News + Trends

Sonos annoyed with app update - and has to deliver more

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.

A comparison of the user interface elements between the old and the new Sonos app.
Source: Sonos

"Slap in the face of all Sonos customers!"

However, Sonos fans who use the app regularly have a very different view of the update. Criticism hails down the net: Firstly, functions such as the alarm clock, queues with new songs or pinned favourites are suddenly missing. Secondly, many users can no longer connect their music services, which previously worked without any problems. Or even speakers have lost the system connection and can no longer be connected. In addition, local music libraries can no longer be played.

"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.

All important controls are immediately visible - but unfortunately functions have also been lost.
Source: Lorenz Keller

At least Sonos is responding to the criticism. In a statement, the company emphasises that the switch to the new app was necessary and a "courageous step". However, it admits that it is also a step backwards for many users. The new app is the basis for a "better overall experience" - at some point in the future.

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.

News + Trends
Sonos enters the headphone business - probably
by David Lee

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

154 people like this article

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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