new app (iOS) and local music library (NAS)

I called them, they said it will be possible with the next update again. Supposedly 9 June in the Netherlands.. let’s hope so. This is so stupid…

Where do you see they have discontinued local libraries?  They have discontinued support for SMB v1 due to some questionable security issues, which has caused some user’s libraries to malfunction.  However once the SMB v1 problem is gone, local libraries are still there and usable.  They have also specifically promised that support for the missing queue features and local library search are being released soon.  A company with a “plan to discontinue local libraries” certainly isn’t going to publicly promise to add/fix features relating to a local library, are they?

Whoever heard of releasing new software less functional than prior release.  CEO did same thing at BlackBerry…look where they are at….

I was fascinated to read about SonoPhone and SonoiPad. I’ll check those out.  From the most recent posts, do users who have updated to the newest software version of Sonos have any positive news to report? I see an update 2 days ago (June 4th) that says “ Improved local library connectivity”. I’m not sure what the heck that means but would love the input.

I also am in the NON-Streaming world.  I have all my music which I spent years curating and fine-tuning. I’m in the radio/media business and have no need for streaming. It’s going to keep getting more and more expensive (though it’s not a cost thing for me). I have my music in excellent quality housed on my Synology 423+ NAS, using three 18TB hard-drives. It’s full of music, videos and photos. The music on Sonos plays “okay” (sans the irritating number of dropouts - despite an excellent internet setup) but at least all my 900+ playlists are accessible.

As someone who oversaw major radio stations and created two massively successful internet media companies, which several years were spent creating the software, Sonos is really leading themselves to oblivion. If you want to give streamers great stuff, that’s wonderful. But don’t sell me thousands upon thousands of dollars of equipment and then take away my ability to use their product? 

I’ve been with Sonos for years. I wasn’t happy when they stopped supporting the DOCK but I got over it, and am actually fine as it turns out as I moved to the NAS platform as I worked to get what I wanted.

Anyway, if I play Plex on my iPhone or iPad using PlexAmp, it’s flawless.  It never drops out.  It’s perfect.  Why Sonos can’t provide the same quality performance continues to be a mystery.  And then to pull the rug out from under it’s users like this is shameful.  There really should be a class-action lawsuit filed if they don’t get this figured out fast.

How they can tout this new software as being so amazing, only to be met with furious outcry from users, is stunning.  Test the crap before you roll it out.  Or offer the earlier version at least as an option.  Having developed software used on the internet or devices, I know the work that goes into it. But I also know not to bring something to market before it’s ready.

Shame on you - again - Sonos.

Regarding “Improved local library connectivity”:

The positive news is there is increased functionality on my iPad but it only works sporadically, if at all. Sometimes songs play from the music library with album artwork, but most times there is NO library. My Android has the un-updated app with diminished music library functionality, i.e., no indexing.

My alternative is to access my current, updated library on the NAS through Apple Music on macOS and output to the discontinued sonos Playbar via AppleTV.

My future relationship with sonos is grimm.

Grim indeed.

I have been reading a ton of exchanges since the May 7th launch and I have some takeaways. Keep in mind that I can’t attest to the accuracy at all as, so far, I’ve avoided updating to the new app because of the massive amount of complaints and very upset customers.  I fear this is heading towards the “cloud” and subscription based model so they can further monetize their product. Sadly, we’re likely fighting the battle and will lose.  And let me add to the chorus of those of us who don’t give a crap about streaming. I have all the music I want and add to it regularly. I don’t need to pay some streaming service who feeds the same diet of crap to their users. Sure there’s some good sides of it, but I don’t need Sonos for that.  That said, here goes. I’d love the feedback (pro and con).

1. With my NAS, I’m using Synology DS423+.  I did have my minimum SMB protocol set to SMBv1 and my maximum to SMBv3. What I’m reading is to switch to minimum to SMBv2 and max to SMBv3.  Sonos new app is removing SMBv1 for security reasons as it’s much less secure.  So I’ve now switched the settings.  I called Synology and they confirmed doing so wouldn’t hinder my performance. I launched Sonos and played various zones and all was good. 
2. A lot of people mentioning the SonoPhone and SonoiPad app.  I looked into it a bit and it looks somewhat promising. What I haven’t deduced yet is whether it causes problems with my existing Sonos app or if they can be used in tandem.  I’d love to see some input here specifically with a NAS.
3. My major point of concern is being able to play my music from my NAS library, and be able to access, and use any of my 950+ playlists. I’m seeing a lot of complaints about not being able to search for music from the local library on their NAS (or even Windows or Mac), as well as inconsistent outcomes if they do happen to get it to work at some point.
4. A lot of complaints about not being able to index music. Or being able to add their library to the Sonos app as could be done previously. I’m not sure it Sonos has updated this yet.
5. On their June 4th update, they mention Improved local library connectivity but there’s no explanation that I’ve seen (or others) as to what that exactly means. Anyone else?
6. I’ve tried calling Sonos technical support but the hold times are ridiculously long. No way I’m waiting that long.  I’m sure others have experienced this same thing. Why they brought out a new product - touting how awesome it was - is stunning.  This is like their “New Coke” where they hopefully will come to their senses and bring back the original coke or at least make their app WORK.
7. A lot of people saying they want their money back for all the money they’ve spent on Sonos. Put myself in that camp. 
8. Some comments about Roon and that it works with Sonos speakers. I’d love some confirmation on that, and what kind of equipment, etc., is needed. I hate spending even more money than all the amps, arcs, Move, Roam and so forth that I’ve already spent.
9. Somewhat counter-intuitively, your music library will not appear under Services, but under Sources(?) instead.  That was a comment from someone. Seems odd.

There’s far too much to include here but the basic takeaway for me is: Can the new app play music off my NAS as before (knowing I updated SMB settings? Can I search for music as I could before? Can I access my playlists as before? Can I shuffle music from a playlist as before? Can I use one zone, multiple zones, etc., as before?  Generally, will this work as was advertised when you wanted all my money for the various products, or are you forcing me down a streaming and subscription based model? I see major lawsuit here against them as I’ve never see such an outcry from so many users.  The product has been “okay” with performance at best. I have a top-notch internet setup and the app still drops constantly - even after adding other equipment Sonos insisted would fix it. I dealt with their top, upper tier specialist(s) for nearly a year and finally just gave up and use it to enjoy as best I can.  But if something else works, I’m all ears (Roon for example).  And BTW, I use PlexAmp on my iPhone or iPad and it works flawlessly. I use it when walking or working out for example.  I’ve NEVER had a song stop or drop, or skip multiple songs, or crash and go back to the start of the playlist I brought up to begin with.  PlexAmp is spectacular for me. Unfortunately, I have to play Plex through Sonos to get it to my speakers. I’m waiting for Sonos to next remove Plex from their universe.  That happens and I’m suing, I can promise you that.  I’m one of those blessed with the means to do so in a major way.  Come on Sonos.  

Sonos on iPad:

My NAS SMB protocol is set to minimum SMBv2 and maximum SMBv3

Regarding “Improved local library connectivity”: 

• Most times there is NO library to select. 
• IF the music library does appear, it is listed under "Your Sources"
• Within the music library, the usual attributes are listed: Artists, Albums, Composers, Genres, Songs, etc.

BUT

• Adding to the queue/replacing the queue crashes the app. 
• Due to the lack of the queue function, there is no shuffle, no repeat, no adding nor replacing music.
• No search for music from the local library on NAS 
• No indexing of music library content on NAS
• The only playlists visible are the ones in my NAS library previously imported within the "Imported Playlists Folder." The contents of each playlist are displayed but cannot be queued / played.
• Grouping physical rooms by zones is available.

I have an extensive tech background and persistence with implementations has often been the key to success. However, I've decided to not spend any more of my time on this entire Sonos app upgrade issue. I've wasted too many hours on this and my life can still be productive without sonos. I'll use an alternative and move on.

I appreciate your honest replies. Wow, how sad is that? How could they have released such a horrible app?  How can they expect users who, in many cases, have invested thousands of dollars over the years, to be left in this predicament. 
 

How can there not even be a shuffle?  If I bring up a playlist, I don't want to play the artist or song in A-to-Z order.  I ALWAYS shuffle my playlists. I NEVER play without it. 

How can there be no search?

I wonder if I can import new playlists as I've done so many times  (it took forever to figure out how to get my iTunes playlists in. XML etc)  It shouldn't be as hard as they make it  nothing new here  

I’m not far behind in kissing Sonos goodbye. It's insane. Speaking of hours, you don't even know the amount I've spent on their awful, inconsistent, performing system. 
 

just curious if you had any thought of trying the Sonophone that has been mentioned by many?

Finally, I can't even believe how many upset users there are. 

Thanks again  

thanks for your reply. 

No Sonophone. No Sono-nuthin’

Gotcha. Thanks.