No More Sonos for Me
My reason for buying a multi-room Sonos system was to enjoy my large PC-based music collection throughout the whole house. Removing functionality from the Windows PC controller makes this a lot less enjoyable because now I need to both use my computer and keep a phone or tablet with me all the time. I own 6 Sonos speakers now and was interested in upgrading to newer models, but now I've changed my mind because functionality is being removed for desktop users, rather than improved. Restore and improve desktop functionality or kiss my thousands of dollars' worth of business goodbye forever.
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I do need to restore and change my setup frequently, and now Sonos just made it more complicated because it will required two different devices to be used instead of just my computer. Since I'm heavily invested in Sonos speakers already, I will continue to use what I have but I am no longer considering a playbase, beam, or sub.
Userlevel 1
The system was set up, and after I updated the Windows controller, a screen would come up with a button to "Get the mobile app". I called Sonos customer support and they confirmed that until I downloaded the mobile app and registered, I would not be able to use the Windows controller. I did end up driving to my mom's (an hour drive one way) to use my phone, but this was an idiot move by Sonos to do this since not everyone has a smart phone or tablet.
While the move to "PC is a player only, an Android or iOS device for controlling the system is a requirement" is a bad move, if you don't already own compatible Android/iOS hardware, you maybe just need to think of buying additional dedicated controller hardware (ie. a cheap Android tablet) as a tax. Sonos just got more expensive for some users, but if you're already heavily invested in Sonos (and six speakers says that you are), consider the per-room cost of maintaining your Sonos system, against the cost of an alternative.
I do (did) all system management from my PC, which is the admin hub for my entire network. I need to do it here because I have accessibility issues which make doing system admin on a smartphone especially difficult. i use the smartphone app as rarely as I can, mostly for pausing music.
Thanks a bunch Sonos. You clearly didn't think about people with accessibility problems one tiny bit.
Thanks a bunch Sonos. You clearly didn't think about people with accessibility problems one tiny bit.
Ha, same thing here. I wrote a question about this a few hours ago (https://en.community.sonos.com/setting-up-sonos-228990/no-more-sonos-system-6814922) and didn't see this one before I posted.
But it's my sentiments exactly. As an admin I need to control traffic, network and attached devices regularly. Removing this functionality from the Sonos desktop controller is a big issue and a bad move. We invested in this system to play music and frequently group / ungroup speakers for different venues and reasons. There is no way in hell this can be done with the same security and privacy using a phone app. I am very disappointed. And I fear the only thing Sonos will say is 'thanks for the bucks but now we want this and we're gonna remove the desktop app soon anyway'. Saves Sonos more money but frankly, this is an arrogant move.
But it's my sentiments exactly. As an admin I need to control traffic, network and attached devices regularly. Removing this functionality from the Sonos desktop controller is a big issue and a bad move. We invested in this system to play music and frequently group / ungroup speakers for different venues and reasons. There is no way in hell this can be done with the same security and privacy using a phone app. I am very disappointed. And I fear the only thing Sonos will say is 'thanks for the bucks but now we want this and we're gonna remove the desktop app soon anyway'. Saves Sonos more money but frankly, this is an arrogant move.
Whilst I am not a fan of Sonos removing desktop functionality from the controller I find it hard to believe you need to "restore" your system regularly. The only thing I can imagine you doing is un-breaking stereo pairs, moving speakers around and/or adding /removing subs.
I have 11 speakers in my small house and I rarely need to access the set-up options.
If you're restoring or adding speakers because they are dropping off you have network issues that it would be beneficial for you to resolve
Your disbelief doesn't change the fact that people have specified valid use cases for the Desktop Controller.
Userlevel 1
I totally agree with you. I bought my 83-year-old mom some Sonos speakers and she controlled it from her PC. She does not own a smart phone. Now she can't use her speakers. Before installing this update, Sonos should have warned: DO NOT INSTALL UNLESS YOU OWN A SMART PHONE OR TABLET.
Userlevel 7
+22
melvimbe, I can comment on that tablet versus PC issue since we tried it here.
We bought a 12" tablet hoping the wife could use it, she found it too small and hard to read sitting on a stand.
Her picking it up to read it is a problem, at first because of the trailing power wire and the difficulty in not triggering the touch screen to do something unwanted. Tried a magnetic, quick release/attach power cable that helped a bit but the touch was still an issue.
The Bluetooth keyboard and mouse option does work fairly well but the Sonos tablet app seems much more usable by touch for me.
All said with that 12 inch tablet we have just built another desktop but with aggravating features and a too small monitor.
She does reasonably well with a 27 inch monitor on her desk with a full sized keyboard and small mouse to fit her hand.
We bought a 12" tablet hoping the wife could use it, she found it too small and hard to read sitting on a stand.
Her picking it up to read it is a problem, at first because of the trailing power wire and the difficulty in not triggering the touch screen to do something unwanted. Tried a magnetic, quick release/attach power cable that helped a bit but the touch was still an issue.
The Bluetooth keyboard and mouse option does work fairly well but the Sonos tablet app seems much more usable by touch for me.
All said with that 12 inch tablet we have just built another desktop but with aggravating features and a too small monitor.
She does reasonably well with a 27 inch monitor on her desk with a full sized keyboard and small mouse to fit her hand.
So you need Windows 7 or higher to get all the usual options for desktop.
You can use the Desktop controller with the Sonos system but you will have to go through the inital setup on the new router with a mobile or tablet.
Unfortunatly the ability to add speakers is also limited to mobiles and tablets since software version 9.2.
As I said, you are not required to perform a factory reset in order to change WiFi settings !!
https://en.community.sonos.com/controllers-software-228995/no-more-sonos-for-me-6814920/index1.html#post16284907
Userlevel 7
+22
Whilst I am not a fan of Sonos removing desktop functionality from the controller I find it hard to believe you need to "restore" your system regularly. The only thing I can imagine you doing is un-breaking stereo pairs, moving speakers around and/or adding /removing subs.
I have 11 speakers in my small house and I rarely need to access the set-up options.
If you're restoring or adding speakers because they are dropping off you have network issues that it would be beneficial for you to resolve
Your disbelief doesn't change the fact that people have specified valid use cases for the Desktop Controller.
I didn't suggest by any streeeeeeetch of the imagination that others didn't or don't have valid use cases and there are clearly some people who can't control their systems or those they manage without a desktop app. I simply stated that I find it hard to believe that annanemas HAS to "restore " their set-up (Whatever that actually means).
Either way I do believe that Sonos have made a wrong decision here.
After spending more than £2000 (while I still had a job) on Sonos speakers I am left with a non-working system as a result of Sonos removing backward compatibility for desktop apps. (without informing any customers or retailers ).
Making unilateral decisions at Sonos without any consultation/communication is totally unacceptable.
I do not want to be forced to use a smartphone or tablet (yes, some people really can't afford an extra £60 - £100? to get status quo restored.
So far the replies suggest you don't need to change anything once set up.
This is a ridiculous statement as if one changes BB provider a new router is supplied and the setup MUST be run again from the controller.
Making unilateral decisions at Sonos without any consultation/communication is totally unacceptable.
I do not want to be forced to use a smartphone or tablet (yes, some people really can't afford an extra £60 - £100? to get status quo restored.
So far the replies suggest you don't need to change anything once set up.
This is a ridiculous statement as if one changes BB provider a new router is supplied and the setup MUST be run again from the controller.
Next time read up this guide. There's no need to perform a factory reset in order to change WiFi settings.
Userlevel 7
+17
Could he have gave his new router the same "SSID and password" as the old one, I read that on here, not that it means diddly squat to me 😞
This is the sort of thing you should see.
You are running Windows 7 which is pretty old tech, although technically supported by Sonos. Changing routers is normally straightforward, and the Windows app works fine for 99.999% of users. Your best bets are to call Sonos Support as I have already suggested, and probably to invest $50 in a Amazon Fire tablet to control your Sonos. I hope you resolve this.
The only thing removed were the setup features. If your mother was using the normal “playing music” functions, nothing would have changed.
So what functionality is missing so that your mother cannot "use her speakers"? The only functions removed were the seldom used setup settings.
Userlevel 1
The Windows controller does not come up until you download the phone app and register thru that.
Not true at all if the system is already setup, and even if it is not, it is easy to rectify by temporarily adding the app to a family member's phone.
Userlevel 1
Reply from a second customer support rep at Sonos:
Thank you for contacting Sonos.
In regards to your issue, once you update the Sonos system using a mobile device, you will be able to use your Windows computer to control Sonos.
Thank you for contacting Sonos.
In regards to your issue, once you update the Sonos system using a mobile device, you will be able to use your Windows computer to control Sonos.
Userlevel 7
+17
Thanks mrsgmz for posting that, I believe you. If your mum had never registered her sonos stuff, then I guess this would make sense that sonos would force you to do so now with 9.2
It seems some on here know better than you, even though they have not tried to do what you have done since 9.2.....
It seems some on here know better than you, even though they have not tried to do what you have done since 9.2.....
Here is a second official confirmation received from Sonos about this issue with the mobile/tablet controller issue.
I am posting this because there is misleading advice being given on this site about how to resolve this issue.
Irrespective of my own problems and setup it is very clear that if you had a working system before V9.2 , you must now
have a mobile/tablet controller to make any significant changes.
2nd Reply from Sonos
"Hi
Thanks for your email.
This is Jay reaching out to you. Below I have answered you questions. I have also added a FAQ on how to add sonos to a new router below if you are unsure on that process. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me by replying to this email.
So you need Windows 7 or higher to get all the usual options for desktop.
You can use the Desktop controller with the Sonos system but you will have to go through the inital setup on the new router with a mobile or tablet.
Unfortunatly the ability to add speakers is also limited to mobiles and tablets since software version 9.2.
Connecting Sonos to a new router:
https://support.sonos.com/s/article/1061?language=en_US"
I am posting this because there is misleading advice being given on this site about how to resolve this issue.
Irrespective of my own problems and setup it is very clear that if you had a working system before V9.2 , you must now
have a mobile/tablet controller to make any significant changes.
2nd Reply from Sonos
"Hi
Thanks for your email.
This is Jay reaching out to you. Below I have answered you questions. I have also added a FAQ on how to add sonos to a new router below if you are unsure on that process. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me by replying to this email.
So you need Windows 7 or higher to get all the usual options for desktop.
You can use the Desktop controller with the Sonos system but you will have to go through the inital setup on the new router with a mobile or tablet.
Unfortunatly the ability to add speakers is also limited to mobiles and tablets since software version 9.2.
Connecting Sonos to a new router:
https://support.sonos.com/s/article/1061?language=en_US"
Replied to wrong poster.
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