A linux controller is needed.



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258 replies

+1 for a native linux controller. How much will be needed, Sonos?
You can get it working on Linux by installing the Android app (apk)!!! Go here for the instructions => https://ask.sonos.com/sonos/topics/web-controller-for-sonos-runs-on-linux
Sad to hear that Sonos does not take Linux serious. I'm considering investing into a handful of Sonos speakers, but without a Linux client, I have to look for alternatives. That's a pitty, as Sonos seems to offer great products.
to Sonos CEOs, please open the controller software or provide an API documentation so linux community could write software controller for you. There are many and many contributors and volunteers that could join forces to do the miracle. Linux community grows day by day, you can't ignore this fact.
Spotify has a native linux client. The feel that the platform is relevant.

Depending on the metrics you look at OSX has 4.4 - 6.8% market share and linux runs on 1.0 - 2.4% of desktops. There really isn't that much of a difference between OSX and Linux.
Spotify has a native linux client. That convinced me to pay for the premium service.
I see the Raumfeld controller is written in Python so runs across any OS. And they do good speakers too!
Given that Sonos aren't planning on developing a wifi speaker that can play movies/music coming from a Linux PC, can anyone recommend a firm that does produce high-end speakers that play from a high-end OS? I saw someone recommending Bose speakers a year ago. Any links to their support there?
Userlevel 2
Hey Sonos, The family household runs on Ubuntu here! 

I just bought  Sonos Play:3 without checking it was compatible, more fool me.  I've got it working in a windows VM but it's been a pain. 

You have built your product using Linux, do the right thing by your customers and give something back to the OpenSource community!!

Yes, it is so easy to use a linux enviroment for a commercial product and then ignore to give something back...
Linux people should make a global action against Sonos...
I was considering a Sonos system, but it's not a real option without Linux support.

One thing Linux people don't like is overcomplicated, bulky software with too many features. I'd say you should develop and maintain a basic core driver/controller that handles the functionality of managing players, sending audio, etc.

In other words, it doesn't need to manage your audio and integrate with iTunes. I don't even want it to do those things  - that's bulky, and buggy. Just let it look like any other audio output option, plus having a simple utility to manage the physical devices, and that's enough.

But without any commitment to Linux, Sonos has no place in my home.
+1

We need a linux controller. We have three computers at home, all with ubuntu.
Sonos is a leader in multiroom system, you cannot ignore linux users.

Thanks.
Userlevel 2
There is a working controller, it doesn't come from Sonos (shame on you!), though. If you install the Kodi media server (most Linux distros have pre-packaged binaries available in their software shops/repos), it comes with a sonos add-on. All you need is to activate the add-on, configure it in a couple of very simple steps and then lean back and enjoy. The add-on does not fully replace the sonos-controller, but most basic functions are covered. A few nice extras include the download and display of artist biographies and  slideshows.  If you decide to use it and find it does the job well, spread the word.

I have been running XBMC for a long time on my Ubuntu based media system - When I got my sonos speakers and installed the Kodi plugin for Sonos, I was not aware that controlling Sonos from a linux system was an issue - seems to work really well 🙂
I managed to get the android controller running under ubuntu .. may help a few people .. https://ask.sonos.com/sonos/topics/web-controller-for-sonos-runs-on-linux
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However, since Linux is not widely used in most homes it simply doesn’t make sense for us to develop and maintain a native application right now.  
Since Sonos doesn't see the sense in providing an application for Linux right now, I don't see a point in selling Sonos speakers at work anymore. Time to look to something that acts as a UPnP or DLNA receiver.
Userlevel 1
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There is a working controller, it doesn't come from Sonos (shame on you!), though. If you install the Kodi media server (most Linux distros have pre-packaged binaries available in their software shops/repos), it comes with a sonos add-on. All you need is to activate the add-on, configure it in a couple of very simple steps and then lean back and enjoy. The add-on does not fully replace the sonos-controller, but most basic functions are covered. A few nice extras include the download and display of artist biographies and  slideshows.  If you decide to use it and find it does the job well, spread the word.
After 2 years of begging still no controller for Linux. Very disappointing! I almost regret my purchase of Sonos (Playbar + Play5 + Play3 + 2x Play1 + Bridge) A lot of money, but very poor support!
+1 Sonos for Linux! Homeautomation Systems on Linux also waiting for this!
This is really a poor company decision. Its not that much work to add a linux controller and with the removal of the actual sonos controllers from the product line, im sure that a ton of people would love to make linux based control stations (i would use a RasPi). We just bought a $2000 set and i dont want to have to use my phone or computer all the time, i would like a linux controller. It wouldnt be hard to develop so please reconsider this
Hey Sonos, The family household runs on Ubuntu here! 

I just bought  Sonos Play:3 without checking it was compatible, more fool me.  I've got it working in a windows VM but it's been a pain. 

You have built your product using Linux, do the right thing by your customers and give something back to the OpenSource community!!
I'm a tech guy using Linux, and the only one in this office who cannot play something on the Sonos.
Userlevel 2
The great problem, dear Sonos, is that you are not interested in linux client and not able to build a wine runnable application. If your controller runs on wine, linux people stop bugging you asking for a linux client!!!
+1 - It is a shame that the controller is not ported to Linux. We, as a family, use Ubuntu. Please, make an effort.
Definite +1 for a Linux native solution. Wine is not a solution. Its not rocket science if the system already uses Linux, Sonos has the skills in house. Very disappointed.
+1 -- would make me more likely to buy additional Sonos products in future. 
Provide an API, or at least build your Desktop apps in a way that would make them easily portable. Or maybe just hire software people that have some vision.