Answered

Microphone sensitivity for the “Alexa” wake word is low

Forum|Forum|8 years ago
October 24, 2017
261 replies
37504 views

I still have to use either, but here is the Stuff magazine take on this, from their review:
"Finally, Alexa seems to be less responsive on the Sonos One, at least compared to the Echo, meaning you have to speak a little bit louder for it to hear you. Considering my Echo will sometimes pick up an unintended ‘Alexa’ reference while I’m chatting in another room, this probably isn’t as significant a shortcoming as it sounds.
Read more at https://www.stuff.tv/sonos/one/review#RDh9IciKOQwAQ2K0.99

But something that is a concern that Sonos ought to look at, if what you say is more applicable.

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Best answer by Ryan S

Sonos version 8.2.3 is now available for the Sonos One (other Sonos devices will stay on 8.2.2). This update improves Alexa responsiveness for Sonos One users in US, UK, Germany, and Austria.

You should find that Alexa is getting better at listening, with a decrease in the times Alexa speaks up when not called. Alexa on Sonos One is now more likely to carry out your desired action when requested; especially when it’s noisy, when the speaker is further away, or when speaking quietly.

Update within your Sonos app by going to More > Settings > Online Updates.

We’re continuing to work with Amazon and the Alexa team to improve Sonos One voice control. You can expect to see more developments as we go. Let us know what you think of the changes. We’d love to hear from you.

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Crash67

Avid Contributor I

Set up my Sonos One yesterday and I am DEEPLY disappointed with the poor microphone sensitivity. I literally have to stand no more than one foot away and scream before it responds.
Now I see that (according to Ryan) this is a known issue that is at least 8 weeks old. I have 9 Sonos components spread all over my house and have been very happy with them and have always enjoyed good support when needed. This is terrible!

Ryan S

Retired Sonos Staff

The team has received your feedback on voice recognition sensitivity with Sonos One, and we’re already making cloud software updates to improve the experience. We appreciate the input and will continue to make additional updates as we go. The microphones tuning and understanding will continue to get better, as will other features.

We've just recently adding Spotify support and Flash Briefings to the Sonos One, and there's more to come.

Mark good posts by pressing the like button, and select the best answer on questions you've asked to help others find solutions.

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dieterk

Lyricist III

The team has received your feedback on voice recognition sensitivity with Sonos One, and we’re already making cloud software updates to improve the experience. We appreciate the input and will continue to make additional updates as we go. The microphones tuning and understanding will continue to get better, as will other features.

We've just recently adding Spotify support and Flash Briefings to the Sonos One, and there's more to come.

One question to this: isn't the recognition of the wake word done locally in the device? How can an update in the cloud help here?

I am wondering if You maybe misunderstood the problem? It is not about voice recognition in general, but especially about recognition of the wake word. And according to my understanding this is done in the device. So an update in the cloud could not help. Update of the device software would be necessary.
Ryan, could You please comment on this? Am I wrong?

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darry

Lyricist II

Ryan, can you explain how a cloud update is going to fix the locally processed Alexa wake word? Also when is the fix being put in place? The request for an ETA seems to be being ignored.

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deebee.sonos

Lyricist I

Looking forward to fix on this as I'm getting tired of shouting at my Sonos one to get Alexa to wake up... and I've only had it a couple of days! It's a disappointing user experience, especially when I could have picked up a Play one + Dot for less money and it appears I would be in a better position.

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User615615

Contributor I

Replaced an Echo Dot in my bedroom with a Sonos one; I have 7 other Sonos speakers, and 3 echo devices, all in a fairly open loft space. When I shout at the Sonos One to get it to turn off lights and shuffle a Playlist I like to fall asleep by, 2 other echos on 2 floors try to answer. The Dot, over 60 ft away always answers before the One, about 6 feet away.
Sonos, the sound quality of the One is so much higher than the speaker cabled top the Dot, but I don't want to shout at any time to any device. Please fix this!

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vishaljh01

Contributor I

Ryan, can you explain how a cloud update is going to fix the locally processed Alexa wake word? Also when is the fix being put in place? The request for an ETA seems to be being ignored.

I asked a similar question couple of weeks ago and Sonos has not replied. I am not sure how cloud updates can help the wake word issue. There are currently 2 major issues - 1) One has to shout to get Alexa's attention on Sonos one and 2) False positives of wake word when people are talking in the room and/or TV is on. Sonos not providing a proper explanation other than cloud updates does not help. Very very disappointed with Sonos for the first time (other than their new 8.0 app update)

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Reliable Rick

Lyricist I

totally agree with MJGUNN report that sonos1 with Alexa is suffering from an unacceptable microphone setting. You have to be within 2m-3m of the unit for it to pick you up. What is the solution / upgrade / setting ?

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Reliable Rick

Lyricist I

Could a temp fix be to use an echo or dot for picking up Alexa commands, then switch off the inbuilt microphone within the Sonos1 ? If so how ?

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StefB

Lyricist I

Thanks for the feedback everyone. The microphone sensitivity is entirely software, in the early stages test players would pick up just about anything. It's something that'll get better over time too. So you can count on that improving.

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