Skip to main content
colinbowern
colinbowern
Contributor I
August 16, 2015
Answered

Windows 10 Controller

  • August 16, 2015
  • 368 replies
  • 109984 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?

    This topic has been closed for further comments. You can use the search bar to find a similar topic, or create a new one by clicking Create Topic at the top of the page.
    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
    enton13
    enton13
    Lyricist I
    April 25, 2016
    I will get a SONOS Play:1 in a few days and it would be awesome if there was a Windows 10 App. My girlfriend and I are both using Windows 10 Mobile and our tablet runs Windows 10, too.

    EDIT: Just read the answer, what a shame. I will consider to sell my SONOS (it's a present from a contract extension).
      el_fal
      Lyricist III
      May 2, 2016
      I re-registered today to lend my support for this plea for a sensible outcome here.

      I own a Play:3 and :1, and am looking for another Play:1, Sub and Bar for my home cinema setup current in planning. However, I have been holding out for a refresh of the controller before diving in and I personally cannot invest at present.

      As an aside, my household has 3 windows phones (me, my partner, my work phone), 2 Win 10 machines, 1 Win 10 Laptop, 1 win 8.1 laptop (work), a Surface Pro, a ASUS Win 10 touch screen netbook and Kindle Fire (I won't go into gaming machine). You can see we are invested in Microsoft then and it's easier to sell the Sonos kit than start buying iPads etc.

      By far, the modern UI and universal search features on the Android/Kindle version are superior to the desktop app which is clunky and aged and does baffle guests. It isn't touch friendly for the touch screen machines.

      Now, I do my research, I know the Bose wireless speaker solutions don't have UWP apps either, so I am stalled. I won't invest any more until I have something that works for me. Given this announcement, I feel Bose may get there first however.

      Even if the desktop app got a UI overhaul, introduced touch friendly controls and universal searching, it would go some way to supporting this decision (until at least resource is freed up for Sonos to correctly address it). Unfortunately that won't get rid of the need to update the blasted think every couple of days when you update the Apple music integrations AGAIN. Yet another slap in the face thanks!

      Now, it's been mentioned here a few times. If you are focused on iOS development, go for it. Project Islandwood (https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/bridges/ios) should allow any developer worth their salt to convert it fairly easily. I'm sure there are plenty of contractors out in California that can help you out say twice a year for say $20,000? That must be a fraction of the research budget no?
        Sobek85
        Lyricist I
        May 29, 2016
        UWP would allow all windows based devices, would mean Xbox one support too!
        scoob101
        Lyricist III
        June 16, 2016
        I`d like to publicly thank SONOS for abandoning Windows as a supported platform going forward. This decision has forced me to look again at my needs and at alternatives and because of this I have realised how slow, clunky and inflexible Sonos is for my needs compared to the alternatives. I have now resurrected my Sequeezebox system, and it is far superior both in function and in sound quality. For me at least, Sonos was a very poor choice.
        jgatie
        jgatie
        June 16, 2016
        I`d like to publicly thank SONOS for abandoning Windows as a supported platform going forward. This decision has forced me to look again at my needs and at alternatives and because of this I have realised how slow, clunky and inflexible Sonos is for my needs compared to the alternatives. I have now resurrected my Sequeezebox system, and it is far superior both in function and in sound quality. For me at least, Sonos was a very poor choice.

        Gee, that's swell!
        scoob101
        Lyricist III
        June 16, 2016


        Gee, that's swell!

        I`m glad you think so!

        Bye!
        dNexusb
        Lyricist II
        June 20, 2016
        There is only one type of computers where sales are not going down at the moment... 2in1 machines like the yoga's from lenovo, 360x's from hp and the surface line form MS. This is the PC's that I would like a better controler for. Not my phone, but all my touch friendly PC's 🙂 (and yes it will work on the phone as well but that's an afterthought)
        el_fal
        Lyricist III
        July 10, 2016
        Just to update my post from a few months ago, I have now trailed the Denon HEOS solution which is similar, if not better, on sound quality, cheaper and offers more function such as aux in and bluetooth. I contacted their support to ask about UWP controllers, and whilst there isn't one yet, it is in development. I'm therefore moving over to them. Look out for my bridges, :1 and :3 on eBay UK all.

        It's a shame, Sonos, I like your products but the market is moving on and versatility is a must.

        I'll repeat, even a UX refresh on the desktop app with universal search would be enough for me, but you just aren't interested and there seems no other way to proceed.
        Stuart_W
        Stuart_W
        World-Class Superstar
        July 10, 2016
        Just to update my post from a few months ago, I have now trailed the Denon HEOS solution which is similar, if not better, on sound quality, cheaper and offers more function such as aux in and bluetooth. I contacted their support to ask about UWP controllers, and whilst there isn't one yet, it is in development. I'm therefore moving over to them. Look out for my bridges, :1 and :3 on eBay UK all.

        It's a shame, Sonos, I like your products but the market is moving on and versatility is a must.

        I'll repeat, even a UX refresh on the desktop app with universal search would be enough for me, but you just aren't interested and there seems no other way to proceed.

        Horses for courses. If that particular nag suits your course then go for it. I'm not sure Denon's track record would fill me with oodles of confidence but at least you'll be au-fait with selling audio gear on flea bay.
        Arc + Sub (Gen 1) + 2 x Play 1/ Stereo Play 3s/ Era 100 Stereo in Kitchen, One Stereo in Bedroom, Play 1 stereo pair in Study, Play 1in Bathroom, Sonos Move 2
        Gavin_16
        Gavin_16
        Avid Contributor I
        July 17, 2016
        I do wonder if Sonos will just sit back and leave the PC with the very dated Sonos Windows controller. They could modernise that and at the same time make it available to the entire MS Windows platform. any other action would be pointless. So if Sonos support and respect MS as they state, PROVE IT?
        Windows is still the OS of choice. Embrace it and make us WP users happy at the same time.
        Cost? close to nil...
        Gavingks
        Show more replies
        Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement