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colinbowern
colinbowern
Contributor I
August 16, 2015
Answered

Windows 10 Controller

  • August 16, 2015
  • 368 replies
  • 109985 views
Do you have plans to ship a Windows 10 Store app which can be used from multiple Windows devices (PC, Phone, Xbox) to control the Sonos experience?

We are a Windows household and the desktop controller that exists for PC today is heavy and not very touch friendly. The third party Windows Phone app, Phonos, is fills a void, but not nearly as feature rich as the Android or iOS app. This has been requested for several years (https://en.community.sonos.com/controllers-software-228995/support-windows-8-rt-for-surface-tablet-and-windows-phone-8-for-mobile-devices-4593709) and the product management team does not address this gap beyond a blanket we have no news statement. I understand that choices have to be made. If you do not plan to address this in the net 12 months then can you at least make your API public with your apps being first and best examples of how to use that API so others can fill the gap for you?

Instead of a lot of "+1" and "me too" threads please show your support by voting on the poll below so we can get a count of the number of people who are interested in a Windows 10 app.

Would you use a Windows 10 Sonos controller app?

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    Best answer by Kenneth R
    Some of you have been asking about a native Windows Phone controller app for Sonos, and we’ve been slow to provide a clear answer. We’re sorry about that. The truth of the matter is that up until now we’ve been unclear internally on this very question. In fact, it’s been the source of many passionate debates because we recognize that some Sonos owners are also Windows Phone users.

    In the end, however, we’ve made a decision that Sonos is not going to build a Windows Phone 8 app nor are we planning to build a Windows 10 “universal” app. We’ll of course continue to support the Windows desktop controller. We’re big fans of the work Microsoft is doing across many areas, including mobile, voice control, AI, VR and of course the Groove music service, available on Sonos.

    We know this is super frustrating for Windows Phone owners anxious for more native apps on the platform, but like other companies we've had to place our bets. Our focus right now is on Voice and Paid Streaming Services, and we’re exploring quite a few innovative ways to experience and control your music – on your device and off.

    We’ll be sure to keep this group informed of our progress.

    Thanks,
    Kenneth

    368 replies

    Show previous replies
    ReubenWelsh
    Lyricist I
    January 13, 2016
    Very disapointed that there is no WP app yet from you guys. Considering most of the WP users are well paid business users im supprised at the lack of updates on this front 😕
    scoob101
    Lyricist III
    January 13, 2016
    Very disapointed that there is no WP app yet from you guys. Considering most of the WP users are well paid business users im supprised at the lack of updates on this front :/

    A minor point, but the Windows Phone platform is a legacy product with a tiny market share. Windows 10 is the current product offering.
    ReubenWelsh
    Lyricist I
    January 13, 2016
    Very disapointed that there is no WP app yet from you guys. Considering most of the WP users are well paid business users im supprised at the lack of updates on this front :/

    A minor point, but the Windows Phone platform is a legacy product with a tiny market share. Windows 10 is the current product offering.

    saying windows phone i mean Windows 10 apps ofc, Running a Lumia 950XL myself, trying to hold off buying more sonos products untill its released, it's so hard though 😉
      SkierGuy
      Lyricist II
      January 14, 2016
      Years ago I had this same sort of conversation with Sonos regarding an Android app when I replaced an Apple iPod with an Android phone. They didn't know if Android would have enough users to write an app and, besides, there was a Phonos app. When they finally did write on, it was much more responsive than the Phonos one. I have since stop using Android or Apple phones for the matter in favor of Windows Mobile 10 which has a much superior UI (User Interface). I'm not sure that term is use anymore. If Volvo can write an app for their cars and SUV and Sphero can write one for a BB-8 toy, I would think Sonos could do it too. While they are conservative in producing new software, it usually do it right when they finally get around to it. Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.
      Bibbleq
      Lyricist I
      January 27, 2016
      Been following the Sonos windows saga with interest for a couple of years now. My wife is desperate for us to get something for the house to stream music but I'm reluctant to plumb for Sonos as we are all Windows platform based (WinPhone 8.1, WinMobile 10, Win 10 tablets).

      I was very glad to hear about the Sonos / Groove / Xbox Music integration that was announced recently as I thought this showed promise for better MS / Win10 support but I guess not. I'm woried that as most Groove users are probably also in the Windows camp they might drop support for Groove music due to "lack of uptake" or some such when actually lack of app support is probably also limiting lack of Groove usage.

      Ah well, time will tell. If they produce an app soon I'll probably join the club, if not hopefully the closer partnership between MS and Samsung might bear fruit in another direction.
        User580008
        Trending Lyricist I
        January 28, 2016
        bibbleq - you would be better off going with Bose as at lease they support Bluetooth streaing which is compatiable with windows Phone. they don't have a windows phone app yet, but I had a reply for tech support there an seems like they may have one in the pipeline. I have taken the shots so I ebay my stuff this weekend and making the change.
        lucky101
        Lyricist III
        February 3, 2016
        Good touch support for the Windows platform would be great.
        There are many Windows touch devices out there.

        When doing that upgrade, making it a Universal App would be a no-brainer. The app would work on computer, tablet and phone with one one set of code. So easy to make it work between different form factors.
          scoob101
          Lyricist III
          February 4, 2016
          I have to say that the responses form Sonos regaring the status of Windows as a supported platform is deeply unsatisfactory. I don't care about getting commitments to deliver software by any given date, I just want to know if Sonos plan to support the Windows 10 platform going forward. That is not an unreasonable question for a customer to ask and there is no sensible reason why Sonos cannot respond in a meaningful and helpful way.

          Deliberately avoiding making a clear statement on this is very unhelpful to Sonos customers who have invested in Windows 10 as a platform. Why does it appear so difficult for Sonos to appreciate why the current uncertainty over windows support is unsatisfactory to its customers?

          I`m getting ready to abandon the platform because of this. I am not prepared to waste money on additional Sonos units which may or may not work for me going forward.
            GSatt
            Trending Lyricist I
            February 5, 2016
            I have to say that the responses form Sonos regaring the status of Windows as a supported platform is deeply unsatisfactory. I don't care about getting commitments to deliver software by any given date, I just want to know if Sonos plan to support the Windows 10 platform going forward. That is not an unreasonable question for a customer to ask and there is no sensible reason why Sonos cannot respond in a meaningful and helpful way.

            Deliberately avoiding making a clear statement on this is very unhelpful to Sonos customers who have invested in Windows 10 as a platform. Why does it appear so difficult for Sonos to appreciate why the current uncertainty over windows support is unsatisfactory to its customers?

            I`m getting ready to abandon the platform because of this. I am not prepared to waste money on additional Sonos units which may or may not work for me going forward.

            I've just spent several hours with Sonos tech support installing my sub so first up want to acknowledge the really great job done by the guys who are the voice of the system when you need it. They did well and its not the first time.

            Which makes the failure to have a mobile controller for windows phones all the more inexplicable.

            The equipment is great, ahead of the curve except when it comes to trying to use the system, when I have to go to the PC in the study to change anything. I'm not new to windows equipment and made the choice to get a WP when the Blackberry died and with the new operating system everything is coming together. Except my Sonos controller. Your bad and I hope you step up soon.

            Many thanks (for the great tech support) and regards,
              User704414
              Lyricist II
              February 5, 2016
              Last exchange on tweeter with Sonos...laconic answer :
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