Sonos Controller version 8, 8.1 are AWFUL. How can I go back to prior Controller version?

I agree and am looking for a way to revert back to a prior version. The new interface is horrible. If no way to revert back, I pray that Sonos heads back towards what was so loved by so many. We all make mistakes, let's get this fixed.

I tried to go back to 7.4 a few days ago and it won't even boot up without asking to update..

in a separate post Sonos confirmed that it will not allow the controller to run a version more than 1 behind the firmware on the devices (speakers/connects/boost/bridge). So if the devices are on 8.0 its OK to run 7.4 controller. However if the firmware is 8.1 or higher then 7.4 will go into 'forced update' mode that you experience.

Nobody in their right mind buys a music/audio speaker for the "glorious, near-perfect controller app" unless they have a bizarrely skewed vision of what they want Vs what they need.

Apart from that you only need to look at the significant number of people who for years have been DEMANDING Sonos update the rubbish app calling it all sorts of useless. Now the app is changing significantly and apparently the old app was actually much better than sliced bread.

Sure, the new app needs some TLC but the MAIN thing is that the sound is STILL fantastic.

Agreed Stuart. A music system is for the music after all.

And to listen to that music, all you need to do is choose a room and then some music. For those finding that tricky in the new app, maybe this will help.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1mI9AOixsZpxDrxVnsnzYQbPZ23bSV-EG

A music system is many things to many people. In my opinion the latest changes to the app have turned a decent app into one that is so counter intuitive that I tend to use my PC now rather than the app. It's also made me think twice about getting Sonos kit for my kids bedrooms for Xmas, the latest Amazon speakers look like a better proposition for them.

A music system is many things to many people. In my opinion the latest changes to the app have turned a decent app into one that is so counter intuitive that I tend to use my PC now rather than the app. It's also made me think twice about getting Sonos kit for my kids bedrooms for Xmas, the latest Amazon speakers look like a better proposition for them.It is fair comment that we all have different priorities and I know that some users have found the app counterintuitive. May I ask what you feel is counterintuitive about the steps in the document I linked?

This is just another stroppy rant from the OP. 17 days and no further replies. Also why the dig at overpriced, If he thinks that, why buy them?

I didn't like the new app at first. I rarely like any change in any app I regularly use. But can't say after a week or two I even notice. One of my friends picked up my phone to use Sonos for the first time and had no issues at all, another was confused. I think everyone is still looking for the perfect gui and we may get some pain along the way.

I do remember changes to the app a few years ago that caused outrage. But that, according to the OP, was near perfect.

You can please all of the people for some of the time.....

I really don't like the new controller either. I still have moments of confusion when trying to find the controls that I want. The old one was much easier to navigate. And I can't find a way to have the alarm play more than one speaker at a time. When I choose one speaker it un-checks the previous one.

As far as I am aware, it has never been possible to group alarms. Let us please not confuse new feature requests with complaints about the app changes