Constant Updates REALLY ANNOYING

I wonder if there could be some sort of compromise where the desktop is updated less frequently than the mobile apps and firmware. I would think that most updates would be fine, with the exception of additional products (in some cases) or significant new features, an older version of the desktop would work with the current firmware of the speakers.

Of course, that's a broad assumption that may not be true. And it could end up causing more confusion than it's worth, keeping track of what version is compatible with what and very support issues it could cause.

Maybe another compromise could be a secondary version of the desktop (or perhaps a URL) that only uses Sonos existing APIs. Since the APIs will not change nearly as frequently, users could use this application instead of the full (fuller?) version of the desktop for normal operations.

I don't have the same frustration as others users do, since I rarely use the desktop app. It's probably a couple versions behind right now. It's actually becoming rather rare to use the moble app as well, since I do most operation by voice these days.

One thing that's worth mentioning is that the annoyance factor climbs in proportion to the number of devices that are/can be used to control the system. In our situation, we have multiple desktops and multiple mobile devices that are in use, and we do not have the option of limiting it to one device. So, at any given time, there's more than a half dozen computers/devices all saying, "Hey, I need an update! Update me, update me, update me!!" And if I put duct tape over their mouths to quiet them, eventually they juts stop working, requiring ........an update.

There is simply no need for Sonos to be updating their software every few weeks. They're boxes that play music - that's it. I don't care if they have refurbished, surplus Cray II supercomputers from the mid 80s in them, they still just play music. No matter how you dress it up, that's all they do. 7 years ago, My Sonos system did EXACTLY what it does now, it just did so without constantly harassing me to update it.
Buy yourself an old school HiFi system with cables and no internet connection, and that therefore can't madden you with constant firmware improvements.

If I hadn't invested thousands of dollars in a system that used to work just fine, I might consider that.

Turn on automatic updates for the firmware, schedule it for 'Overnight', ...
https://support.sonos.com/s/article/225?language=en

... also enable auto updates in the respective app store - that's it!

Turn on automatic updates for the firmware, schedule it for 'Overnight', ...
https://support.sonos.com/s/article/225?language=en

... also enable auto updates in the respective app store - that's it!
And what does he do with the many desktops he uses for system control?

Turn on automatic updates for the firmware, schedule it for 'Overnight', ...
https://support.sonos.com/s/article/225?language=en

... also enable auto updates in the respective app store - that's it!
And what does he do with the many desktops he uses for system control?
It's not that hard to click "Update now" or whatever it is called in English.

Seems like the OP's expectations for Sonos' product line to be less updated is not in accordance with the very technology Sonos primarily supports and promotes.

As has been stated, Sonos' older lines were less dependent on updates so they operate in large part the way the OP prefers -- as more of a stand-alone, set it and forget it system.

Today, the industry (in part) demands much more from internet-based music systems. Sonos has done their part to stay competitive in a market segment that beckons companies like themselves to innovate far more frequently than previous years.

In summary, you either embrace the direction of more frequent updates and the benefits of them -- or you sell off your existing product line that's more dependent on said firmware upgrades and opt for the older (equally impressive sounding) Sonos speaker offerings.

In my opinion, the OP and the most recent product line (based on their explicit expectations) is a marriage that will inevitably lead in divorce, if not at least endless disappointment.

In summary, you either embrace the direction of more frequent updates and the benefits of them -- or you sell off your existing product line that's more dependent on said firmware upgrades and opt for the older (equally impressive sounding) Sonos speaker offerings.


This isn't really how it works. Sonos will require the firmware and application updates regardless of the age of the Sonos products you own. You can opt to turn off automatic updates and/or notifications that a new update is available, but Sonos doesn't offer support if your system isn't updated to the current version. Also, you won't be able to add any new products, old or new, to your setup if you are not on the current version.

I understand that, Danny. But the OP seems to not want to disable updates, and the older line doesn't have the same frequency.

Honestly, this thread seems more like a place to blow hot air than anything else (which could be fine, I suppose) because plenty of advice has been offered, none of which seems to want to be followed.

It's taken on more the shape of a megaphone to simply broadcast to Sonos that they update too much, which (in effect) isn't really going to make a difference. But I believe the OP understands this, and still wants a place for their voice to be heard whether or not it actually leads to change.

Some might say what's the point, and I might be inclined to agree, but I am only one person. And I also don't have any authority to effect the type of change being requested.

Edit: to add that actually the OP has remained rather quiet on the issue, but plenty have spoken up in their stead

I understand that, Danny. But the OP seems to not want to disable updates, and the older line doesn't have the same frequency. [...]
... in being updated, you mean? All products, old and new, are running the same firmware built, otherwise the multiroom concept won't work out. For example, it would be impossible to group speakers that are running different firmware versions.

OK, I see Danny's point (and yours) now, and stand corrected. Cheers!

I understand that, Danny. But the OP seems to not want to disable updates, and the older line doesn't have the same frequency. [...]
... in being updated, you mean? All products, old and new, are running the same firmware built, otherwise the multiroom concept won't work out. For example, it would be impossible to group speakers that are running different firmware versions.