Looks right. Thanks, I hadn’t found that page.
This ‘issue’ appears to be going away on May 7.
https://9to5mac.com/2024/04/23/sonos-unveils-app-overhaul-with-customizable-home-screen/
The desktop controller appears to be replaced with a web controller, as near as I can interpret, based on this:
Sonos notes that the new web version of the streamlined app will replace the existing Sonos desktop controller. The new mobile and web experience will launch for all users on May 7.
Interesting. Sonos development has long favored mobile over desktop control, and streaming services over local file system libraries. I suppose there’s a revenue stream tale behind that.
Reliance on my large, personally curated local library is crucial for me. I hope they do not take it away - that would require me finding a replacement for my 7 Sonos speakers and their considerable expense.
As near as I can tell, all of this discussion about the new controller is merely an update of the UI/UX, and not the underlying firmware/software that runs on the Sonos devices. So that would suggest no changes to access to various methods of input. But I share your thoughts.
WTH--why didn’t my installer tell me about this much less Sonos after all the issues they are having with the new app? It installed right away and sees my system and music sources. I am afraid to try it… :-)
The Mac controller revision will apparently abandon local file system access. Instead, it will favor a NAS (network attached storage) device for local storage. I got one (from Western Digital), installed it, copied my entire Music Library to it, and mapped my Sonos system to access it, in anticipation of this change.
Occasionally it takes a moment longer to access than the local file system, but is generally working fine. The Mac based controller is still at version 16.1, and has yet to insist upon an update.
My iPhone controller did insist on an update and is now at build 80.00.04. It has a substantially changed user interface. Like any big change, it has taken a bit of getting used to, but has some advantages.
My iPad controller has yet to insist on an update.
Mapping to the NAS happened for all controllers at once.
The NAS solution seems fine. Sonos supports other network systems, but unfortunately not Dropbox, which is where I had been storing my music.
