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

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?

The document explains it well (thanks!), but I guess my point is that you shouldn't need a document to use an app and previously I haven't. Apps should be intuitive and simple to use, especially when it is essentially performing such simple tasks, 1. select room(s), 2. select music. The old app worked well, I now keep getting asked by my family how to use the new app who seem to forget if they've not used it for a while (or been using 'Alexa' to select music).

It doesn't need a document. I didn't have one. I read the release notes, sat down for fifteen minutes, pressed everything in sight to see what happened, and pretty much had it figured.

Any change is going to mean temporary greater difficulty, and that is nothing to do with inherent intuitiveness.

But i don't want another argument over this. I am not trying to claim that the app is better than before. There are things I don't like about it. I wrote the document in the hope it would help, that is all.

I agree and really hope a new update is coming soon. I also have been experiencing audio drop outs in my 5.1 setup since the update before this one. The app is now a chore to use and not user friendly at all. Let's hope Sonos didn't lay off a ton of employees because the responses from support seem to have gone way down.

It doesn't need a document. I didn't have one. I read the release notes, sat down for fifteen minutes, pressed everything in sight to see what happened, and pretty much had it figured.

Any change is going to mean temporary greater difficulty, and that is nothing to do with inherent intuitiveness.

But i don't want another argument over this. I am not trying to claim that the app is better than before. There are things I don't like about it. I wrote the document in the hope it would help, that is all.

You say it doesn't need a document yet you wrote one either for yourself or as you recognised others did. You also had to read the release notes (which I'd argue are a form of document) for fifteen minutes and press everything in sight to figure it out, is this something you had to do with previous versions?

I know this is the first version of the app where I've not just been able to pick it up and use it intuitively and the frustration is that so far I can't see any benefit of the redesign but maybe I'm missing something.

I'm not after an argument either, just stating my opinion so they can improve the app if there are a lot of people who feel the same as me, and do appreciate you writing the document, I've printed it out and I'm giving it to my family 😉

Has anyone else noticed that the new Sonos UI is almost exactly like Tidal’s UI? Only difference is the reversal of black and white. Both are simple and intuitive to use.

OK. Our perceptions are different and there is no right and wrong. Whatever the reason there is no question that some people haven't 'got' the new app. I suspect that is especially true of those used to the previous tablet app, where more was on display all the time.

I wrote the document yesterday, long after I had any need for it myself.

I am glad you think it may help you and your family and I very much hope it does.

Cheers

OK. Our perceptions are different and there is no right and wrong. Whatever the reason there is no question that some people haven't 'got' the new app. I suspect that is especially true of those used to the previous tablet app, where more was on display all the time.

I wrote the document yesterday, long after I had any need for it myself.

I am glad you think it may help you and your family and I very much hope it does.

Cheers

Thanks John B 🙂

After a few weeks I know my way around now.... but it still takes thought. And more significantly there's no pleasure in it. I've really loved the feel of the Sonos app before. I didn't like some of the layout and flow, but it still looked and felt _nice_.

I think if it still bothers people then they should continue to post. Otherwise all the 'you'll get used to it' folk will think they're right!

Btw can someone tell me the difference between Playlists and Sonos Playlists on the My Sonos screen? The Playlists section seems to have Sonos Playlists in it? But those ones aren't in the Sonos Playlists section?

Btw can someone tell me the difference between Playlists and Sonos Playlists on the My Sonos screen? The Playlists section seems to have Sonos Playlists in it? But those ones aren't in the Sonos Playlists section?Are you on version 8.0/8.1 or 8.2? In 8.0/8.1 'Playlists' actually meant 'favourite playlists'. In 8.2 the thing seems to have merged into one. My Sonos seems a bit of a dog's breakfast to me.