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Kumar
October 24, 2017
Answered

Microphone sensitivity for the “Alexa” wake word is low

  • October 24, 2017
  • 261 replies
  • 37503 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.

    261 replies

    Show previous replies
    wdahlstrom
    Lyricist I
    November 7, 2017
    Add me to the list of the unhappy. My Echo wakes quickly at a normal volume but I have to SHOUT at my ONE to get her attention. This product is a dud because of this one stupid issue. If it is a software issue THEN FIX IT SONOS. Sorry I'm so used to shouting
      wdahlstrom
      Lyricist I
      November 7, 2017
      I've read all the posts here and I'm sorry that SONOS has been so braindead on this issue. I"m going to post my feelings on Amazon and return this ONE to them. Ugh.
        chicks
        chicks
        November 7, 2017
        I got tired of yelling, turned the One's mics off, and put a Dot back in service. Hope Sonos can resolve this annoying issue soon.
        haman
        Lyricist I
        November 7, 2017
        Count me in as yet another user with the mic sensitivity issue. Will be returning mine as well. The echo this Sonos one replaced is way better!
        Ben B
        Contributor I
        November 7, 2017
        I can speak normally to wake my Echo dot but I have to put on a posh voice to get Alexa to wake on my Sonos :8
        DjElucid
        Contributor I
        November 7, 2017
        I would like to add that the Sonos microphone isn't even 50% of what the amazon echo sensitivity/accuracy is. I could be 5 feet away and it's still not able to pick up my voice. I'm not sure if it's that I'm not loud enough or I'm not saying "Alexa" clearly. Randomly when people are having conversations in the room, it will answer even without anyone saying "Alexa"

        Maybe Sonos should offer other words.
          KumarAuthor
          November 7, 2017
          Is there any change in sensitivity with music playing v silent? As in does it start easier from silent?
          DjElucid
          Contributor I
          November 7, 2017
          Is there any change in sensitivity with music playing v silent? As in does it start easier from silent?

          Seems to be the same. I find myself yelling at it.
          KumarAuthor
          November 7, 2017
          So it isn't for having to overcome the music playing from the same area as where the mics are located. I asked because I remember reading that the Dot does a little better than the Echo for this reason.
          Playhard
          Lyricist II
          November 7, 2017
          The Sonos One is my first Sonos product and I'm really disappointed with this issue. After having it a while, it's become so annoying to have to yell to get Alexa to respond. Heck, with my Dot I could almost whisper so as not to wake people up and it would respond. Not liking the "it'll get better over time" and not in a fix. Sounds like nothing's going to be fixed so I've stopped recommending these. Maybe next generation will be better.
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