BBC Sounds now available (finally!!) on Sonos

  • 10 December 2021
  • 36 replies
  • 7535 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

jgatie

Oh, so the BBC is the ones who needed to work on this?  So why did we keep getting bombarded with the suggestion that Sonos could just do it alone without the input of the BBC? :thinking:

106rallye
Userlevel 7
Badge +17

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

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

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.

controlav
Userlevel 7
Badge +23

The BBC Sounds integration is welcome, albeit not comprehensive (and not as easy to navigate as the actual app).  

One big feature that seems to have been added and now removed: it’s now possible to add BBC Sounds stations to “My Sonos”. Any reason why that is? (I was able to add BBC 6 Music to My Sonos but, when I went back to add Radio 2 and Radio 4, the option to do so has gone.) 

The BBC could have changed it (being able to Fave an item is an attribute in the metadata) or it could be a bug in their service. You’d have to ask the BBC.

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

Pfff ‘At the moment, BBC Sounds is available on the Sonos controller app within the UK only.’ So I can listen on my phone but not on Sonos….:confused:

That would be the BBC’s restriction.

You can Bluetooth to your Move.

J

Just heard today that BBC Sounds app is now compatible with Sonos. 

Just installed the BBC Sounds app and what’s there seems good but I can’t find the station schedules to listen to previous broadcasts - is that feature coming later?  Will have to keep using LMS to access these prior broadcasts until support is added to the app.

Let’s be clear here.  The BBC Sounds app isn’t involved here.  What has happened is that the BBC Sounds service has been integrated into Sonos.  This will have required the BBC and Sonos to work together, using Sonos’ open API.  It won’t have been possible to incorporate every feature, and it will probably never be possible.

But what has been achieved comes as a welcome and pleasant surprise to me.  I wasn’t really expecting the BBC to devote resource to a fairly small subset of its users (i.e. Sonos owners).  I also wasn’t sure that Sonos would see the appeal in investing resource in something that can only be used by Sonos users living on a small island off the coast of Europe.  So hats off to both organisations for making this happen!

(By the way, I have already been using the actual BBC Sounds app on Sonos for some time, and there are many ways of doing so, depending on which speakers and controllers you have, such as:

Airplay

Bluetooth

Line in

App on TV

App on media streamer (e.g. NVidea Shield)

Chromecast HDMI)

 

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. 

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. 
 

 

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?? 

N
Userlevel 7
Badge +18

 Why is BBC Sounds not on S1?? 

That’s a question for the BBC.

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  

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.  

 

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).

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.

B

The BBC Sounds integration is welcome, albeit not comprehensive (and not as easy to navigate as the actual app).  

One big feature that seems to have been added and now removed: it’s now possible to add BBC Sounds stations to “My Sonos”. Any reason why that is? (I was able to add BBC 6 Music to My Sonos but, when I went back to add Radio 2 and Radio 4, the option to do so has gone.) 

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 . 

M
Badge

The BBC Sounds integration is welcome, albeit not comprehensive (and not as easy to navigate as the actual app).  

One big feature that seems to have been added and now removed: it’s now possible to add BBC Sounds stations to “My Sonos”. Any reason why that is? (I was able to add BBC 6 Music to My Sonos but, when I went back to add Radio 2 and Radio 4, the option to do so has gone.) 

Pfff ‘At the moment, BBC Sounds is available on the Sonos controller app within the UK only.’ So I can listen on my phone but not on Sonos….:confused:

Miriam
R

I'm absolutely thrilled with this update, I've been a long suffering tunein user who loves bbc podcasts and shows. Well done Sonos absolutely the best xmas present I've had 😎👌

bockersjv
Userlevel 7
Badge +21

Wow, and it looks good from my quick check.

el rubio

yep that’s what we were informed a couple of days ago

 
mix.bioss.net
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.

brookheather
Badge +1

Just installed the BBC Sounds app and what’s there seems good but I can’t find the station schedules to listen to previous broadcasts - is that feature coming later?  Will have to keep using LMS to access these prior broadcasts until support is added to the app.

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.

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