Prominent Collaborator I

Feedback on Actual Usage of New Sonos App

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
May 7, 2024
93 replies
6430 views

Just installed the iPad version. Definitely do not like the app compared to the old one.

The new app feels way more busier, due to everything being thrown at you at once (which was their design intention). I’m not saying this approach can’t work though. I’m just saying that the way they designed it, it doesn’t feel right.

In terms of the look and feel, it feels less stylish to me and more cheap. Like it feels like I’m using the Amazon Alexa app (which I hate). The album covers are smaller and not as pronounced, compared to the previous apps recents area.

And the Now Playing screen on the iPad?! Like WTF? Why is there a gap around it showing the interface area behind it (ie Home area)? Why isn’t it full screen (and without rounded corners)? Makes zero design sense, as it’s super distracting, only adding to the busy feeling of the screen. Also see no option to make the app dark instead of light.

All said and done, this just makes me want to not use the app at all, unless there are substantial improvements made to it.

PS. I seem to be having occasional issues loading the app or returning to it, as everything in the app just pulses, as if it’s trying to reload the images / content.

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Corry P

Sonos Staff

Hi @Nollind

Thanks for your feedback! There are a few issues that need to be addressed - and will be soon - though I think it’s safe to assume that the general look of the new app will be here to stay. We have long received feedback on the “clunkiness” of the previous app UI, and this new version is an attempt to address this feedback bring the Sonos app more in line with other music apps.

Please note that although there isn’t yet an option in the new app, the Dark/Light mode of it should be matching your phone’s own settings - please try adjusting in the phone’s relevant setting.

PS. I seem to be having occasional issues loading the app or returning to it, as everything in the app just pulses, as if it’s trying to reload the images / content.

A reboot of your phone and/or speakers may help to address this - if not, I recommend you get in touch with our technical support team who have tools at their disposal that will allow them to give you advice specific to your Sonos system and what it reports.

I hope this helps.

"Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen." - Albert Einstein

J

js85

Lyricist III

Terrible experience on Android. Lots of features that were available on previous version no longer available. System info no longer indicates if component connected via ethernet or WiFi (e.g. “WM:0”). Also no longer indicates what type of audio is playing (e.g. “Dolby Digital”). New search is terrible, much worse than “classic search”. New search not compatible with Pandora (doesn't provide any results within Pandora no matter what you search for) this has always been a problem, but at least with previous app version you could revert to classic search. New version also not compatible with Pandora modes (e.g artist only) while the old version was compatible with these features. Overall a major step backwards and huge disappointment, especially if you are a Pandora user.

N

NollindAuthor

Prominent Collaborator I

...this new version is an attempt to address this feedback bring the Sonos app more in line with other music apps.

I’m completely perplexed by that statement.

Can you please provide details on what “music apps” Sonos tried to emulate with this new app, as I’ve never seen one like this before?

I’d happily use any other major music streaming platforms app (i.e. Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, Tidal, Spotify, etc), instead of this new Sonos app.

In fact, I actually am. I switched yesterday to Spotify, just so that I no longer have to use the new Sonos app, and can just launch music within the Spotify app using Spotify Connect.

Corry P

Sonos Staff

Hi @Nollind

The app is now on one page, rather than being spread across multiple tabs, which I personally found quite annoying. Of course, there are now other things to be annoyed by, but these will be addressed soon.

"Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen." - Albert Einstein

D

Dariojay

Lyricist I

I have downloaded the new app. I am a Spotify user. Have many Sonos speakers, excellent products and will always invest in them.

The new app is supposed to make the connection between Sonos and Spotify seamless. Hmmm, NOT. You are waiting for the track to start as the screen pulsates five times then starts as it's trying to pull the track from Spotify. Playing from Spotify app is immediate.

Will still go back to the Spotify app and play tracks immediately from Spotify to Sonos. Nothing accomplished with the new app guys. Nice try, try again lads. I shall wait for the next installment.

N

NollindAuthor

Prominent Collaborator I

I have downloaded the new app. I am a Spotify user. Have many Sonos speakers, excellent products and will always invest in them.

The new app is supposed to make the connection between Sonos and Spotify seamless. Hmmm, NOT. You are waiting for the track to start as the screen pulsates five times then starts as it's trying to pull the track from Spotify. Playing from Spotify app is immediate.

Will still go back to the Spotify app and play tracks immediately from Spotify to Sonos. Nothing accomplished with the new app guys. Nice try, try again lads. I shall wait for the next installment.

Concur. Spotify is working seamlessly using Spotify Connect.

I tried playing a song using the new Sonos app and it stopped playing the song midway through it.

If Spotify Supremium (or whatever they decide to call it) gets released in the next month or two, I’ll be happy to never use the Sonos app again.

One things for sure though. I’m no longer recommending them to anyone. They’ve lost my trust and they would have to do a hell of lot to win it back again.

D

Deano76

Lyricist I

I only stream music from Pandora and loved the Modes options. Where are Pandora modes now on the new app?

C

castalla

Local Superstar

Hi @Nollind

The app is now on one page, rather than being spread across multiple tabs, which I personally found quite annoying. Of course, there are now other things to be annoyed by, but these will be addressed soon.

Would you like to define the word 'soon'? Your boss's secretary or PA replies to missives in a boilerplate message and talks about 'months'. I suppose on an annual timescale, that could be seen as soon.

It's the courageous bee's knees - all 6 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝. - - - - - Make Sonos Great Again - - - - -

M

Matthias Ostmann

Lyricist I

I have always been a big fan of SONOS and have 7 products in use.
I use 3 (Android) smartphones, 2 (Android) tablets and the PC to control the SONOS system.
After the update to the new app from 7th of May, I am extremely disappointed.
This is by far the worst version SONOS has ever released.
The UI of the app is a disaster. Buggy and not finished.
How can you put such a release on the market?

If this is not improved very quickly, I will sell my SONOS system
and certainly not buy any more new products.

It is unbelievable that SONOS dares to release such garbage.

In detail, I have noticed the following:

    - Covers from the NAS are no longer displayed
    - Currently playing tracks (from the NAS) are no longer displayed
    - Search function in the music library is no longer available
    - Alarm clock is no longer available
    - The (old) TuneIn no longer works
    - Add to end of list is no longer available
    - Play afterwards is no longer available
    - Equalizer in the volume control is no longer available
    - The new UI is a disaster, unfinished, confusing and uncomfortable.

Looking forward for a new Version asap.

C

castalla

Local Superstar

And the Now Playing screen on the iPad?! Like WTF? Why is there a gap around it showing the interface area behind it (ie Home area)? Why isn’t it full screen (and without rounded corners)? Makes zero design sense, as it’s super distracting, only adding to the busy feeling of the screen. Also see no option to make the app dark instead of light.

All the above applies to the Android app, also. For comparison, here's the Wiim Now Playing screen (note the metadata also!)

It's the courageous bee's knees - all 6 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝. - - - - - Make Sonos Great Again - - - - -

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