Getting Ready for Sonos One

  • 2 October 2017
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80 replies

T
Userlevel 3
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They will listen on their own, but only the one that hears you better will respond. They use beam forming technology to identify which speaker you're talking to, and then that one will respond and issue commands to the rest of the system.
That's good to know. I know Echo Dots have similar functionality to make sure that only device responds even if multiple devices hear the command. Will Sonos One and Echos work together in that respect? I.e., if I issue a command to Alexa and it gets picked up by both a Sonos One and a nearby Echo Dot, will they negotiate amongst themselves so that only one device responds?
C
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The promotional videos for the Sonos One make it appear that the commands are different than when using an echo device. For example, they are not using the word Alexa in the commands. Is there any documentation on the differences in functionality between using an echo device and the Sonos One? I’m trying to decide on purchasing a 2nd Play 1 for a stereo pair.
V
Userlevel 2
And one more thing that is disappointing - I guess the SONOS ONE still doesn't have Bluetooth to which I could connect my bluetooth earphones late at night to continue listening SONOS and not waking up my neighbours.
T
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The promotional videos for the Sonos One make it appear that the commands are different than when using an echo device. For example, they are not using the word Alexa in the commands. Is there any documentation on the differences in functionality between using an echo device and the Sonos One? I’m trying to decide on purchasing a 2nd Play 1 for a stereo pair.
I might be wrong, but I suspect the promotional videos are just taking liberties and skipping the trigger word for brevity. Everything on the Sonos One page suggests that you have to use the same "Alexa" trigger word you would with a Dot.

That said, it would be great to understand the pros and cons between the Alexa implementation on the Sonos One and the integration between existing Sonos speakers and the Dot. We know one advantage of the Sonos One is that you don't have to specify it as a speaker when issuing Alexa commands, which is awesome. But are there features that the Songs One is missing compared to a full fledged Amazon Echo device? For example, can you "drop in" on or "call" a Sonos One like you can an Echo Dot?
S
Will the Alexa enabled Play1 find content on a NAS as well as music services? I use Deeser Elite as well as Napster. Can you explain how it will determine WHICH content it will choose to play?
Ryan S
Userlevel 7
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They will listen on their own, but only the one that hears you better will respond. They use beam forming technology to identify which speaker you're talking to, and then that one will respond and issue commands to the rest of the system.
That's good to know. I know Echo Dots have similar functionality to make sure that only device responds even if multiple devices hear the command. Will Sonos One and Echos work together in that respect? I.e., if I issue a command to Alexa and it gets picked up by both a Sonos One and a nearby Echo Dot, will they negotiate amongst themselves so that only one device responds?
Long question, short answer. Yes. :)

Can I now control my Play:1 through my Amazon Echo or do I need to buy the SONOS ONE to make the integration work between the Echo and Sonos?
No Sonos One needed. You can use any Alexa enabled device. The Sonos One is a Sonos, Alexa enabled device.

The promotional videos for the Sonos One make it appear that the commands are different than when using an echo device. For example, they are not using the word Alexa in the commands. Is there any documentation on the differences in functionality between using an echo device and the Sonos One? I’m trying to decide on purchasing a 2nd Play 1 for a stereo pair.
Some of the videos use the Alexa command, it's necessary. The short ones use as few words as they can to make it short. The Alexa is implied. The Sonos One should have mostly the same functionality as any other Alexa device in regards to commands.
@Twangus, the biggest difference is that Sonos One will be opening up to other voice services. Next to come is Google Assistant. Same box, ask two different services questions. Sonos One won't have the drop in/call feature and a few other things of that nature will be missing at launch. They may be added over time as we continue to improve.


Will the Alexa enabled Play1 find content on a NAS as well as music services? I use Deeser Elite as well as Napster. Can you explain how it will determine WHICH content it will choose to play?
Alexa can start playing from Amazon Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, Pandora, iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, and we’re working to bring Spotify controls in the future too. It won't choose content to play from Deezer, Napster or your local library. It will be able to use basic controls, such as play, pause, volume, and skip, on your Sonos players for all services and music on Sonos, started through the Sonos app.
Mark good posts by pressing the like button, and select the best answer on questions you've asked to help others find solutions.
T
Userlevel 3
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They will listen on their own, but only the one that hears you better will respond. They use beam forming technology to identify which speaker you're talking to, and then that one will respond and issue commands to the rest of the system.
That's good to know. I know Echo Dots have similar functionality to make sure that only device responds even if multiple devices hear the command. Will Sonos One and Echos work together in that respect? I.e., if I issue a command to Alexa and it gets picked up by both a Sonos One and a nearby Echo Dot, will they negotiate amongst themselves so that only one device responds?
Long question, short answer. Yes. :)


Awesome. 🙂
S
Thanks Ryan. That's certainly a disappointment as Deezer Elite is a fantastic lossless (FLAC) subscription service and the music on my NAS is all in FLAC format as well. Any plans on the roadmap for voice control for local NAS and Deezer Elite?
K
Userlevel 7
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Yes, understandably. You guys have done a great job and naturally I imagine that more capability will follow. For me, integration of voice support for local NAS and Deezer Elite and Napster will be the only reason to add a new SONOS ONE to my already extensive SONOS eco-system. I'm patient, everything SONOS does has been worth the wait.

Same here, I use Deezer Premium+ and my NAS mainly played through Sonos.
D
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Will it be possible to change the wake word on a Sonos One like you can on an Echo?
H
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I have been a Sonos User for several years but never an Echo user. I have a few questions :

My Setup
POOL - Connect Amp with outdoor Bose speakers
LIVING - Playbar
MASTERS - Play1
KIDS - Play 1

I have ordered an Amazon Echo Dot to try out the Alexa integration. It hasn't arrived yet. I am also assuming the Echo Dot does not need to be installed by wire (echo dot line out to connect amp line in). It just needs to be wirelessly connected to the same wifi net work. Assuming the echo dot is connected in the living room area, where the playbar is located...

My questions:
1) If I am in the living room, can alexa control other areas (pool, masters, kids) ?
2) If I am in the POOL, can I use the smartphone app alexa to control the other areas ?
3) If I install a SONOS ONE in the MASTERS room, can I control other areas ?
chicks
You can send music via voice control to any Sonos device, by name, from any Alexa device within earshot.
D
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1) Yes. Anything Alexa can do with Sonos it can do either any Sonos on your network. However there are limitations on what Alexa can do.

2) If you are in the pool, hopefully your Smartphone is water proof. But to answer your question, when you're going to be controlling Sonos with your phone it's probably better to use the Sonos app rather than the Alexa app.

3) The Sonos One basically in a Echo with Sonos speakers built in, so yes it can control any Sonos speakers as much as any Echo can.
M
Badge +2
I've read every post posted and I have some questions that I hope can be definitively answered:
1. Can the Sonos One access libraries on a home NAS or computer?
2. Am I correct in believing that SONOS One is more flexible that SONOS via Echo in terms of music choices?
3. Does the SONOS One also function as an Alexa device (like the dot, etc.), where non-SONOS functions, Alexa, what's the weather outside?, function? Or is the SONOS One purely a SONOS music playing device?
4. Where is there instructions/literature specifying the SONOS ONE functional commands, such as how to make what other apps call scenes (play "downstairs"), grouping SONOS Players?
5. Does it show differences between SONOS One and using the Echo solution?
6. For those of us who use the Connect Amp or Soundbar or Bass, or 3's or 5's, is there a way to get the functionality of the SONOS One (many more services) today?
Thanks,
jgatie
1. Not at this time.
2. Nothing points to that belief. Service support is through the Sonos skill in the cloud, not the hardware.
3. Yes, but there are some functions that will not work. Listen in is the one mentioned specifically.
4. Grouping or scenes are not supported in the beta at this time.
5. See 4.
6. See 1 & 2.
D
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Of course I don't actually have a Sonos Play One yet, all documents so far agree with the previous answer. Anything that a Sonos Play:1 can do, the new Sonos Play One can do, when initiated from the controller app. This includes playing from your personal library and grouping, etc.

However at this stage in the game those specific tasks cannot be done by voice (Alexa).
S
Another question:
Will SONOS be adding Alexa capability into the Connect and Connect Amp or will it be limited ONLY to the SONOS 1?
jgatie
Another question:
Will SONOS be adding Alexa capability into the Connect and Connect Amp or will it be limited ONLY to the SONOS 1?

"Alexa capability" meaning microphones that are able to hear Alexa, or simply being able to control the Sonos unit via an Alexa device like an Echo or Dot? Because the latter is available right now on every Sonos unit ever sold, including the Connects.
S
I mean voice recognition (Alexa capability) actually built into (microphone installed) the Connect or Connect Amp like it's built into the new SONOS 1
D
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The new Sonos with built in microphones for Alexa (and other use) is the Sonos One, not to be confused with the Sonos Play:1. It is an entirely new product.
S
Yes, I understand the SONOS 1 is a new product, Thanks. My question is will SONOS be making OTHER new products with microphones included? For example will there be new iterations of the Connect and Connect Amp with microphones built in ("SONOS Connect") and ("SONOS Connect Amp")? Will there be new iterations of existing products with microphones installed of the Play 3 ("SONOS 3") and Play 5 ("SONOS 5") and PlayBar ("SONOS Bar") and PlayBase ("SONOS Base")
S
I agree. It seems to me that the cheapest and most logical entry point would be a single SONOS ONE in any new or existing system. At some point having ALL of there products fitted with microphones would allow a customer to determine the "best" location for this functionality to be accessed from. It seems to me that no one would actually REPLACE any of their existing components with it microphone enhanced unit, but rather to buy an Amazon product and integrate it into their existing system.

In any event, I won't be purchasing ANY voice recognition system until it can easily support the Deezer Elite music service and my music library on my NAS.

SONOS builds great products so I'll just wait and see. They are off to a good start.
D
ok, i have all my apps on version 8 but it doesnt let me add my sonos 1 to the system
jgatie
ok, i have all my apps on version 8 but it doesnt let me add my sonos 1 to the system

Sonos One's are not supposed to be sold until Oct. 24. A couple stores let them leak out too soon, and Sonos told those folks the update to add those will not be released until the 24th.
melvimbe
I agree. It seems to me that the cheapest and most logical entry point would be a single SONOS ONE in any new or existing system. At some point having ALL of there products fitted with microphones would allow a customer to determine the "best" location for this functionality to be accessed from. It seems to me that no one would actually REPLACE any of their existing components with it microphone enhanced unit, but rather to buy an Amazon product and integrate it into their existing system.


A couple points on that. I don't think it makes a lot of sense to add mics to the CONNECT or CONNECT:AMP, since they don't even have their own speakers. They are much more designed to be out of the way. As for the other devices, I can see it as a possibility. The Sonos:One is supposed to be better than the P:1 so perhaps there wouldn't be much market for the P:3 with mics. I can see where it's a possibly for the P:5, but again, is there much of a market for that? Perhaps you don't add that till the product is do for a 'full rehaul' anyway.

As far as the PLAYBAR or PLAYBASE, I don't know that you want your mic that close to your tv. And how do you want it reacting when it's currently playing the tv source? Personally, I would rather 'solve' that problem by talking to Alexa through the fire tv. Actually, I'm hoping Amazon creates a version of the firetv with both a mic and carmera built in so that your tv essentially becomes a giant version of the Echo Show. Since that isn't coming this year, I kinda doubt that's in the works.
Danny
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