Crestron has officially launched Home OS 4.6, a major update to its smart home platform, placing music and audio control at the heart of the user experience. Described as a “symphony of simplicity,” this release introduces powerful features designed to make whole-home audio faster, smarter, and more intuitive than ever.
“The soundtrack of a person’s life deserves a prominent place in their smart home,” said Michael Short, VP, Marketing Operations and Residential at Crestron. “OS 4.6 isn’t just an update—it’s a transformation of how users interact with their music.”
A Refined Music Experience
At the center of the update is a redesigned Music Tile on the home screen. It now provides visual cues, such as album art or indicators when no audio is playing, creating an elegant interface for quick access. A simplified four-tap process allows users to:
- Tap the Music Tile
- Select one or more locations
- Choose a source or playlist
- Start playing instantly
A new “Music Circle” feature has also been added within the Now Playing tile, allowing fast adjustments—like changing rooms or switching sources—without interrupting playback.
Seamless Multi-Room Control
Crestron has overhauled its multi-room audio functionality, making it easier to manage audio throughout the home. From intuitive room selection to a new multi-room volume slider, users can fine-tune audio levels room by room with precision.
“We didn’t just want to improve multi-room audio—we wanted to redefine it,” said Chase Bouchard, Product Owner for Software Applications. “Every design element was tested and refined to eliminate friction and maximize usability.”
A redesigned icon on the Now Playing tile offers a clear overview of grouped rooms, while a single tap adds or removes spaces from audio playback. These thoughtful design choices reflect Crestron’s deep analysis of user behavior and commitment to creating an effortless experience.
Favorites, Front and Center
One of the most user-focused enhancements in OS 4.6 is streamlined access to favorite music sources. Whether it’s a playlist, radio station, or artist, users can now access frequently played content directly from the source selection screen, eliminating multiple steps and enabling near-instant playback.
“It’s about more than convenience,” Bouchard explained. “It’s about personalization. OS 4.6 makes Crestron Home a more integral part of the way users enjoy their space.”
Beyond Music: Platform-Wide Enhancements
While music takes the spotlight, OS 4.6 also includes several important updates across the Crestron Home ecosystem:
- Simplified DALI® Lighting Control with DIN-DLI and a new web interface for faster, easier commissioning
- Expanded Door Lock Support, including compatibility with Yale | August and Emtek® locks (pending regional availability)
- Improved Intercom Functionality, allowing direct page responses and customizable ringtones
- Adjustable Font Sizes for better accessibility on touch panels
- DM NVX® 385 Integration, enhancing network AV distribution across Crestron Home systems
