Repeating myself: all the features and operational improvements to the current functionality are immaterial compared to mobility. Specifically, allowing the value of Roon to be disconnected from one room, one LAN, one building. This means allowing my library to be used in multiple locations, both permanent locations like a vacation hone or office, and temporary locations like a hotel. And supporting my library in a mobile device, a phone or tablet or music player. And a car (Apple CarPlay?). And lots of cloud support etc.
All else is gilding the lily. Roon is already great. Improvements are certainly welcome, as discussed at length here. But to me, they do not change the world.
But mobility does. Several perspectives:
Personal value: I am happy with Roon when I have it but there are many times when I don’t have it. If 1.2 is worth $10 and a hypothetical perfect Roon is worth $20, and an improved 1.3 is worth $12, there are many times when I have $0 because I am away. So $12 for 60% of the time and $0 for 40% is a total of $7.20, while 1.2 for 100% of the time is $10.
Strategic: the world is going mobile. The central computing device for most people is becoming a “phone” (it’s strange how we name a powerful computer for its poorest app). Windows vs. iPhone or Android. iPhone vs, Mac, for that matter. How do most people listen to music? The stats are clear, not just headphones but Beats. And it’s not just low quality stuff: both my Astell & Kern and my iPad with the Audeze Lightning DAC/amp are outstanding, but neither has Roon value.
Demographic: there has been lots of discussion about how the industry, through both product design or demo music, are appealing to well-to-do middle-aged white men. I’m one of them, but we are not a long-term bet. Near-term revenue may be appealing, but I have seen many appealing products and companies spiraling into irrelevance. Sure you can put young music in a Roon library, but without mobility it won’t appeal to young customers.
Yes, I’ve said this before and I know the guys unspderstand it. And I don’t imagine I’ll redirect 1.3 at this point. And of course I’ll appreciate metadata editing. I’m just keeping the fires stoked.