Why am I now being forced to create and link a Sonos account to the controller just to be able to add speakers to the system? There is absolutely no reason why this needs to happen.
Poor form Sonos. This should be an optional step. As such, I will no longer be buying any more devices.
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Because I don't want to link my controller or speakers to a Sonos account. Why? Because they work perfectly fine without it and I shouldn't need to. I should have the option to "skip" and add the old speakers anyway. Sure, if this is now a "requirement" for the Sonos One, then fine, do it for those devices, but not for the older stuff.
Sonos is going down a very dangerous path, like Apple, instead of letting the consumer use their devices how they want, Sonos are forcing their customers into a corner, this is only one example. The end result is you end up pissing off the majority of your customers and forcing them to look at alternatives. I am very close to getting rid of all my Sonos gear in favour of other products.
I also have no intention of using Alexa, not now, not ever. My speakers are for playing my offline content and a few select internet radio stations. Nothing more. I shouldn't need to go start creating accounts and linking things to make it work. It's not acceptable and this is not why I bought Sonos products in the first place.
In 10 years time, I should be able to use my Sonos speakers just as they have been for the past year without the planned obsolescence and reliance on online services which have nothing to do with me.
The point I'm making is this kind of cloud-connected, online crap is a huge problem for consumers. If Sonos packed up shop and stopped existing tomorrow, all the current speakers SHOULD work just as they have been (albeit with no further software updates etc...) I shouldn't have to authenticate against some kind of online service just to be able to perform basic system functions (such as add a speaker). Sure online content may no longer work in this scenario, but I can still listen to my music collection stored on my NAS.
I should be able to use Sonos completely offline and independent of anything outside my own home if I wanted to, now and until the day the devices physically die from age. Sonos products aren't cheap and I don't resign to this "planned obsolescence" model.
I should be able to use Sonos completely offline and independent of anything outside my own home if I wanted to, now and until the day the devices physically die from age. Sonos products aren't cheap and I don't resign to this "planned obsolescence" model.
Kind of like bs this whole account required stuff.
1: This wasn' t required when i bought my setup.
2: if not accepting it makes the services unusable, that's ok for something like free mail. NOT acceptable for a system which costs more than 2k. As a matter of fact, this is really really unacceptable!
3: If it really was anonymous, they wouldn't require you to register an account. These days, there is no such thing as anonymous data.
And I am kinda pretty mad for these changes. In fact, I'm warning everybody against buying Sonos gear.
This isn't paranoid, Just really unnecessary
1: This wasn' t required when i bought my setup.
2: if not accepting it makes the services unusable, that's ok for something like free mail. NOT acceptable for a system which costs more than 2k. As a matter of fact, this is really really unacceptable!
3: If it really was anonymous, they wouldn't require you to register an account. These days, there is no such thing as anonymous data.
And I am kinda pretty mad for these changes. In fact, I'm warning everybody against buying Sonos gear.
This isn't paranoid, Just really unnecessary
Userlevel 1
Totally agree with you, we just returned all the Sonos products we purchased last week due to this. Absolutely ridiculous to force you to make a Sonos account now just to listen to offline music or Google Play music. I will never use Alexa EVER (plus she's completely stupid in Canada and does about 20% of what she can do in the US).
Userlevel 2
1: I have purchased a hardware to listen music in my own premises. With the purchase over the counter, I have paid the amount due and the deal was closed (actually few years ago). No matter what some terms and conditions say: I do expect the purchased goods to work without any further and hidden requirements, e.g. to give private information before the goods start to work.
2: I do not want to use Spotify. If I change my mind, I accept to have an account with Spotify. I do not want to use Alexa or all the others which hear everything you say and which support you in shutting down your brain - hence, I don't need an account.
3: Whenever possible, I give my data only when I can see the direct relation with a service (other users might decide in a different way). I cannot see why Sonos should know my position on the globe just for a speaker to work (please do not bore me with local radio which I can find via search as well). Are there some hidden features which might not be in my favour?
4: GDPR takes up this concerns and therefore Sonos should as well take up this concern (better before somebody asks officially to do so - this might be too expensive).
2: I do not want to use Spotify. If I change my mind, I accept to have an account with Spotify. I do not want to use Alexa or all the others which hear everything you say and which support you in shutting down your brain - hence, I don't need an account.
3: Whenever possible, I give my data only when I can see the direct relation with a service (other users might decide in a different way). I cannot see why Sonos should know my position on the globe just for a speaker to work (please do not bore me with local radio which I can find via search as well). Are there some hidden features which might not be in my favour?
4: GDPR takes up this concerns and therefore Sonos should as well take up this concern (better before somebody asks officially to do so - this might be too expensive).
Sonos? Anyone? Please explain how this is acceptable? Will you be issuing refunds to those who bought speakers before this was a "requirement". No where in your product documentation or the packaging stated this was a prerequisite, nor should it be expected.
I think the Australian Consumer Law would come into affect here for those choosing to seek a refund from Sonos.
I think the Australian Consumer Law would come into affect here for those choosing to seek a refund from Sonos.
No, my speakers consist of Play 1 and Play 3 only. It doesn't even let me proceed without signing in to a Sonos account.
The issue is, I shouldn't need to. I have no requirement for it. I should be given the option to skip it since it adds no benefit to me.
The issue is, I shouldn't need to. I have no requirement for it. I should be given the option to skip it since it adds no benefit to me.
I have several PLAY:1s, a PLAY:5 and a CONNECT:AMP and I have been happy with them. I only use them to play music from my computer (no online services). They have been working fine for years. The software and firmware updates fine. I decided to buy a couple more PLAY:1s when they announced the PLAY:ONE because I worried Sonos would retire the microphone free model and I refuse to volunteer for corporate surveillance.
I tried to add the new PLAY:1s and now Sonos is forcing me to sign up anyway. An online account was not a stated requirement when I bought the speakers. Apple doesn't require an online account to use an iPad. Sony doesn't require an online account to play Playstation. Why does Sonos?
I contacted Sonos support and asked them if they would buy all of my speakers back. They chose not to reply. Today I got a popup in the phone app that if I don't register soon I won't be able to use the system all all. Not even the previously setup and working speakers. I am rightly angry. Is there a lawyer in the house?
I tried to add the new PLAY:1s and now Sonos is forcing me to sign up anyway. An online account was not a stated requirement when I bought the speakers. Apple doesn't require an online account to use an iPad. Sony doesn't require an online account to play Playstation. Why does Sonos?
I contacted Sonos support and asked them if they would buy all of my speakers back. They chose not to reply. Today I got a popup in the phone app that if I don't register soon I won't be able to use the system all all. Not even the previously setup and working speakers. I am rightly angry. Is there a lawyer in the house?
I've been using my Sonos system (with multiple components) happily for 5 years, and I am watching this with interest.
To borrow the phrase used above ... Yes I am willing to cut off my nose to spite my face - on principle - and I am prepared to abandon Sonos entirely if I ever lose control of my system due to some 'hereafter essential' connection with any online "service" which I do not want (Alexa, Spotify .... or what else.)
I'm already concerned, like muwu above, at the direction this seems to be heading.
And I am kinda pretty mad for these changes. In fact, I'm warning everybody against buying Sonos gear.
This isn't paranoid, Just really unnecessary
That's exactly how I feel.
Colin P.
To borrow the phrase used above ... Yes I am willing to cut off my nose to spite my face - on principle - and I am prepared to abandon Sonos entirely if I ever lose control of my system due to some 'hereafter essential' connection with any online "service" which I do not want (Alexa, Spotify .... or what else.)
I'm already concerned, like muwu above, at the direction this seems to be heading.
And I am kinda pretty mad for these changes. In fact, I'm warning everybody against buying Sonos gear.
This isn't paranoid, Just really unnecessary
That's exactly how I feel.
Colin P.
Userlevel 2
To answer your earlier post: My three PLAY 1 speakers are several years old and I did not add a newer speaker. The requirement of SONOS to update the software on my PC and on the mobile devices leads to things I did not need before and I did not ask for.
Now I have one of those three speakers which is (for unknown reasons) not recognized in the WLAN anymore (although that worked for years). And simply adding it again leads to the account question (which perfectly fits the title of this thread).
It's simply not acceptable and Sonos' response above just did it for me.
No, signing into a cloud service is NOT required to use speakers offline, I'm sorry but that's just not acceptable. Had I have known this would be the case, I'd have never bought them. I'll be getting rid of my Sonos system and replacing them with alternatives.
I also won't be recommending Sonos because of this silly requirement which does exactly nothing to the functionality of the system. Instead I'll be publicly recommending against buying Sonos gear: http://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/sonos-holding-their-users-hostage-cloud-account-now-required/
No, signing into a cloud service is NOT required to use speakers offline, I'm sorry but that's just not acceptable. Had I have known this would be the case, I'd have never bought them. I'll be getting rid of my Sonos system and replacing them with alternatives.
I also won't be recommending Sonos because of this silly requirement which does exactly nothing to the functionality of the system. Instead I'll be publicly recommending against buying Sonos gear: http://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/sonos-holding-their-users-hostage-cloud-account-now-required/
1) You have always been required to register to a Sonos account.
2) The reason you need to specify the account when adding new devices is for your security, due to Sonos being more open to the internet.
3) There are no "essential connections" to any service. Alexa, Spotify, etc. are completely voluntary, and you have to add them yourself, they are not defaults.
4) You can turn off the majority of data collection (Sonos does need some for diagnostics) by following these directions:
Sonos for iOS or Android:
From the Sonos music menu, tap Settings.
Tap Advanced Settings.
Tap Usage Data then Turn off Usage Data Sharing.
Sonos for PC/Mac:
From the menu bar at the top of your screen click Sonos then Preferences.
On the left side of the window, click Advanced.
Click Improve Sonos.
Check the box that reads Turn usage data sharing off.
2) The reason you need to specify the account when adding new devices is for your security, due to Sonos being more open to the internet.
3) There are no "essential connections" to any service. Alexa, Spotify, etc. are completely voluntary, and you have to add them yourself, they are not defaults.
4) You can turn off the majority of data collection (Sonos does need some for diagnostics) by following these directions:
Sonos for iOS or Android:
From the Sonos music menu, tap Settings.
Tap Advanced Settings.
Tap Usage Data then Turn off Usage Data Sharing.
Sonos for PC/Mac:
From the menu bar at the top of your screen click Sonos then Preferences.
On the left side of the window, click Advanced.
Click Improve Sonos.
Check the box that reads Turn usage data sharing off.
Userlevel 6
+15
I would prefer an option to set up without an account as well. I seem to remember this wasn't always required.
Userlevel 2
GDPR (European Directive 25th May) or DataProtection Act 2018 (U.K. Act of Parliament with Royal Assent 23rd-May), allows an individual to see what data is being held and exactly how it is being used/shared. It’s all now done as an 'opt-in' process with written consent. If you do nothing, or do not provide consent, you are choosing to opt-out. A user can opt-out at anytime.
I assume that the situation under GDPR/DPA, is that if you opt-out and ask a company to delete all your stored personal data... you would then lose access to their services. I’m sure that is the case for companies like Netflix, the BBC, Spotify, Sony PlayStation, Google, Microsoft and Sonos, to mention but a few. There are probably hundreds, if not thousands, of companies that already operate in this way.
I’m not too concerned at giving some limited details to a company, as long as it is held secure and only shared with 'others' with my written consent, which is what GDPR/DPA is about isn’t it?
At least we can ask to see what information is now being held and see exactly how it is being used... things are perhaps a lot more transparent.
I wish to use the Sonos services that they provide, so I’m opting in. In some other cases, I would use a pseudonym, before ever deciding to opt-out, as long as it was lawful to do so.
Why cut off your nose, just to spite your face?
I am with you.
For me, it is not a matter of name or pseudonym. I have purchased a good with a certain basic functionality which I want to user further without suddenly (at discretion of the provider) being forced to new committments just to have further what I had before (and have already paid for).
The trick might be the famous "freemium" strategy - people who want to have the minimum (like me) do not provide additional data and shall not be forced to do so. People who want to benefit from additional services, are free to provide whatever it takes.
stopbreakingthings,
Sonos system requirements are stated here:
Sonos System Requirements
And here are the stated terms and conditions for adding products to an existing Sonos system:
https://support.sonos.com/s/article/1006?language=en_US
Sonos do clearly state what their requirements are before you buy their products. It’s not even what I would call 'small print'.
I don’t see what the difficulty is in creating a (free) standalone email account just for this purpose and register your products under a pseudo-name if you are that concerned with your own privacy and identity issues. It must be quite simple to do that?
I haven’t yet reached the paranoid stage, but I like to think I disclose 'just enough' to be 'sensible' about my online presence for the many benefits it can provide.
Sonos system requirements are stated here:
Sonos System Requirements
And here are the stated terms and conditions for adding products to an existing Sonos system:
https://support.sonos.com/s/article/1006?language=en_US
Sonos do clearly state what their requirements are before you buy their products. It’s not even what I would call 'small print'.
I don’t see what the difficulty is in creating a (free) standalone email account just for this purpose and register your products under a pseudo-name if you are that concerned with your own privacy and identity issues. It must be quite simple to do that?
I haven’t yet reached the paranoid stage, but I like to think I disclose 'just enough' to be 'sensible' about my online presence for the many benefits it can provide.
Yes, Sonos tells everyone what information they glean from our systems. So, no need for the rhetorical, I can (as can anyone) read the answers you seek right in Sonos' very detailed Privacy Policy:
https://www.sonos.com/en-us/legal/privacy
Functional data (cannot opt out)
Additional Usage Data (can opt out)
There is also Audio Data like Trueplay and Alexa commands, but they are not stored, only processed. Both are also voluntary.
https://www.sonos.com/en-us/legal/privacy
Functional data (cannot opt out)
Registration data:
This data includes your email address, location, language preference, Product serial number, IP address, and Sonos account login information (as described above).
System data:
This data includes things like product type, controller device type, operating system of controller, software version information, content source (audio line in), signal input (for example, whether your TV outputs a specific audio signal such as Dolby to your Sonos system), information about wifi antennas, audio settings (such as equalization or stereo pair), Product orientation, room names you have assigned to your Sonos Product, whether your product has been tuned using Sonos Trueplay technology, and error information.
Additional Usage Data (can opt out)
Performance Information:
This includes things like temperature of your Product, Wi-Fi information such as signal strength, what music services you have connected to your Sonos system (including, for some services, your login username – but not password – for such service), information about how often you use the Sonos app versus another control mechanism, flow of interactions within the Sonos app, how often you use the physical controls on the unit, and location data when the Sonos app is in use, and duration of Sonos Product use.
Activity Information:
This includes duration of music service use, Product or room grouping information; command information such as play, pause, change volume, or skip tracks; information about track, playlist, or station container data; and Sonos playlist or Sonos favorites information; each correlated to individual Sonos Products.
There is also Audio Data like Trueplay and Alexa commands, but they are not stored, only processed. Both are also voluntary.
Audio Data
Sonos is not continuously recording sound in your home. There are two times when we will record sound from within your home: (1) when you enable voice control technology on a voice enabled Sonos Product; and (2) when you utilize our innovative Trueplay room tuning technology.
Voice control. Voice control works by your voice enabled Sonos Product “listening” for a specific wake word. Please note that not all Sonos Products are voice enabled. At the most detailed level, this means that the voice enabled Sonos Product buffers and re-records locally, without transmitting or storing any information, until it detects the word or phrase that triggers the device to begin actively recording. If the Product does not detect the wake word, it continues to record over itself in a never ending loop lasting just a few seconds. This is all done locally on your Product and is not sent to Sonos or any third party. If a wake word is detected, the Product begins recording. In other words, it does not record or retain any audio data, or begin to transmit any data until it is “woken up.” You are notified that it is recording by a visual indicator such as a light on the Product. The Product will record until you are finished with your voice command. The actual recording of your voice command is then sent to the voice partner you have authorized to receive such recording (for example, Amazon). Sonos does not retain a copy of your voice recording. Concurrent with the voice recording, your Product will collect data (for example, decibel level at each frequency) about the ambient noise in the room. It is not possible to extract any speech from this type of data. We collect this data to help us improve our speech recognition technology. For example, if you are trying to state a voice command while music is playing, Sonos may improve the technology by lowering the music so that your voice command can be properly understood.
Trueplay room tuning. Our innovative Trueplay speaker tuning technology analyses room size, layout, décor, speaker placement, and any other acoustic factors that can impact sound quality. Then it perfectly adjusts how your Sonos Product produces sound. In order to do this, a user goes through an interactive process (watch the video here) that gathers certain data about your room including information about background noise levels (for example decibel level at each frequency). This information is used to help make sure that the tuning gives you the best outcome possible. For example, if your dog barks during the Trueplay testing, the Product knows to ignore the background noise of a barking dog during the testing.
Creating a Sonos account and linking your system to protects your system and data with a username and password, linked through an email verification step. This is designed to facilitate seamless integration with cloud services that we use like Amazon Alexa, Spotify, and Deezer. Additionally, it has been necessary to create a Sonos account in the past in order to utilize cloud services such as Amazon Alexa or Spotify Direct Control when those features were introduced. We've also required creating a Sonos account when adding a new device to your system or registering a new system, as of last year.
At this point, we felt it was a reasonable precaution that all Sonos customers should take. The idea is to make sure that every Sonos user is ready to go when if they ever wanted to use one of these (and/or other future) services.
If you are currently opted-out of marketing communications, you will remain opted-out after creating your account and we will never sell your information to third parties. Ever.
Have any specific questions about our privacy policy or how we use your data? Check out our privacy policy for a full list of information we gather, and how that information is used. (jgatie did a great job giving the cliff notes.) There are some great answers to many of your questions here on the FAQ of the Privacy Policy here.
Any other questions, please feel free to reach out to our team and we'll be happy to chat.
At this point, we felt it was a reasonable precaution that all Sonos customers should take. The idea is to make sure that every Sonos user is ready to go when if they ever wanted to use one of these (and/or other future) services.
If you are currently opted-out of marketing communications, you will remain opted-out after creating your account and we will never sell your information to third parties. Ever.
Have any specific questions about our privacy policy or how we use your data? Check out our privacy policy for a full list of information we gather, and how that information is used. (jgatie did a great job giving the cliff notes.) There are some great answers to many of your questions here on the FAQ of the Privacy Policy here.
Any other questions, please feel free to reach out to our team and we'll be happy to chat.
As mentioned in the thread before this is "poor form" by Sonos. I have no intention of buying or using any online services, so preparing for that is just a pain. Opening up for Alexa and other voice command services is just one huge security risk, which I absolutely do not want.
It's understandable that you don't want to use online services and Alexa. I respect those who don't want to do that for security reasons. However, as mentioned already, asking for an account signin when you add a new speaker is for security reasons. The account itself is needed for onlines services yes, but that is not why the account is asked for when adding a speaker.
I expect my system to work offline and also to continue functioning in the future, regardless of whether Sonos changes their services, services become temporarily unavailable or Sonos goes bankrupt.
And that is mostly true. You do not have to upgrade and continue functioning as you are. However, Sonos doesn't support previous releases of their free software and doesn't allow you add new speakers without first upgrading to the current version.
(I don't think bankruptcy should be much of a concern. Sonos has enough market coverage that they surely would be bought out before bankruptcy)
I am NOT, I repeat: NOT, interested in the tie in that Sonos is now doing.
I will not be purchasing any more Sonos products and I will continue to dissuade any potential buyers I come across to warn them that this tie in will lock them in and there is a big risk that their equipment will become unusable in the future.
I get that you don't like how Sonos operates and your obviously free to dissuade whoever you want. I'm not seeing how Sonos locks in their customers. By asking you to setup an account? There are no contracts to sign, no requirement to make future purchases, and you can stop using or sell your speakers at any time.
As far as unusable in the future, there has been one Sonos device that is now unusable on the current version, and it had a rather long life. If you assume the same happens for all the other units, yes there is a risk that your speaker will be unusable 10+ year from now or greater. But it is networked computer equipment that comes with free software. Should there really expectation that you'll be able to pass the speakers down to generations to come?
There are countless examples of services that have been discontinued by their companies willingly or through bankrupcy that make the equipment unusable. This is NOT HOW YOU CREATE LOYAL CUSTOMERS.
Yes, there are. Which is why I think it's a good idea to avoid some of Sonos competitors that have yet to establish on strong track record, or lack the backing of a large company...at least without understanding the risk you're taking.
As far as creating loyal customers, it's pretty clear that Sonos has a ton of loyal customers given how long they've been in business, how many millions they've sold to, and how many of their customers are repeat customers. Sure, they won't continue to appeal to the customers that want nothing to change, no services, no accounts, nothing. However, I can't imagine they would stay in business if they did not change and grow.
Fairpoint Stuart_W FTC is there to protect US citizens and yes they can include international investigations if, as you say, the citizen's protected data is located outside US boundaries.e.g. india or south america. I think my point is names, emails, addresses, phone numbers are all covered by data privacy laws to some degree. BUT lat and long (home address) , email details and header (sos used, body content IS scanned, buying patterns, demographic, associations, work history are all the same AND just as easily identifiable as you phone number or name. Biggest scam of the 21 century. Just be wise, do some googling get informed is my message to everyone 🙂
Userlevel 2
2: I do not want to use Spotify. If I change my mind, I accept to have an account with Spotify. I do not want to use Alexa or all the others which hear everything you say and which support you in shutting down your brain - hence, I don't need an account.
3: Whenever possible, I give my data only when I can see the direct relation with a service (other users might decide in a different way). I cannot see why Sonos should know my position on the globe just for a speaker to work (please do not bore me with local radio which I can find via search as well). Are there some hidden features which might not be in my favour?
4: GDPR takes up this concerns and therefore Sonos should as well take up this concern (better before somebody asks officially to do so - this might be too expensive).
You're perfectly entitled to request Sonos remove some or all of your data
https://www.sonos.com/en-us/legal/privacy#types-information
Depending on what you request they do your system may become unusable s per YOUR agreement with Sonos (despite your assertion that that contract is worthless and you should be free to ignore it!).
Thank you for the link. The privacy statement refers to "necessary for the performance of the contract we have with you". When I purchased the hardware, I cannot remember that I have signed any contract with Sonos. As I said, it was an over-the-counter purchase which, as such, does not imply further interactions. I understand the need of an account if I was up to the usage of further services. However, why exactly do I need an account to set up my PLAY 1?
(I can see a few examples why certain data is gathered - funny enough, the local radio is one of them).
SONOS will not remove all your data. I too bought my equipment before one needed an account. This is the response I got:
Hello Giles,
Thank you for writing back.
I understand that you are unhappy with the data that we collect.
We can delete all your data that we hold for your account but if we were to do this then you will not be able to use your Sonos products as having a registered account is now a requirement to use Sonos.
Please let me know how you would like to proceed.
Kind regards,
Matthew P.
Sonos | Customer Care | Contact Us
Ask questions, find answers, and share your thoughts on the Sonos Community.
Hello Giles,
Thank you for writing back.
I understand that you are unhappy with the data that we collect.
We can delete all your data that we hold for your account but if we were to do this then you will not be able to use your Sonos products as having a registered account is now a requirement to use Sonos.
Please let me know how you would like to proceed.
Kind regards,
Matthew P.
Sonos | Customer Care | Contact Us
Ask questions, find answers, and share your thoughts on the Sonos Community.
[quote=dbircher]Now I have one of those three speakers which is (for unknown reasons) not recognized in the WLAN anymore (although that worked for years). And simply adding it again leads to the account question (which perfectly fits the title of this thread).
This just happened to me (see https://en.community.sonos.com/controllers-software-228995/android-8-6-battery-drain-and-windows-8-6-issues-6808576). A CONNECT:AMP (wired) suddenly become a "new device" in my Sonos setup, and I had to re-add it, but only after I entered my Sonos account details....which I thought was different than before but didn't think much of it...at the time! It is a little concerning though....
I have a Pebble watch which is now a paperweight because they were bought and shelved by Fitbit - and that's just a watch! If my whole Sonos setup suddenly became unusable because of something outside of my control, I'd be more than a little p****d off!
This just happened to me (see https://en.community.sonos.com/controllers-software-228995/android-8-6-battery-drain-and-windows-8-6-issues-6808576). A CONNECT:AMP (wired) suddenly become a "new device" in my Sonos setup, and I had to re-add it, but only after I entered my Sonos account details....which I thought was different than before but didn't think much of it...at the time! It is a little concerning though....
I have a Pebble watch which is now a paperweight because they were bought and shelved by Fitbit - and that's just a watch! If my whole Sonos setup suddenly became unusable because of something outside of my control, I'd be more than a little p****d off!
Userlevel 7
+21
There is a hardwired button on the Sonos One to inhibit the use of the microphone for those concerned about corporate listening in. I'm not sure what you use your ipad for but to add any app to make it useful you need to sign up to the apple itunes store. Unfortunately that is the way of the world. Sonos does this process to ensure all the kit is on the same version otherwise the system will not perform as intended. You can always sign up with a 60minute email address and once all the kit has been updated to the same current version i believe you can remove any access to the internet for your Sonos system.
An account was required back in 2013, when I bought my first Sonos product, and has been down to the present day. Nothing new and, therefore, nothing particularly remarkable.
[snip] (....)
Thank you jgatie for your impressively long reply, although really your reminder about the policies and a link to them would have been plenty ... but yes, you've made your point strongly enough.
TL;DR
I can say with 100% certainty that I had already read every word of that privacy policy (you may guess that I make a point of reading privacy policies) but I can say with equal certainty that I had rapidly forgotten most of the specifics.
The major point that had stuck in my memory (and which I think about each time I re-arrange my Play 3s or switch the audio inputs on my Sonos Connect) was that we cannot opt-out of feeding back to Sonos our System Data plus certain aspects of how our network components are connected.
Yes, to many folks these may be minor niggling points, but to Sonos Users like me (and I'm clearly not alone) - especially to those of us with a technical background who strive for maximum security on our home networks - they're not insignificant points.
As Sonos Users we've always known there would be - beyond our control - certain open (Sonos) network ports (although they sit safely behind our NAT routers) and some types of (Sonos) data flow on our networks. These networking details can be easily tolerated as long as we enjoy the trust and good-will of Sonos as a system designer/provider.
However, this trust is fragile (IMO) and it has been dented by Sonos's decision to make our use of our own, long established, perfectly functional hardware conditional upon us "signing in" unnecessarily (IMO) to an 'account'.
This retort is already too long. I'll be happy to say no more on this.
Pax.
Colin P.
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