm/timer can be controlled direct from the Halo.
Curly
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Curly replied on Mon, Aug 2 2021 6:39 PM

Huge thanks, Brian!

Big bummer. Seems like good functionality to have…

Currently: BeoLab 17, BeoLab 18, BeoSound Core, Beosound Level, Beosound A1 2nd Gen, BeoPlay S8 Connection Hub, Halo, Essence Remote

Previously: BeoSound 1 non-GVA

Raeven
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Raeven replied on Sun, Aug 15 2021 10:03 AM

Have the Halo since 1 month.works perfect for me. Since I have converted most of my ML to besound core and added some Beolab 28's it works fine.

Just one issue. On one core system I have connected a pair of Beolab 9. When I put this core on standby the speakers do not go on stand by the speaker light is still green. If I shut the core of with the BEO app the speaker go in stand bye (red ligth).

Does somebody know what to do?

 

 

beojeff
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beojeff replied on Sun, Aug 15 2021 11:26 AM

The recent silent upgrade to support BeoSystem 4 has really added its usefulness to me. I've reminded B&O that added support of the NL/ML Converter would hugely bring in control of all legacy products. E.g., BeoSound 9000, BeoVision 10, BeoSystem 3, etc. Control of all of those devices added by just adding support for the converter.

Carolpa
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Carolpa replied on Sun, Aug 15 2021 7:04 PM

beojeff:
NL/ML Converter would hugely bring in control of all legacy products.
\

1. Bsys 7000 - BLC integrated to BV11 - Halo sees the Bsys 7000 sources and can start the sources

2. BS9000 - BLC integrated to BS Shape - Halo sees BS9000 sources; start, next, previous do work

3. BS3000 - BLC integrated to BS35 - Halo sees BS3000 sources; start, next, previous do work

 

So........ some were already available some are improved

 

 

beojeff
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beojeff replied on Mon, Aug 16 2021 11:13 AM

Carolpa:

beojeff:
NL/ML Converter would hugely bring in control of all legacy products.
\

1. Bsys 7000 - BLC integrated to BV11 - Halo sees the Bsys 7000 sources and can start the sources

2. BS9000 - BLC integrated to BS Shape - Halo sees BS9000 sources; start, next, previous do work

3. BS3000 - BLC integrated to BS35 - Halo sees BS3000 sources; start, next, previous do work

 

So........ some were already available some are improved

 

 

Playing NL/ML sources as primary or secondary linked sources in a local list has been available since the launch. What's I'm talking about is direct control of the NL/ML Converter with its connected speakers.

Carolpa
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Carolpa replied on Mon, Aug 16 2021 6:01 PM

beojeff:
Playing NL/ML sources as primary or secondary linked sources in a local list has been available since the launch. What's I'm talking about is direct control of the NL/ML Converter with its connected speakers.
Okay

This you wrote:

"The recent silent upgrade to support BeoSystem 4 has really added its usefulness to me. I've reminded B&O that added support of the NL/ML Converter would hugely bring in control of all legacy products. E.g., BeoSound 9000, BeoVision 10, BeoSystem 3, etc. Control of all of those devices added by just adding support for the converter."

makes it confusing, because I read more than just the controll ot the BLC as an active speakerlink.

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