As many of us are being thrown off of our CR100's, and forced onto an external third party device, please use this thread to say what device you will use or have tried, and advise what settings and configurations make it work.
Please keep it on topic, use the "Save the CR100" thread to put the world to rights on the bricking of our functioning devices.
Life must go on, The CR100 will die, lets try to help each other find our best solution.
To start,
I have just purchased a Lenovo Tab 7 Essential, 7" screen so similar overall size to the controller, ordered through Tesco Direct, very fast service available in 3 hours from ordering.
Tesco added a discount so got it for £62, although They advertised it as the Tab 4 7" which is actually a different unit with slightly higher res and should retail at £99 rather than £69 anyway its fine at the right price. both run Android 7.0
So set it up with no security as I don't want a pin entry each time I pick it up.
Installed Sonos from Google play and allowed Sonos net connections and connected straight to my system.
Then set the sonos options to "Show lock screen controls" and "Show Volume on Home screen"
Set the Android screen saver to Clock (its a bit too small compared to the Controller) but can be shown when docked (charging), so leave the unit on and it blacks out to a clock, can be digital or analogue.
One downside of this particular device is the micro usb charging port is not central, so Belkin docks wont work, so the cradle/dock could be an issue!? Any ideas?
Leave the Sonos app running and it comes out of the lock screen into Sonos.
Without a proper cradle its not so easy to directly compare, sometime touching the display unlocks, othertimes I need to press the side power button.
If you touch the button it goes to the home screen, which needs a swipe to unlock, a nice touch, if sonos is playing and running, then the home screen wallpaper is the artwork.
On the home screen are quick access play,stop and skip but no volume, there is a tiny expander arrow that opens up a menu that has a button to change volume, but thats way too complex, easier to double tap the quick access area and it opens the sonos app to show you the zone with volume control, art, queue etc.
This topic has been closed for further comments. You can use the search bar to find a similar topic, or create a new one by clicking Create Topic at the top of the page.
Page 4 / 5
Thats the thing. Amazon kindly removed the ads free of charge (last years 240 orders probably had something to do with it). Now I get the app(let) on the lock screen just like your picture!
Postman just been, so now got magnetic USB cable (I like these a lot - will be getting more)
It's getting usable:
- will always look ugly
- isn't as dedicated as CR100
- isn't waterproof
- still needs manually plugging back-in
- still can't pin so if others are desperate and the iPad is flat then it may disappear.
But some of those can be overcome with hardware changes (nexus or similar).
Dave
Good to hear there is progress. Maybe when you get to the final position with a more modern tablet it will be better still. I understand that the CR100 has unique features that you value highly, but hopefully in the end your Sonos experience will still be a great one overall. At least you are taking positive action to get to the best place that's possible for you.
Mind sharing which model you purchased? There are decidedly mixed reviews on Amazon for some makes of such cables.
Mind sharing which model you purchased? There are decidedly mixed reviews on Amazon for some makes of such cables.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01M27KINN/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Honest review after an hour or so of ownership. Build quality seems reasonable, fit and finish adequate, nylon braiding tidy, nice organised packaging. Durability is always the key with this stuff though.
There was another I looked at that had three heads for iPhone, micro-usb & usb-c. Leave the heads in the devices and can charge bose headphones and iPhone with the same cable (sequentially) when travelling. If you did all your kit then 5 usb cables would be 5-cables regardless of the device type. Given we have an 8-port rack in the kitchen and still plug stuff in//out this would be great! (sports watches, fitbits, trackers, phones, tablets, headphones, speakers, etc) It needs 5-lightening cables every night!
As a concept its great. And I can't believe Apple are dropping magnetic from the Mac (shakes head).
Userlevel 4
+5
Played with the Pinning of the app this evening on my Lenovo, works pretty well, just a screen touch brings up the app with no lock screen and then leave it when charging just drops to the clock dark screen and a touch brings it back again, if its off charge and off, the power button takes you straight to the sonos app too.
To use other apps you just long press the back button and use the tablet, then pin again from the overview button.
Works pretty well, I forgot to try the hard volume buttons while in the clock screen.
Only trouble is the sonos app doesn't consistently go to the same screen each time, so still have to work my way around their app which is a bit cumbersome on the 7" screen, but haven't used it enough.
The Lenovo's charge light when green is quite bright when the room is dark, so may need to tone that down.
So not perfect but getting closer.
Ordered a dock and a magnetic cable, so see how these work.
To use other apps you just long press the back button and use the tablet, then pin again from the overview button.
Works pretty well, I forgot to try the hard volume buttons while in the clock screen.
Only trouble is the sonos app doesn't consistently go to the same screen each time, so still have to work my way around their app which is a bit cumbersome on the 7" screen, but haven't used it enough.
The Lenovo's charge light when green is quite bright when the room is dark, so may need to tone that down.
So not perfect but getting closer.
Ordered a dock and a magnetic cable, so see how these work.
Userlevel 4
+5
Interesting I have 2 spare QI pad from my Windows phones, that have this charging, and they are soon to be replaced!
Userlevel 4
+5
Now with Dock, which has a sliding connector to deal with the off centre charging port of the Lenovo Tab 7.
Slight downside is the hardware volume buttons work, but because the phone is essentially mounted upside down, the volume buttons work, upside-down?!? surely there's an Android setting I've missed? Even my Windows phone gets that bbut right!
Slight downside is the hardware volume buttons work, but because the phone is essentially mounted upside down, the volume buttons work, upside-down?!? surely there's an Android setting I've missed? Even my Windows phone gets that bbut right!
As an update, I’ve tried the mini usb charging dock.
2 issues:
1. The kindle fire 7 charging port is off centre, on the top and next to the power button, so this causes a problem when trying to locate it centrally on the stand. Although the male charging connector can be moved on the stand, if you move it to make the tablet central then the power button ends up resting on one of the raised bumps on the dock. This means it constantly presses the power button and causes the tablet to switch on and off repeatedly. The only way to avoid this is to settle for the tablet not being central on the dock. See photo.
2. Its relatively easy to remove the tablet from the dock, but you do have to use 2 hands otherwise lifting the tablet just lifts the stand as well. However, once removed its quite tricky to re-attach.
Overall, something with wireless charging might be better, or if sticking with the kindle 7 a basic stand with a longer cable attached (so you can leave it attached all the time.
2 issues:
1. The kindle fire 7 charging port is off centre, on the top and next to the power button, so this causes a problem when trying to locate it centrally on the stand. Although the male charging connector can be moved on the stand, if you move it to make the tablet central then the power button ends up resting on one of the raised bumps on the dock. This means it constantly presses the power button and causes the tablet to switch on and off repeatedly. The only way to avoid this is to settle for the tablet not being central on the dock. See photo.
2. Its relatively easy to remove the tablet from the dock, but you do have to use 2 hands otherwise lifting the tablet just lifts the stand as well. However, once removed its quite tricky to re-attach.
Overall, something with wireless charging might be better, or if sticking with the kindle 7 a basic stand with a longer cable attached (so you can leave it attached all the time.
Userlevel 7
+21
For wall mount maybe something like this:-
Beetronic Tablet Mount
or Clicky 2
Or there are similar units like those used in shops for display purposes, but they tend to be device specific.
Beetronic Tablet Mount
or Clicky 2
Or there are similar units like those used in shops for display purposes, but they tend to be device specific.
The CR100 PSU is 6V/3.8A. USB is 5V. You could fry the tablet.
Userlevel 7
+21
The CR100 PSU is 6V/3.8A. USB is 5V. You could fry the tablet.Maybe the kindle Fire could live up to its name 😉 😃
Okay. Just checking.
any new tablet would need a mini-USB plug)...
Micro USB.
Userlevel 7
+5
YIKES! - I never realised how grubby the camera makes that look!... - the thing doesn't look anything like as tatty as the photo would suggest... - but I guess I'm going to go & break out the Mr. Sheen now!... :S
I assumed you'd re-textured the CR to blend in with the tiles.
Userlevel 7
+5
I'm in the habit of removing it from its cradle & taking it into the bath... so it gets covered in soapy fingermarks...
Userlevel 7
+5
So I figure converting just about any phone/tablet to wireless charging should be pretty cheap & easy, using an aftermarket receiver like this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Charger-Receiver-Wireless-Charging-Cellphone/dp/B01EHQ1ZWY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519136023&sr=8-1&keywords=qi+receiver or any number of others like it... Then we need a nice wall-mountable dock with a QI charging pad built in...
I rarely use the Sonos app to play music anymore, though it's installed on three tablets and two phones. Alexa has gotten so good at recognition that she rarely misses an artist/album combo that I ask her to play, or one of the five or six stations i listen to. No MMI is more natural than voice.
I did get the iPort, but frankly it's just easier and faster to use voice. I greatly preferred the Sonos app to the CR100, so rarely used it (just dragged it out of storage recently). Won't miss the CR100, and probably won't often use the iPort. Alexa is my preference, and will only get better and even more convenient.
I did get the iPort, but frankly it's just easier and faster to use voice. I greatly preferred the Sonos app to the CR100, so rarely used it (just dragged it out of storage recently). Won't miss the CR100, and probably won't often use the iPort. Alexa is my preference, and will only get better and even more convenient.
May be old news but I just read about the Lightphone 2 tonight which looks quite "Sonosy".
Alexa can't be used for your own selections from your NAS.
Why are you posting this here, it's not relevant? This is how to set up alternatives that are something like the CR100 for people who want something NOW.
So i guess you missed the part about the iPort, then... :8
Although not directly affected by the upcoming changes (as I do not own a CR100 myself) I've been following the related threads closely.
It seems to me that what is lacking in terms of alternative Sonos hardware controlers is a waterproof (or at least IP6x certified) device with hardware buttons, a scrollwheel and (preferably) a touchscreen input for when not standing in the shower.:8
Apart from the scrollwheel a dedicated waterproof Raspberry Pi or customized Android device might do the trick here. Maybe dismantling an old, defect CR100 and swap its' inserts for a small PocketPC might even be an option, but this sounds more like a nerdy weekend project to be honest.
It seems to me that what is lacking in terms of alternative Sonos hardware controlers is a waterproof (or at least IP6x certified) device with hardware buttons, a scrollwheel and (preferably) a touchscreen input for when not standing in the shower.:8
Apart from the scrollwheel a dedicated waterproof Raspberry Pi or customized Android device might do the trick here. Maybe dismantling an old, defect CR100 and swap its' inserts for a small PocketPC might even be an option, but this sounds more like a nerdy weekend project to be honest.
Please keep it on topic, use the "Save the CR100" thread to put the world to rights on the bricking of our functioning devices.
Life must go on, The CR100 will die, lets try to help each other find our best solution.
To start,
I have just purchased a Lenovo Tab 7 Essential, 7" screen so similar overall size to the controller, ordered through Tesco Direct, very fast service available in 3 hours from ordering.
Tesco added a discount so got it for £62, although They advertised it as the Tab 4 7" which is actually a different unit with slightly higher res and should retail at £99 rather than £69 anyway its fine at the right price. both run Android 7.0
So set it up with no security as I don't want a pin entry each time I pick it up.
Installed Sonos from Google play and allowed Sonos net connections and connected straight to my system.
Then set the sonos options to "Show lock screen controls" and "Show Volume on Home screen"
Set the Android screen saver to Clock (its a bit too small compared to the Controller) but can be shown when docked (charging), so leave the unit on and it blacks out to a clock, can be digital or analogue.
One downside of this particular device is the micro usb charging port is not central, so Belkin docks wont work, so the cradle/dock could be an issue!? Any ideas?
Leave the Sonos app running and it comes out of the lock screen into Sonos.
Without a proper cradle its not so easy to directly compare, sometime touching the display unlocks, othertimes I need to press the side power button.
If you touch the button it goes to the home screen, which needs a swipe to unlock, a nice touch, if sonos is playing and running, then the home screen wallpaper is the artwork.
On the home screen are quick access play,stop and skip but no volume, there is a tiny expander arrow that opens up a menu that has a button to change volume, but thats way too complex, easier to double tap the quick access area and it opens the sonos app to show you the zone with volume control, art, queue etc.
Bit the bullet and did the exact same as this - sorted but not happy.:8
Can either of you advise whether the device you have bought is the Lenovo Tab3 7 Essential - which according to various retailers runs on "Lollipop"? I can find no such thing as a Tab4 7" - the Tab4 seems to start at 8". Thanks
Userlevel 4
+5
Lenovo Tab 7 Essential, on offer at Argos.
http://www.argos.co.uk/product/8242523?cmpid=GS001}&_$ja=tsid:59158|acid:532-198-3455|cid:200223050|agid:12488287490|tid:aud-144400486596:pla-437799066444|crid:66128552450|nw:g|rnd:17859663352415267395|dvc:t|adp:1o3|mt:|loc:9046135&gclid=Cj0KCQjwy9LVBRDOARIsAGqoVns_pj4ZIT6YpY-2xaTmtSlrZfqWtBK0Zvj2eCx43spR9RisCwDa6OwaAqLOEALw_wcB
http://www.argos.co.uk/product/8242523?cmpid=GS001}&_$ja=tsid:59158|acid:532-198-3455|cid:200223050|agid:12488287490|tid:aud-144400486596:pla-437799066444|crid:66128552450|nw:g|rnd:17859663352415267395|dvc:t|adp:1o3|mt:|loc:9046135&gclid=Cj0KCQjwy9LVBRDOARIsAGqoVns_pj4ZIT6YpY-2xaTmtSlrZfqWtBK0Zvj2eCx43spR9RisCwDa6OwaAqLOEALw_wcB
http://www.argos.co.uk/product/8242523?cmpid=GS001}&_$ja=tsid:59158|acid:532-198-3455|cid:200223050|agid:12488287490|tid:aud-144400486596:pla-437799066444|crid:66128552450|nw:g|rnd:17859663352415267395|dvc:t|adp:1o3|mt:|loc:9046135&gclid=Cj0KCQjwy9LVBRDOARIsAGqoVns_pj4ZIT6YpY-2xaTmtSlrZfqWtBK0Zvj2eCx43spR9RisCwDa6OwaAqLOEALw_wcB
Thanks very much. Picked one up today, will be interesting to compare to the Amazon Fire 7's i've also used as replacements.
So, played with the Lenovo a bit last night.
First impressions are that "pinning" the app is pretty useless because it tells you on the screen how to turn it off. My attempts at making it require a password / PIN code if you DO turn it off have resulted in it asking for the PIN code every time youwake it up. What I'm trying to do is have it so no unlock code is required to use the tablet, but that it is "locked" to the Sonos app - with a code being required only if you want to exit that app.
The reason is that I want to leave this lying around and don't want the kids using it for anything other than Sonos. Maybe if I set up a user profile that only contains the Sonos app? Anyone know if that would work - I mean can you delete everything else?
Anyone who can suggest a solution?
In the meantime, off to look into a case for the back of it, so that I can hide a wireless charging receiver between it and the device. My plan is to get round the docking station issue by using a Qi charging receiver that plugs into the mini usb and is hidden by the case, so I can just leave it sitting on the charging pad. Anyone with experience of this?
Thanks
First impressions are that "pinning" the app is pretty useless because it tells you on the screen how to turn it off. My attempts at making it require a password / PIN code if you DO turn it off have resulted in it asking for the PIN code every time youwake it up. What I'm trying to do is have it so no unlock code is required to use the tablet, but that it is "locked" to the Sonos app - with a code being required only if you want to exit that app.
The reason is that I want to leave this lying around and don't want the kids using it for anything other than Sonos. Maybe if I set up a user profile that only contains the Sonos app? Anyone know if that would work - I mean can you delete everything else?
Anyone who can suggest a solution?
In the meantime, off to look into a case for the back of it, so that I can hide a wireless charging receiver between it and the device. My plan is to get round the docking station issue by using a Qi charging receiver that plugs into the mini usb and is hidden by the case, so I can just leave it sitting on the charging pad. Anyone with experience of this?
Thanks
First impressions are that "pinning" the app is pretty useless because it tells you on the screen how to turn it off. My attempts at making it require a password / PIN code if you DO turn it off have resulted in it asking for the PIN code every time youwake it up. What I'm trying to do is have it so no unlock code is required to use the tablet, but that it is "locked" to the Sonos app - with a code being required only if you want to exit that app.
The reason is that I want to leave this lying around and don't want the kids using it for anything other than Sonos. Maybe if I set up a user profile that only contains the Sonos app? Anyone know if that would work - I mean can you delete everything else?
Anyone who can suggest a solution?
In the meantime, off to look into a case for the back of it, so that I can hide a wireless charging receiver between it and the device. My plan is to get round the docking station issue by using a Qi charging receiver that plugs into the mini usb and is hidden by the case, so I can just leave it sitting on the charging pad. Anyone with experience of this?
Thanks
If you intend to leave the tablet in a charger, there is an option that will allow the pinned screen to stay on with no need to unlock as long as the tablet in on the charger. To activate, you need to enable Developers Options:
https://www.greenbot.com/article/2457986/android/how-to-enable-developer-options-on-your-android-phone-or-tablet.html
Then you need to go into the Developers Options menu and select the option to Stay Awake while charging.
Page 4 / 5
Enter your username or e-mail address. We'll send you an e-mail with instructions to reset your password.