New Sonos app removes key features - beware!

Updated to the latest release on iOS this evening (June 17) and still the functionality that had been previously listed as fixed (I’m talking play next, alarms, etc) wasn’t there, although slider volume numbers are. However, suddenly had a thought about the 1Blocker Firewall that runs on my iOS devices - it blocks in-app trackers and acts as a VPN. I paused the Firewall, restarted the Sonos app and the missing “fixed” functionality (play next, alarms, etc) is now there. The functionality remains when you turn the Firewall back on. I’ve posted several times that released fixes just weren’t appearing on my system (with corresponding frustration) - seems that the problem was down to my blocking software. Hope this discovery may help others. 
 

Even with the restored functionality I still prefer the S2 app (which thankfully is still running on my wife’s iPad). Far simpler to use with no delays in loading content. It’s still the only way I can create and edit Sonos Playlists and access  my Qobuz playlists. 

Here is a new issue, or new to me at least. 
 

I’m fortunate to have a summer place with its own Sonos equipment. The old app automatically saw where I was based on the wifi network. The new app goes through an extended search, to the point where it’s faster for me to delete and reinstall the app in order to find the equipment at my location. 

My Sonos system is driving me mad. I have music to relax me. Nothing about the interface or function (or lack of) is relaxing. I have been trying to play some music from my Mac for the last 2 hours, with little success. Music breaking up, Sonos app not able to see speakers, and when it can, wont link them. I invested in the wrong stuff. Have some Era 300s on the way, if I hadn't already paid the import duty I would cancel them. 18 speakers and 4 soundbars - big mistake. I upgraded my WiFi system, one speaker is wired to the router, still no joy.

Well I have found Menu Bar Controller for Sonos on the Apple App Store. Unlike the Sonos Mac app it works. I can group my speakers and all is playing (at the moment). A nice touch is that the app shows speaker volume percentage for all devices. I can easily set the volumes the same, unlike with the Sonos app, which I have to try and match the bar length.

Mid June has come and gone (weren’t there supposed to be improvements by then?) and I see no changes. I’m told my app is up to date but still have the same issues and new ones emerge almost daily. I am sick and tired of the “something went wrong”message. Group volume is an absolute joke with individual speakers having to be adjusted as the linked slider doesn’t function, when you do adjust them it’s pot luck whether they’ll hold the setting or revert to the original position. Practically every time I open the app my system can’t be found and the wait can be as long as two minutes before it appears. “Play next” was returned to us but doesn’t work, I just set mine to play a music album from Apple Music after a current track but instead got a podcast from BBC Sounds. The mid July list of features needing to be returned should tax the adolescent failed GCSE Computer Science incompetents of Sonos beyond their wildest dreams  

A ridiculous state of affairs and Sonos remain unapologetic whilst bombarding me with new product emails and infesting my feeds with adverts for the new headphones. 
 

One plus point. I found the option to name my system so mine is now called “”Fu**ed” by Sonos”” 

Home from work for three hours and wouldn’t it be grand to listen to some of my music? Practically impossible because, according to the piss poor app, I don’t have any components connected or indeed a system so should start anew connecting them. Utterly, utterly stupid; so stupid that I can’t even see ridiculous in the rear view mirror. Zero improvement despite the (empty) promises from Sonos. It was bad at release, how can it be getting worse?

And now I am forced to upgrade my Sonos app, otherwise it doesn’t work on Android.

1. Search does not work for my music library
2. I don’t see any option for changing alarms

What else is missing

I’m using the new app on android and I can’t change anything. None of the “managed” items work. All it allows me to do is play music, fortunately I have a iPad which does allow me to “manage” my Sonos system.

I have read that Sonophone for Sonos (iOS) is an excellent replacement. Though I haven’t tried it yet as I’m still researching its privacy statement.

It’s not free but with what the speakers cos, what’s a few extra bucks to get your $1000 plus system working again. 

SonoPhone downloaded and in seconds I can access and search my local NAS library and all services, playlists etc immediately available. £3.99 well spent. 
 

Shame on Sonos for failing to adequately address the dozens of issues caused since their roll out of the practically useless new app which still lacks even basic functionality despite several further updates supposedly aimed to give us back control stripped away with the demise of the gold S2 app.