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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@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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes please! This would be one of my most used apple watch apps around the house!!!! Please make this happen ASAP!
Just got my watch too and sad/shocked to see that there's no app for it!! It's a no brainer guys!!
Alaska Airlines whipped up an Apple Watch app, but still no Sonos controller app. Hmmm.....
Yes, Sonos appeals to techies and many techies who own iPhones will be buying an Apple Watch!
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.
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.
Another watch user hoping for a Sonos update here.
Userlevel 7
+22
Well thought out post. It would be nice if Sonos was more forthcoming on future plans..they are a little more these days but not by much. Of course when you see companies come in like Denon and their HEOS system trying to copy Sonos item by item you start realizing what pushes them to secrecy so much. Plus they like they do what they say they are going to do (and don't say otherwise) - which other companies, like Denon HEOS, promise things then its a wait and see if ever actually happens.
Sonos should be very proud of having such a unique, intelligent, and loyal following! I have never seen a forum that is filled with as many constructive ideas and positive criticism. I find forums to be the best endorsement OR disparagement for consumer/ prosumer products and the companies that manufacturer or sell these products.
I’ve had several friends recommend SONOS but I had way too much invested in multi zone amps with digital keypads in every room etc…. However, as a result of these recommendations I visited the Sonos website and decided to upgrade, mostly as a result of reading the comments made by members of the Sonos community. My original Connect purchase turned into, 1 Sonos Amp, which turned into 2 Sonos Amps, which turned into 5 Sonos Amps, then a Play1 for my kid’s bathroom. I wasn’t in the market for any audio equipment, and the above happened over the course of a weekend, but what was so amazing to me is everything just worked!!!!
Visiting forums of any given consumer oriented company, on any given topic and you can almost count on 90% of them have a third of the users which are trying to be helpful, the other third tries to comment and have product suggestions based on opinions for which the laws of physics, engineering, or common sense don’t apply… The final third tries to either disagree with everyone who commented previously or use the forum as a place to offload aggression at people or topics without having anything constructive to say. It is refreshing, that this is not the case with Sonos. Most everyone seems to have an understanding of reality and agree on almost everything!
Sonos seems to have the best hardware in the business. However the software side has room for improvement: Users are telling the company exactly what to do. The only questions is why the delay? There were no improvement suggestions that I saw which were contested by other users, or impractical, in fact almost every suggestion was embraced by other users.
As I have seen some other users own their businesses or run their organizations they work for, I am certain they would agree… I would love if my customers would tell me exactly (with the level of detail in this forum) what to do to improve my company in order to get more of their business!!! This data is invaluable.
So: Apple watch app: Sonos I can’t understand why you’d be so ambiguous with your response on this. Clearly the Apple Watch goes hand and hand with your product. The SDK has been out since November and I can’t imagine you haven’t been working on it.
There are so many other great suggestions in this forum that are mere tweaks to the current software.
Crossfade improvements:
Multizone improvements:
Home screen access to Controller:
etc…
Thanks for manufacturing a great product. Thanks in advance for dedicating the necessary resources to provide your users with the Apple Watch App soon, as well as to continually make improvements to the applications that control your hardware.
I’ve had several friends recommend SONOS but I had way too much invested in multi zone amps with digital keypads in every room etc…. However, as a result of these recommendations I visited the Sonos website and decided to upgrade, mostly as a result of reading the comments made by members of the Sonos community. My original Connect purchase turned into, 1 Sonos Amp, which turned into 2 Sonos Amps, which turned into 5 Sonos Amps, then a Play1 for my kid’s bathroom. I wasn’t in the market for any audio equipment, and the above happened over the course of a weekend, but what was so amazing to me is everything just worked!!!!
Visiting forums of any given consumer oriented company, on any given topic and you can almost count on 90% of them have a third of the users which are trying to be helpful, the other third tries to comment and have product suggestions based on opinions for which the laws of physics, engineering, or common sense don’t apply… The final third tries to either disagree with everyone who commented previously or use the forum as a place to offload aggression at people or topics without having anything constructive to say. It is refreshing, that this is not the case with Sonos. Most everyone seems to have an understanding of reality and agree on almost everything!
Sonos seems to have the best hardware in the business. However the software side has room for improvement: Users are telling the company exactly what to do. The only questions is why the delay? There were no improvement suggestions that I saw which were contested by other users, or impractical, in fact almost every suggestion was embraced by other users.
As I have seen some other users own their businesses or run their organizations they work for, I am certain they would agree… I would love if my customers would tell me exactly (with the level of detail in this forum) what to do to improve my company in order to get more of their business!!! This data is invaluable.
So: Apple watch app: Sonos I can’t understand why you’d be so ambiguous with your response on this. Clearly the Apple Watch goes hand and hand with your product. The SDK has been out since November and I can’t imagine you haven’t been working on it.
There are so many other great suggestions in this forum that are mere tweaks to the current software.
Crossfade improvements:
Multizone improvements:
Home screen access to Controller:
etc…
Thanks for manufacturing a great product. Thanks in advance for dedicating the necessary resources to provide your users with the Apple Watch App soon, as well as to continually make improvements to the applications that control your hardware.
Here is another loyal customer requesting an Apple watch app! I'd be hesitant to continue purchasing speakers and slow to recommend them to others if there was a decision to not create an app for the Apple watch.
This is a need and not a want
Userlevel 3
Chris, that is right. A stand-alone remote would be way nicer but is indeed not possible right now.
An add-on however seems (as I said) to be comparably easy to do and all the work which is done for the add-on doesn't need to be done for the standalone watch app.
An add-on however seems (as I said) to be comparably easy to do and all the work which is done for the add-on doesn't need to be done for the standalone watch app.
Userlevel 7
+22
I didn't say they couldn't do. I said they historically have not and obviously haven't. It would be better though to be a remote app that didn't have to go through iPhone. Which can't be done now as far as I have heard.
Userlevel 3
The WatchKit and iOS 8.2 Beta was made available in November 2014 for (all!) developers. That is 5 1/2 months before the watch launched. Plenty of time for watch development, especially since programming for the watch seems more like programming for what can be seen in the notification area.
3.500 watch-enabled apps (up to now) were created without any hardware (as Tim Cook said yesterday in his earnings call) and are running on more and more Apple Watches as we speak.
I am not sure since when the emulator was available, but it seemed to be more than enough time for many app developers.
3.500 watch-enabled apps (up to now) were created without any hardware (as Tim Cook said yesterday in his earnings call) and are running on more and more Apple Watches as we speak.
I am not sure since when the emulator was available, but it seemed to be more than enough time for many app developers.
Userlevel 7
+22
Sonos definitely moves on a very slow conservative pace whe it comes to software .... Good and bad. Hardware they told to stick to their core and can't blame them. as conservative as they normally are with software why I think they didn't devote much to Apple watch until release. I still stand by my 3 month prediction. However for simple function once Apple allows direct apps that don't interface with smartphone I'm sure we will see a third party remote. That is really what is needed and not supported yet by Apple.
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