Alexa Routines and Sonos One - Support Log

As others have posted, executing Alexa routines on Sonos One works but you will get the message saying audio activity currently not available on this device. Well, I decided to call Sonos support for assistance and was told #Alexa routines are not supported on #SonosOne and that they had NO ANSWER for why it was working prior but now still working while receiving the error message.

Seeing that it WAS working without receiving the message a few days ago and that the routines were actually being executed, I decided to dig more into it myself.

I was able to resolve the issue by NO longer using routines but instead, creating device groups on Alexa and then using commands like "Alexa, turn off living room" to turn off smart plugs in the living room group.

To add to the frustration, I replied to Sonos support email letting them know that their own webpage showed that Alexa smart home devices could be controlled via SonosOne.

Following is the email thread between #SonosSupport and me:

Initial Email:
Hello,

I was told by the support person that routines were not supported on my Sonos One - however, I am looking at what is supported per Sonos web page (link below) and it states I can use to control lights etc.

https://www.sonos.com/en-us/alexa-on-sonos

The message I am getting when I say something like “Alexa, main on” to run that routine to turn on a smart plug is “Audio actions and routines are currently not supported on this device” but it executes the command anyways.


Sonos response:
Thanks for getting back to us.

The previous agent was correct in relaying the action that Alexa routines are not supported on Sonos devices, hence the message that you receive. As you've experienced, there will be cases where the routine will be executed, however it is not officially supported and the next routine command may not be executed.

If you have any other questions or run into any issues, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are always happy to assist you.

Regards,
______
Marcus F.

My final response to Sonos:
I really want to like Sonos and have been trying for a year but your support and knowledge of your own product is abysmal. If Sonos integrates with Alexa then you should know exactly what will and will not work and why. Not having an explanation for why a routine sometimes works or doesn’t is crazy! I hope you see that. And the act that your own website indicates you can execute smart home commands/routines from Sonos contradicts what you have stated below.

IF there is another possible alternative to using routines that your website is referring to, then you should be offering that to me as a suggested resolution.

FYI - I have figured out the solution NOT using Alexa routines but instead using devices and device groups. WITH NO HELP FROM SONOS!

It would be nice to have this message go to someone at a managerial level that would actually care about the quality of service you are producing with thought to improving it.

Amazon ECHO Plus 2nd generation is $149 and I just purchased one to replace my sonos one.