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Lorenz Keller
News + Trends
154140

Sonos annoyed with app update - and has to deliver more

Lorenz Keller
17.5.2024
Translation: machine translated

The Sonos app has been completely overhauled. It has actually become faster and clearer. Nevertheless, there is massive criticism because functions have been omitted. The manufacturer promises improvement.

I have four Sonos speakers in my household. However, I have hardly used the audio manufacturer's app in recent years as it was confusing, complicated and slow. Instead, I played my music via Spotify Connect or Airplay - this allows me to play the speakers directly.

I did realise that Sonos is revamping its app thanks to the article by my colleague Kim. However, I only noticed the launch on 7 May a few days later: the Sonos app logo on my smartphone suddenly turned from sandy brown to black.

Everything looks completely different in the app too. More dynamic, more modern, but also clearer and more intuitive. Everything is reminiscent of a streaming service player, with the most important functions directly accessible. I'm really impressed - even if the music apps remain my first choice for controlling speakers in everyday life.

"Slap in the face of all Sonos customers!"

"A slap in the face for all Sonos customers!", "Real banana software!", "What a disaster!", "Have they gone mad?" - the feedback is devastating for the US manufacturer. Many are reminded of 2019, when Sonos switched to a new system and old speakers were no longer supported.

Sonos promises to deliver the missing functions with updates. And there is now even a timetable for this:

  • Screen reader (for customers with visual impairments): 21 May
  • Alarms: 21 May
  • Waiting queue: beginning of June
  • Sleep timer: mid-June
  • Local music library: mid-June
  • Update WLAN settings: Mid-June

Why the hasty launch of an unfinished app? Insiders suspect that it is the basis for Sonos' first headphones, which are due to be launched in the coming weeks.

For many users, who have often invested hundreds or even thousands of francs in a Sonos system, there is a stale aftertaste. Some are unable to use their system as usual for weeks or months. <p

Header image: Lorenz Keller

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Lorenz Keller
Senior Editor
Lorenz.Keller@digitecgalaxus.ch

Gadgets are my passion - whether you need them for the home office, for the household, for sport and pleasure or for the smart home. Or, of course, for the big hobby next to the family, namely fishing.

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