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Sonos systems can no longer play news through Google Assistant?

  • September 30, 2024
  • 3 replies
  • 325 views

I have a Sonos One and Sonos Arc, both with Google Assistant set up on them

Prior to about a few months ago, I could ask Google on either Sonos system “What’s in the news?” and it would play my chosen news source (WSJ)

Now, when I ask Google on either Sonos Device, it says “Sure now playing the news!” as expected, but immediately jumps to “That’s all for now” without playing the news audio in between.

This implies the command is being received and parsed, but something is wrong with receiving the audio stream for the news itself.

Why this is a Sonos problem and not a Google Problem:

I also have a Google Nest Audio on the same network, that when I ask it the above, will properly play the news.

This confirms its not a home network issue, and not a Google issue, as the Google Assistant on this device as well as my iPhone can properly perform this task.

How do I fix this problem?

Best answer by melvimbe

I would probably disconnect Google Assistant voice services from your Sonos devices and then reconnect it.  Try again.  If that doesn’t work I would create a diagnostic then contact Sonos.

BTW, your analysis doesn’t actually confirm that this is a Sonos issue to address.   There is likely a separate interface between Google and Sonos that is different from how Google services connect to Nest Audio or the apps on your phone.  The problem with the  interface could be an issue on Sonos or Google’s side of things.  Hopefully, reconnecting GA with Sonos will fixed the issue, regardless.

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3 replies

melvimbe
  • Answer
  • October 1, 2024

I would probably disconnect Google Assistant voice services from your Sonos devices and then reconnect it.  Try again.  If that doesn’t work I would create a diagnostic then contact Sonos.

BTW, your analysis doesn’t actually confirm that this is a Sonos issue to address.   There is likely a separate interface between Google and Sonos that is different from how Google services connect to Nest Audio or the apps on your phone.  The problem with the  interface could be an issue on Sonos or Google’s side of things.  Hopefully, reconnecting GA with Sonos will fixed the issue, regardless.


  • Author
  • Contributor I
  • October 1, 2024

> I would probably disconnect Google Assistant voice services from your Sonos devices and then reconnect it. 

Yeah I’ve tried this already. No dice unfortunately.

> BTW, your analysis doesn’t actually confirm that this is a Sonos issue to address.   There is likely a separate interface between Google and Sonos that is different from how Google services connect to Nest Audio or the apps on your phone.  The problem with the  interface could be an issue on Sonos or Google’s side of things.

Totally possible, but regardless, its a bug that only affects Sonos systems, and affects the user experience of Sonos users only. Maybe the Sonos engineering team can get ahold of the Google team that is responsible for that API if it truly is a Google issue.

 

I’ll generate a diagnostic and call Sonos. I tried chatting with support, but the Sonos support person told me the only solution was to email their CEO, which just doesnt sound right to me.

Maybe the next person will be more helpful 🤷‍♂️

 


106rallye
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  • October 2, 2024

I’,ve had the same with BNR Nieuwsradio, that is part of my Google good morning routine. Did not work for months for Sonos, but did work on the Google Nest. Started working again a few weeks ago, so patience could be the word in your case also.