Constant Updates REALLY ANNOYING
Userlevel 2
Who else is getting sick and tired of constant requirement to reconfig and update Sonos Controller SW. Im a LONG TIME Sonos use, love the simplicity, but the bugginess/constant need to upgrade every time I use my Sonos is ruining my experience. Yes I've maybe 10+ devices connected but still. Who's with me?
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Yes, I do. Are you referring to the web browser version of Amazon Music?
Yes.
One thing that's worth mentioning is that the annoyance factor climbs in proportion to the number of devices that are/can be used to control the system. In our situation, we have multiple desktops and multiple mobile devices that are in use, and we do not have the option of limiting it to one device. So, at any given time, there's more than a half dozen computers/devices all saying, "Hey, I need an update! Update me, update me, update me!!" And if I put duct tape over their mouths to quiet them, eventually they juts stop working, requiring ........an update.
There is simply no need for Sonos to be updating their software every few weeks. They're boxes that play music - that's it. I don't care if they have refurbished, surplus Cray II supercomputers from the mid 80s in them, they still just play music. No matter how you dress it up, that's all they do. 7 years ago, My Sonos system did EXACTLY what it does now, it just did so without constantly harassing me to update it.
There is simply no need for Sonos to be updating their software every few weeks. They're boxes that play music - that's it. I don't care if they have refurbished, surplus Cray II supercomputers from the mid 80s in them, they still just play music. No matter how you dress it up, that's all they do. 7 years ago, My Sonos system did EXACTLY what it does now, it just did so without constantly harassing me to update it.
There is simply no need for Sonos to be updating their software every few weeks. They're boxes that play music - that's it. I don't care if they have refurbished, surplus Cray II supercomputers from the mid 80s in them, they still just play music. No matter how you dress it up, that's all they do. 7 years ago, My Sonos system did EXACTLY what it does now, it just did so without constantly harassing me to update it.
Buy yourself an old school HiFi system with cables and no internet connection, and that therefore can't madden you with constant firmware improvements.
I wonder if there could be some sort of compromise where the desktop is updated less frequently than the mobile apps and firmware. I would think that most updates would be fine, with the exception of additional products (in some cases) or significant new features, an older version of the desktop would work with the current firmware of the speakers.
Of course, that's a broad assumption that may not be true. And it could end up causing more confusion than it's worth, keeping track of what version is compatible with what and very support issues it could cause.
Maybe another compromise could be a secondary version of the desktop (or perhaps a URL) that only uses Sonos existing APIs. Since the APIs will not change nearly as frequently, users could use this application instead of the full (fuller?) version of the desktop for normal operations.
I don't have the same frustration as others users do, since I rarely use the desktop app. It's probably a couple versions behind right now. It's actually becoming rather rare to use the moble app as well, since I do most operation by voice these days.
Of course, that's a broad assumption that may not be true. And it could end up causing more confusion than it's worth, keeping track of what version is compatible with what and very support issues it could cause.
Maybe another compromise could be a secondary version of the desktop (or perhaps a URL) that only uses Sonos existing APIs. Since the APIs will not change nearly as frequently, users could use this application instead of the full (fuller?) version of the desktop for normal operations.
I don't have the same frustration as others users do, since I rarely use the desktop app. It's probably a couple versions behind right now. It's actually becoming rather rare to use the moble app as well, since I do most operation by voice these days.
There is simply no need for Sonos to be updating their software every few weeks. They're boxes that play music - that's it. I don't care if they have refurbished, surplus Cray II supercomputers from the mid 80s in them, they still just play music. No matter how you dress it up, that's all they do. 7 years ago, My Sonos system did EXACTLY what it does now, it just did so without constantly harassing me to update it.
Buy yourself an old school HiFi system with cables and no internet connection, and that therefore can't madden you with constant firmware improvements.
If I hadn't invested thousands of dollars in a system that used to work just fine, I might consider that.
Turn on automatic updates for the firmware, schedule it for 'Overnight', ...
https://support.sonos.com/s/article/225?language=en
... also enable auto updates in the respective app store - that's it!
https://support.sonos.com/s/article/225?language=en
... also enable auto updates in the respective app store - that's it!
https://support.sonos.com/s/article/225?language=en
... also enable auto updates in the respective app store - that's it!
And what does he do with the many desktops he uses for system control?
https://support.sonos.com/s/article/225?language=en
... also enable auto updates in the respective app store - that's it!
And what does he do with the many desktops he uses for system control?
It's not that hard to click "Update now" or whatever it is called in English.
+7
Seems like the OP's expectations for Sonos' product line to be less updated is not in accordance with the very technology Sonos primarily supports and promotes.
As has been stated, Sonos' older lines were less dependent on updates so they operate in large part the way the OP prefers -- as more of a stand-alone, set it and forget it system.
Today, the industry (in part) demands much more from internet-based music systems. Sonos has done their part to stay competitive in a market segment that beckons companies like themselves to innovate far more frequently than previous years.
In summary, you either embrace the direction of more frequent updates and the benefits of them -- or you sell off your existing product line that's more dependent on said firmware upgrades and opt for the older (equally impressive sounding) Sonos speaker offerings.
In my opinion, the OP and the most recent product line (based on their explicit expectations) is a marriage that will inevitably lead in divorce, if not at least endless disappointment.
As has been stated, Sonos' older lines were less dependent on updates so they operate in large part the way the OP prefers -- as more of a stand-alone, set it and forget it system.
Today, the industry (in part) demands much more from internet-based music systems. Sonos has done their part to stay competitive in a market segment that beckons companies like themselves to innovate far more frequently than previous years.
In summary, you either embrace the direction of more frequent updates and the benefits of them -- or you sell off your existing product line that's more dependent on said firmware upgrades and opt for the older (equally impressive sounding) Sonos speaker offerings.
In my opinion, the OP and the most recent product line (based on their explicit expectations) is a marriage that will inevitably lead in divorce, if not at least endless disappointment.
In summary, you either embrace the direction of more frequent updates and the benefits of them -- or you sell off your existing product line that's more dependent on said firmware upgrades and opt for the older (equally impressive sounding) Sonos speaker offerings.
This isn't really how it works. Sonos will require the firmware and application updates regardless of the age of the Sonos products you own. You can opt to turn off automatic updates and/or notifications that a new update is available, but Sonos doesn't offer support if your system isn't updated to the current version. Also, you won't be able to add any new products, old or new, to your setup if you are not on the current version.
+7
I understand that, Danny. But the OP seems to not want to disable updates, and the older line doesn't have the same frequency.
Honestly, this thread seems more like a place to blow hot air than anything else (which could be fine, I suppose) because plenty of advice has been offered, none of which seems to want to be followed.
It's taken on more the shape of a megaphone to simply broadcast to Sonos that they update too much, which (in effect) isn't really going to make a difference. But I believe the OP understands this, and still wants a place for their voice to be heard whether or not it actually leads to change.
Some might say what's the point, and I might be inclined to agree, but I am only one person. And I also don't have any authority to effect the type of change being requested.
Edit: to add that actually the OP has remained rather quiet on the issue, but plenty have spoken up in their stead
Honestly, this thread seems more like a place to blow hot air than anything else (which could be fine, I suppose) because plenty of advice has been offered, none of which seems to want to be followed.
It's taken on more the shape of a megaphone to simply broadcast to Sonos that they update too much, which (in effect) isn't really going to make a difference. But I believe the OP understands this, and still wants a place for their voice to be heard whether or not it actually leads to change.
Some might say what's the point, and I might be inclined to agree, but I am only one person. And I also don't have any authority to effect the type of change being requested.
Edit: to add that actually the OP has remained rather quiet on the issue, but plenty have spoken up in their stead
... in being updated, you mean? All products, old and new, are running the same firmware built, otherwise the multiroom concept won't work out. For example, it would be impossible to group speakers that are running different firmware versions.
+7
OK, I see Danny's point (and yours) now, and stand corrected. Cheers!
I understand that, Danny. But the OP seems to not want to disable updates, and the older line doesn't have the same frequency. [...]
... in being updated, you mean? All products, old and new, are running the same firmware built, otherwise the multiroom concept won't work out. For example, it would be impossible to group speakers that are running different firmware versions.
... in being updated, you mean? All products, old and new, are running the same firmware built, otherwise the multiroom concept won't work out. For example, it would be impossible to group speakers that are running different firmware versions.
Honestly, this thread seems more like a place to blow hot air than anything else (which could be fine, I suppose) because plenty of advice has been offered, none of which seems to want to be followed.
It's taken on more the shape of a megaphone to simply broadcast to Sonos that they update too much, which (in effect) isn't really going to make a difference. But I believe the OP understands this, and still wants a place for their voice to be heard whether or not it actually leads to change.
Agreed. It's not uncommon, and not necessarily a bad thing to vent frustration. And there is some merit to the argument that 'the squeaky wheel gets the grease" so it's better to complain in hopes you'll get what you want (even in cases where it's not so logical) rather than just be frustrated in silence.
You can't blame folks for trying to offer solutions/work arounds to the issue, but that's not always what people are really looking for.
https://support.sonos.com/s/article/225?language=en
... also enable auto updates in the respective app store - that's it!
And what does he do with the many desktops he uses for system control?
It's not that hard to click "Update now" or whatever it is called in English.
Yes, it is, when "update now" appears on a couple of dozen machines, at various times, and the entire system is down for several minutes, followed by numerous speaker dropouts that require individual attention. If Sonos would simply organize their updates a little more intelligently, instead of rapid firing them off like kids playing paintball, the platform would make a lot more sense.
There is no need for updates ever couple of weeks. If it doesn't interfere with your workflow, you need to expand your horizons a bit and realize that not everyone works off of one device or machine. It changes nothing, however - the updates come too frequently and there is ZERO reason for it.
The system's not working in Bluetooth-style, the Sonos app is merely a remote control rather than a media player. Updating an App doesn't stop the playback, if the firmware of the speakers has already been updated.
The system's not working in Bluetooth-style, the Sonos app is merely a remote control rather than a media player. Updating an App doesn't stop the playback, if the firmware of the speakers has already been updated.
Well, be that as it may, since we've turned off automatic updates, the app will eventually lock out the user, forcing an update, which then necessitates everyone running around like lunatics to reconnect the few mystery speakers that lose connection during the update. Now, I'm fully aware that that is a network issue, not Sonos, but it does nothing to change the fact that if the updates weren't coming out so frequently, the issue would not be a problem.
I opened a desktop version today, that hadn't been used in a while, and was greeted with a "An update is available" message, which then harassed me into updating. Joy. Now it functions so much better than it did yesterday. Oh wait, no it doesn't.
we've turned off automatic updates, the app will eventually lock out the user, forcing an update
....So you turned it off in the application itself which turns off firmware updates.
Have you gone into your app store and turned off the automatic update to the actual app?
Yes, it is, when "update now" appears on a couple of dozen machines, at various times, and the entire system is down for several minutes, followed by numerous speaker dropouts that require individual attention. If Sonos would simply organize their updates a little more intelligently, instead of rapid firing them off like kids playing paintball, the platform would make a lot more sense.
There is no need for updates ever couple of weeks. If it doesn't interfere with your workflow, you need to expand your horizons a bit and realize that not everyone works off of one device or machine. It changes nothing, however - the updates come too frequently and there is ZERO reason for it.
I sympathize with how annoying this can be, however, continually claiming that the updates have no value really isn't adding to your argument. I get that your system is fine, you aren't interested in any new features and don't have any bugs to deal with. However, other customers do want these new features and their bugs fixed. Maybe they can wait a little longer, so that you don't get annoyed as often, and that's something that the Sonos team has to decide on. It is quite clear that they are aware that some find it annoying, which is why they introduce the automatic updates for the speaker firmware.
I am not surprised at this, but is this stated official policy?
If so, I have to again say there is much merit in the points being made by those unhappy with this trend because:
Automatic updates are not really so for desktop users.
And while everyone including Sonos suggest turning updates off if these are not to one's taste/convenience, there is this withdrawal of support.
And no one has yet said why there is such a churn of updates now compared to a few years ago for what is a music system, at the end of the day. Other than streaming services as a popular music source, what has changed? And the related question - apart from Trueplay and cosmetic UI changes - what has changed to improve the essential quality of the user experience since 2011? Bug fixes are needed by everyone, agreed, but many of the bugs are caused in the first place by all the churn as well.
Sonos needs to take this criticism on board and bring some discipline to its upgrade release process. Particularly when it is so dependent on network quality to be seamless and fault free.
PS: I just noticed the "like kids playing paintball" comment by pacificdiver. I endorse it fully.
Yes, it is, when "update now" appears on a couple of dozen machines, at various times, and the entire system is down for several minutes, followed by numerous speaker dropouts that require individual attention. If Sonos would simply organize their updates a little more intelligently, instead of rapid firing them off like kids playing paintball, the platform would make a lot more sense.
There is no need for updates ever couple of weeks. If it doesn't interfere with your workflow, you need to expand your horizons a bit and realize that not everyone works off of one device or machine. It changes nothing, however - the updates come too frequently and there is ZERO reason for it.
I sympathize with how annoying this can be, however, continually claiming that the updates have no value really isn't adding to your argument.
I've never claimed the updates have no value. My criticism is that the updates come far too frequently, and that they would be better served in larger portions, on a much less-frequent time scale. Obviously, systems need to be updated, but they don't need to be tweaked every couple of weeks. Sonos could update its system quarterly, and the world would move on just fine.
Yes, but it would need more process discipline in Sonos to do this.
While moderators here claim to read all posts, you may want to send an email to CEO Spence, with links to a bunch of threads here that contain the same gripe. No assurances of outcome of course, but a chance of spending energy to more effect.
You're a long time member of these boards, so you should be aware of the answer already.
Automatic updates are not really so for desktop users.
How many desktops do you have? 20, 30, 50...
You're a long time member of these boards, so you should be aware of the answer already.
Automatic updates are not really so for desktop users.
How many desktops do you have? 20, 30, 50...
Pardon me for not being as clever as you and point me to where this is stated by Sonos.
And how many desktops I have is not relevant to the fact that updates are not automatic for desktop users, contrary to what you have been asserting over and over.
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