BBC Sounds now available (finally!!) on Sonos

  • 10 December 2021
  • 36 replies
  • 7536 views
J
Userlevel 1
  • JdeW
  • Contributor II
  • 5 replies

Just heard today that BBC Sounds app is now compatible with Sonos.  Just uploaded to my system!!  This came fm BBC :

QUOTE

Thank you for contacting BBC Sounds regarding support for Sonos.

We just wanted to get back in touch to let you know that BBC Sounds is now available on Sonos, meaning that whether you’re using iOS or Android, you’ll be able to listen directly on your Sonos device, and make the most of what BBC Sounds has to offer.

For more information, have a look at our FAQ:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/help/questions/listening-on-a-smart-speaker/sonos

We know it’s been a long wait, so we want to thank you for your feedback, and most of all, for your patience whilst we completed the work on this.

Hopefully this comes as good news and you can enjoy the BBC Sounds experience on Sonos.  

 
Kind Regards

BBC iPlayer & BBC Sounds Support Team 

 UNQUOTE

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.

36 replies

106rallye
Userlevel 7
Badge +17

Are the country setting in your profile on the Sonos website set to Uk?

J

Sorry but BBC Sounds does NOT appear on the list of music services on SONOS S1. I had invested heavily in the early days of SONOS with which I am extremely happy. However i consider that it is not possible to change my sonos equipment, PLAY 5 etc to upgrade to SONOS S2 in order to get BBC Sounds. Why is BBC Sounds not on S1?? 

I added BBC Sounds to my Sonos S1 app this morning and listened to ‘Today’ on R4 through it, so I think it is there  

N
Userlevel 7
Badge +18

 Why is BBC Sounds not on S1?? 

That’s a question for the BBC.

W

Sorry but BBC Sounds does NOT appear on the list of music services on SONOS S1. I had invested heavily in the early days of SONOS with which I am extremely happy. However i consider that it is not possible to change my sonos equipment, PLAY 5 etc to upgrade to SONOS S2 in order to get BBC Sounds. Why is BBC Sounds not on S1?? 

controlav
Userlevel 7
Badge +23

The only downside is that , as far as I can see, BBC Sounds doesn't work from the old controllers - it allows you to add the service but can't browse anything if you select it. The same is true of  Sonos Radio.

Are you talking the CR200? There are many music services that are not compatible with that, due to the lack of required TLS and cert support.

The S1 app works fine on PCs/Macs for this still.

Author of the leading independent Sonos app for Windows, the only Sonos app for Xbox, and a Sonos app for iOS
C

The only downside is that , as far as I can see, BBC Sounds doesn't work from the old controllers - it allows you to add the service but can't browse anything if you select it. The same is true of  Sonos Radio. 

I know the controllers are no longer being upgraded which is a pity as using a mobile phone isn't necessarily the best idea in a household of multiple people. not all of whom might have a suitable phone . 

blind.bloke
Badge +2

I found a feedback form for BBC Sounds and have posted my enquiry there. Thanks for your insight too. I'll take a peek at the partners page as well.

Cheers.

Airgetlam

Sonos wrote a single API, which should be the same across all streamers, including the BBC. See the Sonos partners page for additional information. If you want more info to appear in the BBC sounds rendering within Sonos, and it’s within the abilities of that API, then petitioning the BBC would be appropriate. Many streaming companies choose not to use all features built in to the API already, and supply minimal data to it, including in some cases, which content is available. 

Bruce
blind.bloke
Badge +2

Where can we,users of Sounds on Sonos, give feedback to the Sonos and BBC developers?

I'd like to see more information in the Sonos rendering of 'My Sounds' for example.

J

Been asking for this for years and have now installed it on my controller. But still won’t be using it much, if at all.

It misses the most useful features i.e. programme schedule and ability to scrub back.

Most lunch times , for example,  I listen to World At One time shifted. I can’t do that on the Sonos version. Nor can I pause and resume. (Which I often do). So I will stick to using my tablet. 

It also seems that Sounds replaces the queue. Which is a bit annoying. I don’t believe that is the case with TuneIn.  

These are fair comments, although there are other use cases for which it is useful, and there may well be further improvements before long.  Sonos has also added functionality that creates further options for listening to BBC Sounds and much else besides (eg Airplay, the Roam).

D
Userlevel 4
Badge +1

Been asking for this for years and have now installed it on my controller. But still won’t be using it much, if at all.

It misses the most useful features i.e. programme schedule and ability to scrub back.

Most lunch times , for example,  I listen to World At One time shifted. I can’t do that on the Sonos version. Nor can I pause and resume. (Which I often do). So I will stick to using my tablet. 

It also seems that Sounds replaces the queue. Which is a bit annoying. I don’t believe that is the case with TuneIn.  

 

chicks

Odd. I’m not in the UK, but have been playing from BBC Sounds to my various systems, including the remaining Sonos Play:1s via LMS for at least the past couple of years, without geographic restrictions. 
 

 

C
Userlevel 6
Badge +11

OK, answering one of my own questions :)

 

I enabled the data sharing option, installed BBC sounds service, and was then able to disable the data sharing ‘Additional Usage Data’ in settings, BBC sounds service still functioning.

C
Userlevel 6
Badge +11

I have had some issues with BBC radio alarm via TuneIn manual station past couple of weeks, stream just stops. After reviewing some diagnostic logs, Sonos support advised it was a TuneIn issue (they had had a few calls apparently), and they suggested I use myTuner Radio service instead.

However, just found this thread, and interested in a direct feed via BBC sounds, but its listed as Sonos Labs, and wont install unless I tick the box to share my usage information.

Is there anywhere I can found out what information is shared? Is it just the BBC Sounds usage, or all of my Sonos system usage?

Anyone used myTuner Radio for BBC radio stations and BBC Sounds on Sonos, and benefits in either?

 

TIA!

C
Userlevel 6
Badge +14

Radio 1 96 kbps

And same for Radio 3

I
Badge

Hello,

Finally :)

I assume BBC6 Music from sounds will have an increase in stream quality over TuneIn. Perhaps now now to 320kbs AAC-LC if anybody can confirm please.

 

I would also look forward to be able to add a station direct to the My Sonos > Stations, but at the moment it appears in Recently Played and ‘Sounds’ shortcut on My Sonos. :relaxed:

Suppose this integration finally gives the BBC the data it needs on listener demographic and habits. 

 

O

As much for anyone else reading this in future..

I’d progressively tried everything; logged out of app, reset phone/iPad, deleted and reinstalled the app, powered device off/on and it was only the hard reset that seemed to be work for whatever reason 🤷‍♂️
 

 

J

OK but I only suggested resetting the app, which only takes a few seconds and loses no information. I don’t believe a reset of the speakers was needed, just a reboot.

Still, at least you have resolved the problem. 

O

Thanks for your reply John, I was trying to avoid resetting my system with a number of other Sonos products linked… but gave up and did the hard factory reset, and it worked straight away to add the BBC Sounds App

A bit of faff, but will be great to have the app available on the Sonos network now

J

If you are sure that your Sonos profile is now set to UK, then make sure you are logged out of your online Sonos account, power your Sonos devices off then on again, and reset the app (in App Preferences), then select to connect to existing system.

No guarantees, but it may just be that the data needs to be refreshed.

O

Anyone have any tips for troubleshooting the BBC Sounds being added?

 

Have changed my country (previously lived in Aus) and hadn’t updated it on my return. Now set to the UK but nothing available when I try and add a new music service / to find the BBC sounds app

P

Sorted. Checked my profile and was set us United States!

P

Yes, in the UK

 

bockersjv
Userlevel 7
Badge +21

Are you based in the UK?   It’s there on the music services list still for me, although it still says Preview.

P

Hi

I seem to be missing a trick here.

 

I can play BBC Sounds via the BBC Sounds app (to my Sonos system), but can’t add BBC Sounds as a service either on iOS app or PC app.

Terms & ConditionsCookie settings