The new updates are horrible, and I hate sonos for what they have done to the sound systems I’ve spent thousands of dollars on. I hate the ads built into the controller software. I hate how GPS needs to be turned on to use the controller. I hate how bloated the controller software is. I hate the new terms of service (and privacy statement) where sonos will sell my data. I’ve tried plexamp, but it doesn’t handle grouping, queuing, well. I just want something simple where i can build and queue playlists from my local NAS.

Contributor II

Answered

Is there a good alternative to the android app?

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
June 27, 2024
18 replies
4060 views

The new updates are horrible, and I hate sonos for what they have done to the sound systems I’ve spent thousands of dollars on.

I hate the ads built into the controller software.
I hate how GPS needs to be turned on to use the controller.
I hate how bloated the controller software is.
I hate the new terms of service (and privacy statement) where sonos will sell my data.

I’ve tried plexamp, but it doesn’t handle grouping, queuing, well. I just want something simple where i can build and queue playlists from my local NAS.

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Best answer by kudzukudzu1

I've had it with Sonos. If I can't get an app substitute, I'm selling all my Sonos equipment (well over $10K). It's not just ease of use or features, it's the speakers CONSTANTLY cutting out, nearly every single time, for months on end. Even the one hardwired.

This, and the overall Sonos attitude towards its customers in the last few years, is exactly what one might expect from a leader "raised" at Blackberry (including hiding behind patents instead of focusing on customer satisfaction, innovation, and value)... Spence's effective "they'll get over it" public talk track re: the new app release is clear and not speculative. It's technological (and near-monopolistic) arrogance. That said, I still love the hardware and would hate to have to take the economic hit to start all over.

I would appreciate any reco concerning a different app, even if limited functionality (to a certain degree). Alternately, if Sonos has used their legal (vs. engineering/service) actions to protect themselves from competion, then I'd appreciate recommendations on ANY speaker system that could substitute for a significantly sized system of speakers, amps, and sound bars.

Thanks in advance! 😃

Show previous replies

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kudzukudzu1

Contributor I

Super helpful, Antifon! I'm pretty far away from the neighbors (live in the burbs), but one may be just close enough.

That said, I think the buffering point is a great one, which means a combo of app AND network (although I run 1 GB... actual typically 600-700 Mbps). I'll use your and Bumper's advice and report back if it might help others 😃🤘

A

Antifon

Prodigy III

One other thing that did help for me was to increase the number of hardwired devices. I have 11 Sonos/Ikea units and originally had only one hardwired to Ethernet. I’m now up to four, and it has almost eliminated dropouts. But… I appreciate that for many people that’s not easy.

Bumper

In your position I would not hesitate to roll back to 16.1 - it may not solve all of your problems, but it will get you back to a point of stability until the new release becomes usable.

Excellent advice in your entire post. Just to highlight this point, rolling back and waiting out the app development pain is a strategy that seems to be working for many.

I can’t roll back on iOS but SonoPhone is working for me.

press250

Prodigy III

In your position I would not hesitate to roll back to 16.1 - it may not solve all of your problems, but it will get you back to a point of stability until the new release becomes usable.

Super good advice, @Antifon. The v16.1 Android app is stable and full-featured … to say nothing of “frustration free!”

When folks download the v16.1 APK, note where the file is stored on your device. That makes it slightly easier to try the latest release(s) of new app and then re-install the v16.1 app.

And stating the obvious: having the Windows/Mac desktop app installed on a machine is a fantastic backup when issues pop up with the new app.

F

flev

Contributor I

I tried to roll back to 16.1 on Android, but it didn't work

press250

Prodigy III

I tried to roll back to 16.1 on Android, but it didn't work

Yeah @flev, unfortunately the v16.3 firmware blocks the v16.1 Android app from working. Severely disappointing, as that version was a great Get Out of Jail Free card.

Pete314Author

Contributor II

I keep sonos 16.1 in my downloads directory, and turn automatic update off.

I

izi0

Avid Contributor I

If your speakers have been cutting out since before the new app was released it’s not the new app. You probably have a local network issue that you could solve. Best to contact support or start a new thread here.

For alternative apps try SonoPhone on iOS. Roll back to 16.1 on Android.

Sonos alternatives.
https://www.yahoo.com/tech/best-sonos-alternatives-230041376.html

how do I roll back to 16.1 on Android?? 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Sonos sucks!

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