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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?

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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
    jgatie
    jgatie
    January 3, 2017
    They we looking for feedback so I provided same. Demand changes minds. Thanks.

    No, I'm afraid the request for feedback was prior to the decision. It's not coming, no matter how much the demand. They stated in no uncertain terms what the future is at the press release in August. They have reorganized their staff and dedicated their resources towards Alexa voice control, home automation, and direct control from native apps.
    Junwen Hong
    Lyricist III
    January 13, 2017
    I'm done with Sonos. simple like this.
    Keith Pell
    Lyricist I
    April 22, 2017
    Well Sonos just lost all my money. I mean REALLY in todays day and age you are NOT going to provide a descent Windows app? If you did make a Universal Windows App then it would work on all of these devices (WIndows 10, Windows Phone, XBox, etc.). I wish that you could calculate how much money you are losing by this decision because you just lost all of mine.
    jgatie
    jgatie
    April 22, 2017
    I'm sure they have considered. Have you considered the fact that not one of Sonos' competitors offer a UWP app? Could an entire market's worth of manufacturers be wrong, yet a tiny number of Windows advocates are right?
    ratty
    ratty
    April 22, 2017
    Sonos' emphasis is on minimising "time to music", hence handhelds given that just about everyone carries a phone. Windows Phone/Mobile is all but dead in the market.
    bockersjv
    bockersjv
    Local Superstar
    April 22, 2017
    The windows controller is actually quite good. Not sure why Sonos would bother with UWP when even Microsoft have all but lost intrest. There are some very good 3rd party apps that I used to use. Phonos being one.
    Plums
    Trending Lyricist I
    May 1, 2017
    Poor Sonos experience on Windows operating systems is limiting the attraction of any further investment in Sonos. I started buying the equipment before touch interfaces dominated. For some reason which Sonos has not adequately explained, they have declined to support Microsoft touch interfaces. The consequence will be that purchasers look elsewhere. For myself, it looks like my multiple £1000 investment was a poor choice, due mostly to a miscalculation regards the prejudices of Sonos. A less risky investment would be with a company that aims at operating system agnostic support. I no longer recommend Sonos because of their attitude to Windows 8 and subsequently Windows 10. (Have you tried using the Sonos desktop app on an HP Stream 7 - clearly no one at Sonos has.)
    jgatie
    jgatie
    May 1, 2017
    A less risky investment would be with a company that aims at operating system agnostic support.

    Good luck finding one. Maybe Denon will finally get around to releasing the Windows support it promised a couple years ago. 😃
    bockersjv
    bockersjv
    Local Superstar
    May 1, 2017
    I use the Sonos application on my Microsoft Surface 3 and although it was not an app developed with touch in mind it works very well. Don't see what the fuss is? In fact it is my go to platform when building or amending play lists.

    Immediate access to the equaliser is great too.
    Plums
    Trending Lyricist I
    May 3, 2017
    Yesterday Microsoft announced Windows 10 S. They and other HW manufacturers will be releasing devices which run this operating system. A key difference from other version of Win 10 is that apps are locked to the Windows Store - you can only install apps in the store. So got a new Windows 10 S device and Sonos - what are your options given that Sonos have not put a controller app in the Store and you cannot use Sonos without a controller:

    - upgrade to another Windows 10 operating system
    - buy an iPad or Android device
    - use a third party app which is in the Windows 10 store

    None of the third party apps are adequate as controllers - and do not have all the features of the official supported Sonos controller app - such as Submit Diagnostics. I don't know about you, but I think that is a pretty poor set of choices, which ultimately means that Sonos is withdrawing from the Windows market. What's your reply Sonos? Where do you stand on Windows 10 S?
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