Meanwhile I have downgraded (upgraded?) to v7.4 and am much happier.
Is that possible?
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I mean you no ill, but can you please tell me how you have enabled a dark background?
Meanwhile I have downgraded (upgraded?) to v7.4 and am much happier.
I am using one of the more interesting app icons.
The current one is so boring.
I haven't found any such option. There wasn't an option in the old version of the app, either, to my recollection. There have been many past requests for setting it up as such, though.
I was talking about the functionality comparisons. There's no functionality that was extant in the old version that isn't in the new version.
Note: I thought I'd replied earlier, but it appears to have disappeared in the ether.
I'm firmly in the 'hate the new app' camp. Why did you move everything around and rename items?? I could go on and on about what I don't like about it, but, besides the glaring white look, the aspect I'm most upset with is the way the name of various rooms are displayed. They're much too hard to pick out from the other info on that screen. I'd be hard pressed to come up with a less user-friendly UI if I tried. Please give us our old app back!
Hi RAmmann,
Agreed. General consensus is that SONOS have got it wrong with what they "thought" was a good version upgrade. Fail.....
What were you guys thinking with the white screen? Please revert back to the old UI. For Android users, there is an easy mechanism to download a previous version APK. For my iPad, it appears to be near impossible.
Regards,
Geoff
I see alot of positive reviews and I am shocked. I loved the previous app. Easy to use, no instructions needed. This new one completely sucks. I was forced to update it today, no options given as I could not see my favorites I had set up. Now I can't select a room, as when I try to it sends me back to the same room I had playing. How do I get the old one back, this is really a sad day as everything you released in the past was solid, this is NOT.
Changing rooms is very buggy for me. Scenario:
1. playing music in roomA, want to change to roomB
2. touch red "roomA" at bottom of screen, this brings up the room-chooser
3. deselect roomA, select roomB, hit "done" (have also tried select-first-deselect-second...no better)
4. returns to main screen with roomA still selected
5. lather, rinse, repeat until Sonos finally understands that I want roomB (typically 3-4 reps will do it)
6. @#$%^&!
This problem exists both on my iPhone (ios11) and an older iPad (ios10.3.3) so it is not os-specific. Please fix ASAP! Changing rooms has to be one of the most basic use-cases for Sonos...
...and yes, like most others, I find the all-white UI glaringly bad (pun fully intended :)
I HAVE THE SAME THING, TAKE US BACK A VERSION NOW PLEASE!!
Meanwhile I have downgraded (upgraded?) to v7.4 and am much happier.
Is that possible?
It is relatively straight forward for Android users; I am guessing it is not for iOS users unless jailbroken perhaps?
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/sonos-inc/sonos/
Version 8 is the one that many of us dislike and v7.4 is the one that I am happily using for now.
Installing it prompts you to set "Unknown sources: Allow installation of apps from sources other than the Play Store" to Yes (if not already set that way) and on my phone, gives the ability to make that setting for this install only (sensible).
APKMirror is generally considered to be a trustworthy source of Android install files.
Certainly. We're listening and continue to pass on feedback to the development team. They've been hard at work for a long time on this app, and this version is just the first public edition, there will be more revisions to come. The current app is a foundation, so make sure you share your feedback and suggestions. I don't have any details that I can share on what's up next, but I think it addresses many of the largest criticism so far. We look forward to hearing what you guys think when the next version comes out. I don't have a timeline to share on when that one is launching since they're still looking at feedback and working on incorporating it.
I can't believe a company as high profile as Sonos would release software that is only a foundation for the next version and in doing so spoil the pleasure of their hardware for so many people.
It's OK for people to keep saying that everything is still possible in this version but if it takes more clicks and time (which for me it does) then it's a major step backwards. In the old app I could have it open at my couple of dozen favourite radio stations and it was simple to keep changing from one to another but I haven't found this to be the case with the new version. If I'm missing some vital part of the app which will make it easy then I need to know it.
Meanwhile I have downgraded (upgraded?) to v7.4 and am much happier.
Is that possible?
It is relatively straight forward for Android users; I am guessing it is not for iOS users unless jailbroken perhaps?
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/sonos-inc/sonos/
Version 8 is the one that many of us dislike and v7.4 is the one that I am happily using for now.
Installing it prompts you to set "Unknown sources: Allow installation of apps from sources other than the Play Store" to Yes (if not already set that way) and on my phone, gives the ability to make that setting for this install only (sensible).
APKMirror is generally considered to be a trustworthy source of Android install files.
Thanks for that. I actually found how to do it myself shortly after posting my question, but I can confirm that it works fine and maybe some other users can benefit from it.
V7.4 installed: sanity restored. I wont be in a hurry to "upgrade" again.
Thanks for the feedback on app sizes, we'll pass it along for you. This is just a first step, there will be more to come as we continue to develop the Sonos app. - I would second anyone who finds the icons too large. There is a lot of screen real-estate wasted on the new app.
Additionally not being able to add services such as Amazon Prime to "My Sonos" seems a massive over-sight.
Based on the comments there seems to be as many people who think the new app is great as there are those who think it's a step backwards. Fundamentally I think it needs a lot more work!
I see alot of positive reviews and I am shocked.
I'm not sure where the positive reviews are...Google must be censoring the positives out on the Playstore. I scrolled for several minutes down the reviews and didn't find one positive.
Sonos is coming up with all sorts of excuses such as aversion to change and that this is a 'foundation' release.
Man up guys and admit you have screwed up big time and have somehow approved and released a very very poor design with badly flawed navigation.
It would be nice to think that Sonos are working day and night to release a correction.
Sadly, I suspect that 'Sonos know best', will be in operation.
I have been 'subscribing' to each new topic regarding the app. The list currently stands at 24 SEPARATE topics criticizing it, each with many commenters. There is not a single topic 'I love the new app'. Yes, there is the occasional person who says they like it but they are pretty few amongst the massive majority of detractors. The Google and Apple app stores make for very grim reading .
You are correct that the new app can do everything the old one can (and a little more in the form of My Sonos) but I would trade this in a heartbeat for the more intuitive older version where there were far fewer swipes in all different directions and less clicks involved.
Why should it be that an app is released only in its 'foundation' form - why not the finished article ? Sonos are not some small startup who just need to get anything out of the door in any state. Take your time, listen to feedback (in alpha/beta) from your most trusted users (your customers) and refine it to something you can be proud of and the majority of users like rather than dislike ! Of course you cannot please everyone but in this case it looks like 95% would prefer the old version so you have fallen very short.
It would have been far better to keep the old app (or replicate it if you really had to rebuild it) and add some features people actually asked from here https://en.community.sonos.com/controllers-software-228995/wishlist-for-sonos-controller-improvements-6730862
I have been 'subscribing' to each new topic regarding the app. The list currently stands at 24 SEPARATE topics criticizing it, each with many commenters.
Its been the same way with every new number version that came out. Same number of detractors, probably the same posters. Those that hated that one are now praising because they hate this one.
Meanwhile I have downgraded (upgraded?) to v7.4 and am much happier.
Is that possible?
It is relatively straight forward for Android users; I am guessing it is not for iOS users unless jailbroken perhaps?
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/sonos-inc/sonos/
Version 8 is the one that many of us dislike and v7.4 is the one that I am happily using for now.
Installing it prompts you to set "Unknown sources: Allow installation of apps from sources other than the Play Store" to Yes (if not already set that way) and on my phone, gives the ability to make that setting for this install only (sensible).
APKMirror is generally considered to be a trustworthy source of Android install files.
Thanks for that. I actually found how to do it myself shortly after posting my question, but I can confirm that it works fine and maybe some other users can benefit from it.
V7.4 installed: sanity restored. I wont be in a hurry to "upgrade" again.
We also need to stop the Play Store from just downgrading to v8.0 again, if you have all apps auto-update.
Search for Sonos in the Play Store and go to the Sonos app page. Tap the menu button (three vertical dots) from the top right and you'll see an Auto-update option, which you can then disable.
I have been 'subscribing' to each new topic regarding the app. The list currently stands at 24 SEPARATE topics criticizing it, each with many commenters.
Its been the same way with every new number version that came out. Same number of detractors, probably the same posters. Those that hated that one are now praising because they hate this one.
maybe so but the prior version also started out very badly and went through quite a few iterations and enhancements to bring it to its final version (7.4) which, aside from the queue changes, were all much needed improvements where everyone is happy. If they had started with the UI of 7.4 back then (aside from the queue changes) there would have been far less negativity.
There would still be negativity. No matter what changes are implemented, there is still outcry. While I think the white is too bright, it doesn't diminish my enjoyment of Sonos in any way, especially to the point of 'fix it or I'm selling all my Sonos kit!' I've been around this long enough to know they'll make changes. Demands and threats are useless other than raising blood pressure.
Not a fan of the new app at all. On Android tablets it is very, very difficult to navigate and find *anything* Attempting to change rooms, trying to find Favorites, trying to search for stations -- all took several minutes to find by complete hunt and peck guessing. Previous SONOS apps have always been beautifully simple and I have never hesitated to hand the app to a visitor to control the system. No chance of me doing it with the current app. The current PC app is still familiar and now my preferred way to control the system.
The current PC app is still familiar and now my preferred way to control the system.
Same here. At one time (4.x?) the android tablet app looked the same, and that worked well for me. As far as I'm concerned, each new version since then has just got worse and worse. The team responsible for this deterioration should be sacked, IMHO, as they don't seem to learn from their mistakes.
I like the new app. Much better than any that came before.
But for those who are concerned about battery issues with the white screen, it won’t affect battery life unless the display you are using is OLED. If it’s an LCD display it will use same power regardless of black or white background.
A dark theme choice would be nice however.
I have been 'subscribing' to each new topic regarding the app. The list currently stands at 24 SEPARATE topics criticizing it, each with many commenters. There is not a single topic 'I love the new app'. Yes, there is the occasional person who says they like it but they are pretty few amongst the massive majority of detractors.
People always come to forums when they are unhappy. There are probably way more people who like the new app but they are not the ones who use forums like this.
What i dont get is the amount of hate. "Morons," sack the design team" etc... Just because in their opinion the app isnt what they want. You'd think Sonos had come for their first born.
What i dont get is the amount of hate.
Hate? Hardly - Just disappointment with the on-going deterioration of the Sonos software - and the amazing rookie mistakes in UI design.
What i dont get is the amount of hate.
Hate? Hardly - Just disappointment with the on-going deterioration of the Sonos software - and the amazing rookie mistakes in UI design.
Expressing disappointment is fine however you should read some of the other 24 threads, there are definitely some haters out there. I also wish that people didn't feel the need create a new thread for the same topic.
Expressing disappointment is fine however you should read some of the other 24 threads, there are definitely some haters out there. I also wish that people didn't feel the need create a new thread for the same topic.
... or to keep repeating what others have already said, time and time again, in the various threads on the forum.
I’m sure Sonos have clearly heard what people have had to say about the new App during the past week. Now it’s time to wait (patiently) for the next update to see if they have listened to the end-user comments. I see little point in repeating the same things over and over again, even if those comments are worded slightly differently.
The software has been released as a 'public beta' and that usually means the company will be listening to the views of the public, before finalising things.
Ryan S. has clearly said that some changes are coming, that he has passed on the concerns of the community here ...and so it’s now time to sit back and give Sonos the 'time' and 'opportunity' to look at these things.
The Sonos team are surely looking for constructive criticism, not an 'off the cuff' repetitive slagging off of the software. I think many here should just wait and judge things by the final end product and not keep attacking the same points (over and over again) on what is 'clearly' still very much 'a piece of work in progress'.
The repetition is starting to feel a little tedious ... just give Sonos time to look at what people’s general views are and let’s see what they come up with next.
Expressing disappointment is fine however you should read some of the other 24 threads, there are definitely some haters out there. I also wish that people didn't feel the need create a new thread for the same topic.
... or to keep repeating what others have already said, time and time again, in the various threads on the forum.
I’m sure Sonos have clearly heard what people have had to say about the new App during the past week. Now it’s time to wait (patiently) for the next update to see if they have listened to the end-user comments. I see little point in repeating the same things over and over again, even if those comments are worded slightly differently.
The software has been released as a 'public beta' and that usually means the company will be listening to the views of the public, before finalising things.
Ryan S. has clearly said that some changes are coming, that he has passed on the concerns of the community here ...and so it’s now time to sit back and give Sonos the 'time' and 'opportunity' to look at these things.
The Sonos team are surely looking for constructive criticism, not an 'off the cuff' repetitive slagging off of the software. I think many here should just wait and judge things by the final end product and not keep attacking the same points (over and over again) on what is 'clearly' still very much 'a piece of work in progress'.
The repetition is starting to feel a little tedious ... just give Sonos time to look at what people’s general views are and let’s see what they come up with next.
My only issue is the waiting. We waited a year for Alexa integration, and I find that I can't select from my Music Library (NAS) or Deezer streaming service using voice. If we knew that they have a prioritised backlog of change, and 2 week sprints followed by deployment, then it would be fantastic. It's the fact that they just say "soon" and don't share plans or development methodology that is frustrating.
Guy_19,
The voice control and ongoing enhancements are in many ways 'free' to existing hardware owners and clearly both Amazon and Sonos will want the public either to buy their hardware, new and old, or subscribe to the available streaming music services they provide.
I think we should not expect absolutely everything here for 'free', especially in the early days of development... I’m sure Amazon would like to see us all subscribe to either their 'Prime', 'Ultimate' or their 'Shared Family' Music services and purchase one, or more, of their echo devices. In the same vein, Sonos will be hoping to encourage customers to buy their hardware, particularly the new Sonos One speaker.
The developers may go onto develop 'complete' voice control for locally stored libraries, but from an earnings/business-growth perspective, I don’t think either Amazon, or Sonos, would decide to put that development work at the top of their priority list. Its all about sales and profit in the end and so I think the voice control of locally stored music is something for them to look at later, me thinks.
I think we should all be very grateful that Sonos have decided to make these 'free' voice-control upgrades available to existing owners of their legacy hardware and have taken us with them on their journey. They could easily have confined the development to the new 'Sonos One' and any future Sonos products in the pipeline, practically forcing us all to buy their new speaker in order to voice control things.
I am grateful for the work and service the two companies have provided already this year and so far it has cost me very little in real terms... so you won’t hear me complaining about me not being able to play my local library when I now have voice-controlled access to Amazons 40 million tracks for a small monthly outlay. My local music is still available anyway via the app and once an album or playlist is started, I can use voice to then control things anyway.
I think it’s been a great first round of 'voice control' development ... and I’m quite sure there is plenty more still to come our way in the next few months and years.
