Contributor I

Answered

Windows 10 Controller

Forum|Forum|11 years ago
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

Show previous replies

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nicbirch

Lyricist III

you guys need to step on it with this app. I've been following this thread for about 6 months. basically since the windows 10 release. the lack of an app on the windows platform is currently stopping me and my partner purchasing the sonos sytem. after recently buying my own house, we are now sonos-less (my parents had a large sonos system). get it sorted!!!!

ratty

the lack of an app on the windows platform is currently stopping me and my partner purchasing the sonos sytem

Eh? There's not a Win10-specific Metro style app, but there's a perfectly serviceable Desktop Controller which supports "Windows® XP SP3 or higher, Windows Vista™, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10". http://www.sonos.com/support

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nicbirch

Lyricist III

thanks for clarifying that, but when I'm in the lounge my phone and xbox are what I use primarily (both windows). I wouldn't have commented if my desktop was my primary controller. thanks anyway. we used to use a communal ipad at my parents, which is why I'm now having troubles.

the lack of an app on the windows platform is currently stopping me and my partner purchasing the sonos sytem

Eh? There's not a Win10-specific Metro style app, but there's a perfectly serviceable Desktop Controller which supports "Windows® XP SP3 or higher, Windows Vista™, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10". http://www.sonos.com/support

ratty

when I'm in the lounge my phone and xbox are what I use primarily (both windows). I wouldn't have commented if my desktop was my primary controller. thanks anyway. we used to use a communal ipad at my parents, which is why I'm now having troubles.

No-one knows when or if Sonos will release an app for Windows 10 Mobile. In the meantime, why not simply get a cheap Android tablet and use that in lieu of the 'communal iPad'? At least you'd no longer be Sonos-less.

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nicbirch

Lyricist III

No-one knows when or if Sonos will release an app for Windows 10 Mobile. In the meantime, why not simply get a cheap Android tablet and use that in lieu of the 'communal iPad'? At least you'd no longer be Sonos-less.

Yeah I could do. It's annoying that id have to do that though. I think id feel stupid spending more money to try and make someone else's product work well. Especially when I can just plug my phone into an aux 4m away. Sonos is more of a luxury than a necessity for me. I'd be amazed if they didn't bring an app out though, with all the changes Microsoft is making. We shall see!

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Neil Aitkenhead

Lyricist I

Can I add my voice to those requesting a controller app to use on Windows Mobile. It's a real pain having to borrow an Android device from my wife or kids or use one of the well intentioned but clanky "home made" apps from the Windows Store.

Please!!!

D

DrHein

Lyricist I

Windows Mobile has a market share of 2-3 %, according to http://www.idc.com/prodserv/smartphone-os-market-share.jsp . It is not very economical to create a Sonos client for such a small minority. As Windows Mobile user, you should be aware of that and should have been aware before you purchased such a device.

Improving the Android and iOS client will reach way more people than a Windows client.

On your desktop you can use the desktop controller. Touchscreen Windows devices are still a minority as well, albeit possibly rising in number.

Maybe the whole situation will change with Windows 10, I would not yet count on it.

28 Votes? Sonos is not going to write an app for 28 votes. Come on people if you really want the app then you have to do something about it.
VOTE!!!!

Oh! Seems you found all the 28 people using Windows mobile! Congrats! ;)

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DrHein

Lyricist I

Surface tablets are growing at double digit rates. All this talk about Windows not having a large enough base (particularly in the touch screen tablet/phone market) is just short-sighted. I want to hang out on my couch with my Surface Tablet and use a touch Sonos App. When is that going to be available????

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SkierGuy

Lyricist II

I have now converted every computer, tablet and phone in my house to Windows 10 or Windows mobile 10. While my Surface Pro and HP Windows tablet use the Sonos Windows controller software, I don't have a really good phone controller. I would add my voice to others that would REALLY, REALLY like to have an app on my Windows 10 phone. My wife's old version 1 Sonos controllers are on their last legs and my wife would like something familiar to replace them. I really don't would to resort to an Android solution. Thanks.

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Dave Lalor

Trending Lyricist I

This is getting absolutely ridiculous, Sonos customer support is abysmal, they are treating us Windows users with contempt by not supporting a request to have a modern, functional app for Windows 10. I'm trying to add content to my playlists from my Groove service and getting an error "Unable to Browse Music", I'm seriously frustrated.

Sonos, engage your custmers, your lack of response to requests is ignorant and demeaning !

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Would you use a Windows 10 Sonos controller app?

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