End of Software Update Program

Here’s the important thing.  Sonos is not just leaving the legacy software as is.  They are actually forking their software (a considerable decision giving the support it will require).  So, within the limits of the 32 MB RAM/storage, they can fix things like changes to Spotify, if it can be done.  Previously, any changes - bugs, security, service changes - were not being done.  

As stated, nobody does this.  Besides how are they to predict the future?  The limits are not time dependent, they are memory, storage, and processor dependent.  Nobody can predict another game changing feature like voice control will come in the future and force those limits.  Any expiry date they state would be a guess, and a WAG at that. 

Currently, there exists a way for a system to downgrade from beta to current software and back when you leave/join a beta group.  This includes controllers and system software.  I imagine this mechanism will be similarly used for modern downgrading to legacy (and vice versa)

Some companies are upfront about number and/or the duration customers will get updates for. Google publishes a best before date for the dozens of Chromebook platforms it supports. Google will also push that date farther away as it feels/wants/shamed it can support it longer. Google and other phone companies also will publish how many major OS updates or years they support.

Personally I want to update my phone a laptop on a regular basis. But if I didn't, in both examples I could install a different OS to keep the device working. I'm not aware that this is an option for Sonos.

Sonos has done a really good job of supporting their old hardware. But personally I will never buy a new Sonos product without a listing of hardware specs and minimum support date. I can't decide if it is good value for money without this. 

This is basically what Sonos is offering.  They are allowing you to install legacy software to keep your old units running as they are today.  Even better, they are pledging to keep the software supported by forking it from the modern software and continuing to offer updates for bug fixes and security issues.  This is a major capitulation for Sonos, for they now have to support two code bases instead of one.  

I’m not sure hardware specs are generally going to be announced, and I don’t know that they are going to really help people get an idea of how future proof a device is going to be.  We know that all the modern devices have at least 64MB, which I really have no feel for.  It sound really low to me as I’m used to specs in GB.  However, this seems to be quite standard for smart speakers.

As far as minimum support date, we do have that information, as it’s been announced to be 5 years from when Sonos stops producing the product.  I will say though that up until this point, Sonos has not communicated that information well, rather poorly in fact.  I don’t see why there can’t be a page on this site that publishes the minimum support date for their past products. 

They made 32 MB work for 15 years, and they effectively just doubled (at least) the resources for ‘modern’ devices.  Do I think they can squeeze another 15 years out of the extra resources in 64 MB?  No, it’s not that linear an equation.  Do I think Sonos can utilize 15 years of experience squeezing functionality out of 32 MB to do the same with 64?  Yes, I do. 

This isn't what Sonos is offering as the best before date is not determined up front at time of sale and new speakers don't get new features, they hold them hostage until you replace old hardware or you run two systems.

This is a new era with Sonos so I look to May for clarity. I'm looking forward to the new things they can do with the modern devices with new processors and 1gb ram. 

64 mb ram is not a modern smart speaker. Sonos is calling 64 mb "modern" but given Sonos' own lineup of 1gb devices, Homepod (1gb, 16gb rom), echo dot (8gb reportedly) and so on 64 mb isn't modern. 

Also, last date of sale is only a guidance, look at what they did with Connect. Have any other devices have an unidentified refresh?

Customers should have this information to decide if their purchase is worth it or not. 

Can we please stop with the loaded language like “hold them hostage”?  If you wish to use that type of hyperbole, go to the main thread, you will find plenty of it, along with holocaust references and terroristic threats.  I can’t be bothered with that kind of silly drama and won’t partake in that type of conversation.

Back on topic: Sonos is not going to put a “best before date at the time of sale” on their units.  They just aren’t.  They have no idea when the current resources are going to be exhausted, because they have no way of predicting what future features will be.  At best it would be a WAG, and it is not very smart to make WAG’s. 

They have pledged to support devices 5 years after sales cease because they have to legally.  Take that with the grain of salt it so obviously contains.  Then take a look at the memory/storage charts being posted, and make an informed decision yourself, rather than relying on some WAG that has to go through a PR and legal department filter.  

See above about the last sale stuff.  Sonos isn’t going to do it.

As to having this information, you do have this information.  See: Updated memory graphic.  You don’t need Sonos to spell out for you. 

As to 64 MB not being a “modern” device?  It is what Sonos is calling a modern device, the other stuff is subjective.  Also, the 64 MB devices are not being sold any more (except the Sub, which has 64 MB storage/128 MB memory, and only has to play one channel, it has no real smarts or data needs). 

And by the way, do you realize that calling 64 MB “not a modern smart speaker” you are basically saying Sonos has made the legacy devices last far past their capability of being a modern smart speaker?  Did you really mean to praise Sonos’ effort like that? 

As to identifying a refresh, yes the Play:5 is designated by generations, as is the One and I guess we can assume, all others going forward.  As Sonos stated, they learned their lesson with the Connects.

They are holding updates hostage. I won't be bullied to moderate my verbage based on your weak sensibilities. 

They have pledged 5 years, but they hid the 5 years from customers with the 2015 cut off. No one got 5  years notice on this.  I'm reading other models such as play1 has had a hardware change. Will they do the same? The support time is what is, I'm asking for transparency, give me the information so I can make educated purchases. I don't expect this tomorrow, I'm looking beyond May.

Sonos did a very good job supporting old hardware. I'm hopeful they continue this in the future and can move forward positively but this hinges on their actions in May so I'm reserving judgement,keeping  my wallet closed and looking at other options.