Sonos for Apple Watch
Userlevel 2
Hey guys, please tell me you are going to or have already started working on a control for Sonos from the apple watch, I use my iPhone or iPad all the time but a watch control would be awesome.
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My new Apple Watch just arrived and I was really surprised to find that there was no app for Sonos, even though apps like TuneIn Radio already have a watch app out. My Sonos system is the most brilliant music system I ever bought, and the convenience of using my phone to control it would be increased a million-fold by being able to use my watch. PLEASE add Apple Watch functionality to your iOS app.
Userlevel 6
+16
I have noticed quite a few apps with updates recently that include support for Apple "Watch" Sorry to say this again sonos but you're missing the boat on this one.
Yes, Sonos appeals to techies and many techies who own iPhones will be buying an Apple Watch!
Alaska Airlines whipped up an Apple Watch app, but still no Sonos controller app. Hmmm.....
Just got my watch too and sad/shocked to see that there's no app for it!! It's a no brainer guys!!
Yes please! This would be one of my most used apple watch apps around the house!!!! Please make this happen ASAP!
It would be nice to hear suggestions for Sonos that aren't couched in such a condescending and accusatory manner. Phrases like C'mon Sonos, this is a no brainer, you could have been working on this already, we're waiting, etc just make you sound like a spoiled child throwing a tantrum. I also think it would be great to have an app for the Apple watch, but given that this is a product that was just launched by Apple I'm not going to act all outraged because there isn't a Sonos app ready to go.
Userlevel 6
+16
@Mark Guildord I think you'll find that everyone here is very passionate about sonos and would love to see a function that would enable them to control their sonos setup from the Apple "Watch" So yes they might be over enthusiastic but I don't think they are being outrageous in requesting this functionality on the Apple Watch.
In my personal experience, those who claim developing a certain functionality is a "no brainer" have no clue about commercial software development cycles, and thus in reality, they are unknowingly describing themselves.
I think the "no brainer" comment is in regards to the thought that there would be demand for this, not any commentary on what's going on with the development cycle at Sonos.
In fairness, the Apple Watch SDK was available for quite some time, and numerous other apps were ready to go on launch day for the Apple Watch, while Sonos hasn't really said much about their plans.
That's rather disappointing, and sends a different message than a company that either is always on top of being compatible with our latest devices, or at least is providing detailed communication regarding future compatibility.
In fairness, the Apple Watch SDK was available for quite some time, and numerous other apps were ready to go on launch day for the Apple Watch, while Sonos hasn't really said much about their plans.
That's rather disappointing, and sends a different message than a company that either is always on top of being compatible with our latest devices, or at least is providing detailed communication regarding future compatibility.
Userlevel 7
+22
They didn't rule out they just said they would not have one at launch.
Maybe they ordered a watch to test before they release and they are stuck with a June delivery date like me :)
But point - we are talking about a device that the manufacturer is still trying to get released out to public. I find it hard to criticize anyone for not having "wish list" items for it already.
Maybe they ordered a watch to test before they release and they are stuck with a June delivery date like me :)
But point - we are talking about a device that the manufacturer is still trying to get released out to public. I find it hard to criticize anyone for not having "wish list" items for it already.
So the "no brainer" statement is all about eventual support, not a development cycle? Then you continue in your post to criticize the fact that Sonos did not deliver a watch app prior to launch? So in other words, the discussion of who knows what about a software development cycle is on the table after all?
Well I'll tell you what I know about software development: A company like Sonos is not going to dedicate the man-hours to something like a watch app until there is a sufficient market for the app. They are certainly not going to support what may be a vanity niche item right out of the box. They are going to wait to see what the market impact is, just as they did with the iPad, Android, and Windows Mobile platforms.
Well I'll tell you what I know about software development: A company like Sonos is not going to dedicate the man-hours to something like a watch app until there is a sufficient market for the app. They are certainly not going to support what may be a vanity niche item right out of the box. They are going to wait to see what the market impact is, just as they did with the iPad, Android, and Windows Mobile platforms.
I was among the first to clamor for an Apple Watch Sonos app. But I do think that a watch app is NOT a "no brainer"...
The Sonos app on the iPhone is a complex and multi-faceted application, providing a wide array of choices. How to condense that functionality into an Apple Watch is probably tricky: what to include, what to exclude, and how to provide the most satisfying interface is probably not an easy task. To include too much would be disasterous for this small screen, but leaving out crucial functionality would have the members of the forum incensed. I can't imagine that Sonos is not thinking about this issue very carefully. This is not a matter of simple "play/pause/stoop" functionality, nor loading just a boarding pass and notifications...
I look forward to Sonos' creative thinking on this issue.
The Sonos app on the iPhone is a complex and multi-faceted application, providing a wide array of choices. How to condense that functionality into an Apple Watch is probably tricky: what to include, what to exclude, and how to provide the most satisfying interface is probably not an easy task. To include too much would be disasterous for this small screen, but leaving out crucial functionality would have the members of the forum incensed. I can't imagine that Sonos is not thinking about this issue very carefully. This is not a matter of simple "play/pause/stoop" functionality, nor loading just a boarding pass and notifications...
I look forward to Sonos' creative thinking on this issue.
Userlevel 7
+22
I wouldn't think we would get more then Current Song Playing, pause/play, forward, back. Which for a basic remote as the watch would be should be plenty. Maybe background behind the info above be the album art (watermarked behind).
Userlevel 6
+16
Think we covered this up the thread somewhere @Chris. Basic functionality is all I envisage and I would hope people would be happy with that - think if you try to cram to much functionality into the watch it wouldn't be a good user experience.
@Mark Guilford
I agree with @Mark. It's no unreasonable for people to have started up their Watch and expected to see a Sonos app right there ready to go. If it was, then you would see no apps, but the reality is plenty of companies manage to develop ahead of the launch of the hardware. As someone noted: "Pandora already has it done along with several other music players".
Considering there is another thread I've been following keenly for years on a Sonos integration with IFTTT (formerly known as) and on which there seems to have been little action on, I'm a little worried Sonos aren't really the innovators I thought they were to be honest.
Itisa no-brainer (as is IFTTT!) so I'm with everyone else in the expectation it happens pretty soon.
I agree with @Mark. It's no unreasonable for people to have started up their Watch and expected to see a Sonos app right there ready to go. If it was, then you would see no apps, but the reality is plenty of companies manage to develop ahead of the launch of the hardware. As someone noted: "Pandora already has it done along with several other music players".
Considering there is another thread I've been following keenly for years on a Sonos integration with IFTTT (formerly known as) and on which there seems to have been little action on, I'm a little worried Sonos aren't really the innovators I thought they were to be honest.
Itisa no-brainer (as is IFTTT!) so I'm with everyone else in the expectation it happens pretty soon.
It is understandable that people like to see a Apple Watch app, and I would welcome this as well.
At the same time, this is kind of a "nice to have" feature and not a show stopper; especially with more pressing issues as the threads show.
What however strikes me funny is the fact how "demanding" some users are (not targeted to anybody specifically).
If one makes an app request like that in the Apple forums ,they don't even get staff response. Sonos chose to handle their business close chested like Apple does but at least responds occasionally (even though we may not like the answer).
Instead of trying to pressure them with sales loss (how many Play1 does one not has to buy until they recognize negative revenue?) take on the coolness you been taught by Apple - sit back and wait until engineering is ready for you;)
At the same time, this is kind of a "nice to have" feature and not a show stopper; especially with more pressing issues as the threads show.
What however strikes me funny is the fact how "demanding" some users are (not targeted to anybody specifically).
If one makes an app request like that in the Apple forums ,they don't even get staff response. Sonos chose to handle their business close chested like Apple does but at least responds occasionally (even though we may not like the answer).
Instead of trying to pressure them with sales loss (how many Play1 does one not has to buy until they recognize negative revenue?) take on the coolness you been taught by Apple - sit back and wait until engineering is ready for you;)
The Sonos app on the iPhone is a complex and multi-faceted application, providing a wide array of choices. How to condense that functionality into an Apple Watch is probably tricky: what to include, what to exclude, and how to provide the most satisfying interface is probably not an easy task. To include too much would be disasterous for this small screen, but leaving out crucial functionality would have the members of the forum incensed. I can't imagine that Sonos is not thinking about this issue very carefully. This is not a matter of simple "play/pause/stoop" functionality, nor loading just a boarding pass and notifications...
I look forward to Sonos' creative thinking on this issue.
I know I don't speak for everyone, but what I'd like to see is something very basic sooner rather than wait for something complex. Really, just Room, Now Playing, Pause/Play, and Volume. Keep it simple.
After that they can update later with additional functionality, especially when the full SDK comes out.
Sorry Chris, wrong @.
But to address the "no brainer" comment, I wasn't the one who made the comment, but look at the full quote, "Just got my watch too and sad/shocked to see that there's no app for it!! It's a no brainer guys!!"
I really think that is meant in the context of there will obviously be Apple Watch owners wanting a Sonos app, not a "You're stupid for not having this".
But to address the "no brainer" comment, I wasn't the one who made the comment, but look at the full quote, "Just got my watch too and sad/shocked to see that there's no app for it!! It's a no brainer guys!!"
I really think that is meant in the context of there will obviously be Apple Watch owners wanting a Sonos app, not a "You're stupid for not having this".
Userlevel 7
+22
The Sonos app on the iPhone is a complex and multi-faceted application, providing a wide array of choices. How to condense that functionality into an Apple Watch is probably tricky: what to include, what to exclude, and how to provide the most satisfying interface is probably not an easy task. To include too much would be disasterous for this small screen, but leaving out crucial functionality would have the members of the forum incensed. I can't imagine that Sonos is not thinking about this issue very carefully. This is not a matter of simple "play/pause/stoop" functionality, nor loading just a boarding pass and notifications...
I look forward to Sonos' creative thinking on this issue.
there are plenty of other things Sonos can work on to improve their core program without fast tracking a function such as Apple watch that is a nice to play with feature. exactly how many consumer electronics companies have jumped on controls off the bat for Apple watch. Just because there are a few doesn't mean the vast majority have Just because you want it immediately doesn't mean it should be that way.
The more I hear the "I wants" around here the less I even want to see it happen. I'm waiting on my Apple watch and am to the point now I care less if it has Sonos on it. Thanks for clearing that up for me.
At the same time, this is kind of a "nice to have" feature and not a show stopper; especially with more pressing issues as the threads show.
What however strikes me funny is the fact how "demanding" some users are (not targeted to anybody specifically).
If one makes an app request like that in the Apple forums ,they don't even get staff response. Sonos chose to handle their business close chested like Apple does but at least responds occasionally (even though we may not like the answer).
Instead of trying to pressure them with sales loss (how many Play1 does one not has to buy until they recognize negative revenue?) take on the coolness you been taught by Apple - sit back and wait until engineering is ready for you;)
Ironically, the only intentionally condescending comment in this entire thread is, "you sound like a spoiled child throwing a tantrum” which was directed at the participants of this forum. We are talking about semantics (the comment “No Brainer”) which had no malice behind it. The important thing to note is that everyone is in agreement about the subject of the thread… Sonos users fit the profile of those who are buying the Apple Watch and it would be assuring if Sonos would let us know that it is being worked on..
I do appreciate the fact that above mentioned comment caused so many people to respond (which demonstrates our interest), as well as it shows support to those who have the thankless job of software development.
We are all on the same page!
@Chris . It's worth the wait.
At the same time, this is kind of a "nice to have" feature and not a show stopper; especially with more pressing issues as the threads show.
What however strikes me funny is the fact how "demanding" some users are (not targeted to anybody specifically).
If one makes an app request like that in the Apple forums ,they don't even get staff response. Sonos chose to handle their business close chested like Apple does but at least responds occasionally (even though we may not like the answer).
Instead of trying to pressure them with sales loss (how many Play1 does one not has to buy until they recognize negative revenue?) take on the coolness you been taught by Apple - sit back and wait until engineering is ready for you;)
I can only speak to my perception--and based on many of the comments left here and on the Sonos Facebook page have the negative tone distilled sounds like, "get with it, dummies". That may not be the intent, but nevertheless that is how it comes across.
I think there are a lot of good ideas expressed here and suggestions are obviously welcome by Sonos. However, there is a way to do it, and in my opinion a lot of people do come off sounding sarcastic if not downright rude. Just my perspective.
Personally I am so grateful to Sonos. I got two of the Blue Note Play1s and they sound absolutely fantastic. I find the app very easy to use and have had no trouble with it at all. Between Spotify, iTunes playlists, DI.fm stations, and Pandora there isn't enough time in the day to listen to all the options I am have. I guess that is why I find it so hard to believe there is so much to find fault with given the vast selections at our disposal.
Is it a perfect system? No. Is there room for improvement? Probably. But I am definitely among those who are satisfied with what I have and will gratefully accept improvements and enhancements as they come. Thanks, Sonos! 🙂
It's like the school playground on here
It's an absolute must have and can't live without it and I will sell all my sonos stuff if it's not out soon 🙂 ha On a serious note, would be a really nice thing to have so hopefully they bring support for the watch soon. Does sonos ever read or comment/update on these threads?
Userlevel 7
+22
They do read and have actually responded in this thread what I would call fairly positively (in Sonos terms).
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