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colinbowern
colinbowern
Contributor I
Aug 16, 2015 1:22 AM UTC
Answered

Windows 10 Controller

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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    Kenneth R
    Kenneth RAnswer
    Retired Sonos Staff
    Apr 15, 2016 5:05 PM UTC
    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
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    368 replies

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    ratty
    ratty
    Jul 17, 2016 5:09 PM UTC
    Care to explain how Sonos could build an alternative Windows controller "available to the entire MS Windows platform" -- which implies a desktop Win32 application -- that somehow just works on a Windows Phone at nil cost? Sonos have -- wisely IMHO -- decided not to proceed with WP/UWP development. WP's days are surely numbered; its market share is tiny.
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    jgatie
    jgatie
    Jul 17, 2016 5:11 PM UTC
    Gavin, Sonos has been 100% clear on their stance in regards to a Universal Windows App. Is there something about their announcement which you do not understand?
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    jakko56
    Lyricist I
    Jul 18, 2016 10:07 AM UTC
    I've bought a pair of sonos play 5 a few months ago.. I also have a windows Phone and installed the paid version phonos as controller from the windows store on it. There is now a free version Phonos Universal Preview available that works fine windows mobile 10.
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    adam_40
    Lyricist II
    Jul 19, 2016 8:04 PM UTC
    Care to explain how Sonos could build an alternative Windows controller "available to the entire MS Windows platform" -- which implies a desktop Win32 application -- that somehow just works on a Windows Phone at nil cost? Sonos have -- wisely IMHO -- decided not to proceed with WP/UWP development. WP's days are surely numbered; its market share is tiny.

    Simple; leave the current win32 app alone for XP/7 users,then use Project Centennial to convert it to a UWP that will work on Windows 10 desktop, phone, Xbox, hololense, and IOT with limited development.

    edit: Link for the lazy
    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=51691
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    el_fal
    Lyricist III
    Jul 19, 2016 8:12 PM UTC
    That's not what Project Centennial is. You probably mean Islandwood (or the cancelled Astoria) see the link in my post above.
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    el_fal
    Lyricist III
    Jul 19, 2016 8:14 PM UTC
    I do support the sentiment however.
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    adam_40
    Lyricist II
    Jul 20, 2016 10:16 PM UTC
    That's not what Project Centennial is. You probably mean Islandwood (or the cancelled Astoria) see the link in my post above.

    Actually, this is exactly what Centennial is, to convert win32 apps to UWP. I also know that Islandwood is used to convert an IOS app (and Astoria for Android) but Centennial is easy peasy in this situation.
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    el_fal
    Lyricist III
    Jul 20, 2016 10:19 PM UTC
    Centennial is to deliver x32 apps via the,store. They don't magically become UWP and more touch friendly. The unfriendly desktop app I abhore would be just the same/worse on a small screen.. 😞
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    Marcel Fischer
    Lyricist II
    Jul 21, 2016 12:36 PM UTC
    Simply, I request a Sonos Windows 10 app. A Sonos System without a controller is useless. I have an old CR 200 for which I paid more than US 500! these days. So Sonos should treat their long time clients as clients and not as cashcows. I am ready to be second in line... behind fancy overpriced iOS "tools". But still... I want to be respected as client... and 2016 is a good year to do so. Thank you Sonos for your appreciation.
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    Marcel Fischer
    Lyricist II
    Jul 21, 2016 12:38 PM UTC
    Simply, I request a Sonos Windows 10 app. A Sonos System without a controller is useless. I have an old CR 200 for which I paid more than US 500! these days. So Sonos should treat their long time clients as clients and not as cashcows. I am ready to be second in line... behind fancy overpriced iOS "tools". But still... I want to be respected as client... and 2016 is a good year to do so. Thank you Sonos for your appreciation.

    ... to clarify I mean a Windows Phone App (not a PC controller).
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