Sound quality: The Bowers & Wilkins's Formation Flex had Good overall sound quality. Bass has good impact, but is a bit boomy and deep bass is lacking. Midrange is fairly even, but is a bit hazy and grainy. Treble is fairly extended but is a touch smeared and lacks air. Does a decent job of recovering room ambience but is somewhat congested and lacks fine detail. There was no significant difference between WiFi and Bluetooth sound quality. Provides a decent volume level in a medium sized room. When combined with a second unit to form a stereo pair they provide good stereo separation, the ambience recovery improves to good, the bass becomes fairly extended, and the overall score improves but remains Very Good.
Ease of use: We found the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex ease of use to be Very Good overall. Volume controls: The volume controls are prominent, high-contrast touch controls labeled +/- that become visable when a hand is in proximity to the top of the device. Mute control: The console uses the Play/Pause as a mute control, which is prominent, high-contrast touch controls that become visable when a hand is in proximity to the top of the device. Switching sources: Switching between WiFi and Bluetooth sources requires selecting the "cast" icon in a 3rd party supported app or the Bluetooth player on a network connected or Bluetooth paired mobile device or computer. Fairly intuitive but subject to 3rd Party implimentation of cast selection. Wi-Fi Setup (iOS Only): Setup requires an app downloaded to a device or device connection, easy and intuitive - need instructions (included in app), may or may not involve inputting Wi-Fi network password. Bluetooth Setup: Wi-Fi setup is necessary before Bluetooth setup, can only be done via the settings menu in the Bowers & Wikins Home app, no instructions are provided either with the unit or on-line. App Remote: Volume control symbol with volume slider, lacks index markings so not easily repeatable, but easy to actuate. Shown while for currently playing audio program. Well marked, well placed, clear indication when it is engaged (mutes all inputs). Switching between WiFi and Bluetooth sources requires selecting the "cast" icon in a 3rd party supported app or the Bluetooth player on a network connected or Bluetooth paired mobile device or computer. Fairly intuitive but subject to 3rd Party implimentation of cast selection. Transport controls are obvious with good contrast and standard symbols, play/pause, skip only, no scan provision.
