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Trending Lyricist I
September 3, 2026
Answered

Beam Ultra does not have Alexa or Google voice control?

So I guess that the new Beam Ultra will not have voice control using Google or Alexa?  I have to ask this, why does Sonos seem to struggle with what seems to be such small things that other companies have no issues with?  Maybe it is time for a more competent company to buy Sonos.

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melvimbe
melvimbeAnswer
September 3, 2026

A few points I wanted to add to the discussion.  Hopefully constructive.

 

1-  Sonos, like any other company that makes consumer products, are going to release  products before the Christmas retail season, even if all planned features are not yet available.  Those that don’t want the product without the promised feature can always hold out until that feature is enabled.

 

2- Sonos is going to be implementing custom agents, which will open up SVC to any AI agent you want.  It’s already been stated that Gemini is on that list of services that will be supported when the feature arrives.  To be fair though, it’s unlikely to be same experience as Gemini on a google mini (or whatever speakers they have these days)

3 - I personally don’t care whether Sonos supports Alexa + or not.  I do use Alexa + from smart home control where I need to, but I find the push to sell me product, and that they charge for it, I have had Echos for Alexa and Sonos for SVC/music without issue for years, and will continue till I can scrap Alexa.   In short, I would understand if Sonos does put effort into getting Alexa + working natively, but I’m also happy to see them not spend any time and effort into it.

4 - I feel as though Sonos current stance on voice actually better matches their originally philosophy with music.  Any music service that wants to be available on Sonos can be, and now any AI/Voice Assistant can as well.  You aren’t locked into a service, can use multiple services, and switch whenever you want.

 

 

Danny

32 replies

jgatie
September 3, 2026

You are correct.  I was hoping this new CEO would get things turned around at Sonos and obviously that has not happened.  I would like to upgrade some of my Sonos equipment, but I am a Google Voice household.  I was hoping they would get back on track and start being able to use Google Voice and Alexa.  However, I see they are heading in the opposite direction and just using their own voice service.  I had spoken with the previous CEO and he told me they were working on bringing Google back, just trying to figure out how to do it technically, something other companies don’t seem to struggle with, but he is no longer employed at Sonos.  Not sure how any of that is relevant as my question was technical, but there is your answer.

 

Google is another thing entirely.  Alexa will be available in the Beam 2 as stated in the official online product guide.  Stating differently due to other web pages being a little ambiguous is just fishing for problems to complain about, which is why I called it FUD.  It's especially FUD when it comes from someone who swore off buying the product ever again and thus just posting to complain about something which will never effect them.  

AjTrek1
September 3, 2026

Guys….you’re making a mountain out of a mole hill regarding this debate about voice assistants for the Beam Ultra:

  • Google will not be available. That relationship was broken a long time ago for integration with new Sonos products *
  • Alexa + will not be available at launch. Quite frankly, unless you are an Amazon Prime member Alexa + will be a paid service. That said Alexa + may never see the light of day on Sonos; however, that’s up to Sonos.
  • Alexa Basic (by all accounts) will be available on the Beam Ultra at launch. It’s in the Product Guide **

You can choose to believe it or not. If you think there are contradictions with Sonos printed matter on their website...bring it to the attention of a Moderator. However, this endless back n’ forth is fruitless.

 * AI Synopsis

The Sonos and Google partnership began to decline between 2015 and 2016, when Google launched its own competing wireless audio hardware after gaining technical access during their 2013 software integration. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Key Timeline of the Decline

  • 2013 (Collaboration): Sonos and Google partnered to bring Google Play Music to Sonos speakers, giving Google a behind-the-scenes look at Sonos' multi-room audio technology. [1, 2]
  • 2015–2016 (The Split): Google released Chromecast Audio in 2015 and the Google Home speaker in 2016, which Sonos later claimed copied their patented systems. [1, 2, 3]
  • 2020 (Lawsuits Begin): Relations completely broke down, and Sonos officially filed a major patent infringement lawsuit against Google in early 2020. [1, 2]
  • 2025 (Partnership Ends): According to Sonos - Wikipedia, Sonos officially announced that the partnership was ending in May 2025 following years of legal battles. [1]
  • Explore the history of the lawsuit from CNBC. [1]
  • Read Google's official perspective on the dispute from the Google Blog. [1]

 ** Excerpt

 

Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
jgatie
September 3, 2026

I just spoke with someone at Sonos and currently is DOES NOT support Alexa or Google.  If you go to the page for the product and go to tech specs and under voice control, it currently only uses Sonos Voice, what a joke Sonos has become!

 

I seriously doubt this.  And even if true, I wouldn't trust tier 1 support script readers to know all the details about a product which isn't even available yet.  But don't let that stop you on your crusade to spread the FUD.

Trending Lyricist I
September 3, 2026

I guess you didn’t read my whole statement about wanting to upgrade some of my products.  So I am the problem and not Sonos?  Their product description is vague at best, but I am the problem.  Oh, and Alexa is not currently supported, but it will be someday.  Sure, I am the problem and reason that Sonos is in financial bind, sure.

Trending Lyricist I
September 3, 2026

You can make up all the stupid acronyms  you want, but it doesn’t mean I am the problem.  The financial markets and situation that Sonos is in from a company standpoint doesn’t lie.

jgatie
September 3, 2026

I guess you didn’t read my whole statement about wanting to upgrade some of my products.  So I am the problem and not Sonos?  Their product description is vague at best, but I am the problem.  Oh, and Alexa is not currently supported, but it will be someday.  Sure, I am the problem and reason that Sonos is in financial bind, sure.

 

So when you stated you had made your last Sonos purchase, you were not being honest?  OK.

How about this . . . If Alexa basic isn't available on the new Beam 2 at launch, I'll buy you one.  If Alexa basic is available at launch, you will donate the purchase price to a charity of my choice.   That's how confident I am that you are wrong.  If you don't want to make that bet, you should probably stop the FUD until the product is actually shipped.     

Trending Lyricist I
September 3, 2026

You can doubt whatever you like, and make up all the ridiculous acronyms that you want.  Doesn’t mean Sonos is heading in the right direction.

jgatie
September 3, 2026

You can make up all the stupid acronyms  you want, but it doesn’t mean I am the problem.  The financial markets and situation that Sonos is in from a company standpoint doesn’t lie.

 

FUD has been around for ages, and it wasn't of my making.  

Trending Lyricist I
September 3, 2026

That’s great!

Trending Lyricist I
September 3, 2026

Doesn’t really matter, I got my answer from Sonos.