Today we are introducing the most extensive app redesign ever, creating an unprecedented streaming experience that allows listeners to organize their favorite playlists, stations, albums and more from over 100 services on one customizable Home screen.
Home Screen
The new Home screen provides faster access to Sonos system controls with one easy swipe up, making tab to tab jumping a thing of the past. As a leader in sound experience that’s focused on creating a better way to listen, Sonos intentionally redesigned the app on a modern software platform for an easier, faster and better experience that can support more rapid innovation.
The reimagined app supports all existing S2 products and will be available globally through a software update for the S2 mobile app.
100+ streaming services, one Home screen
The redesigned Sonos app prioritizes a listening experience that’s human - allowing you to bring your true favorites front and center and giving you more control to make your streaming experience your own.
Get into your music (and off the app) faster: No need to tap between tabs —the new Home screen serves up all your favorite content and controls, all in one place. Quickly jump back into your recently played, browse libraries and recommendations from your preferred services, and fill your home with music and all the sounds you love.
Customize and curate: Enjoy unparalleled curation by designing your Home screen to reflect how you listen. Pin rows of your favorite content and services; then move, edit, or rearrange them to your liking.
Search every streaming library: Look for an artist, song, podcast, or audiobook across all your preferred streaming apps at once via an easy-to-use search bar that’s always available right on your Home screen.
Elevated system control: Swipe up from the bottom of your Home screen to seamlessly control your entire system and access a visual overview of what’s playing on each of your products, quickly group speakers, and dial in on the perfect volume from anywhere in the app.
Accessible from any modern web browser, a brand new web app allows listeners the same seamless system control as the mobile app.
The new Web App
The Web App will be available alongside the redesigned mobile app on May 7, 2024.
Want to find out more about the new Sonos App? Have a look at the Info Hub section of the community for a complete rundown of the new user interface.
For the life of me, I cannot understand why you would release apps that have inferior functionality than the previous version?
From you listening to locally stored music files SONOS cannot benefit even theoretically. But from you pushed to listen music from streaming platforms through SONOS app and gear most probably they can make a profit.
But I really wonder what they will benefit from scratching the sleep timer and alarms. And what means “these feature will be back via updates in July”...Which July, 2024 or some other July. Many things appear to be very very wrong here.
@Me40 Just as Sonos don’t make money from me listening to my local music, they don’t make any money from me listening to Spotify or Apple music or any other service that I’m aware of (except their own).
They make money from me wanting to listen to music (or TV etc) in another room and buying (or upgrading) another speaker - the same as if I wanted to listen through a service. I don’t get your point. I get the point that users listening to local files are much less than ‘streamers’ - but don’t see where the profit you referred to comes from.
I meant that they don't care if you and me have local storage of music file (as we do). But making listening of local files harder and harder makes me think that they push toward listening streaming platforms on our Sonos products and I won't be surprised if they have some agreements or at least intentions for monetarizing it.
Sonos have said previously on numerous occasions they have no commercial/financial partnership with the streaming platforms.
I agree. As mentioned earlier they also said (Patrick Spence, CEO of Sonos):
"After thorough development and testing, we are confident this redesigned app is easier, faster and better. It once again raises the bar for the home music listening experience, and sets up our ability to expand into new categories and experiences.”
I doubt the CEO will have even seen the new App, he’s probably got a Homepod
Your new controller App is the single worst app update I've ever seen. You have hyped it for weeks as a revolutionary redesign. The community has been waiting for it, and it is an unmitigated disaster.
To remove major pieces of functionality in an "upgrade" release is ridiculous.
Was any beta testing with actual users done? They would have told you that you can't remove functionality, especially if you are going to remove the old version from distribution so folks can't even download.
Expecting customers to go to a Window or Mac machine to do basic functions is ridiculous. The move to mobile for all-things-web happened over 10 years ago. Were you not watching?
I've owned Sonos equipment for 15+ years and I now have 6 devices in my apartment that are my only speakers because I love the sound quality, ability to move between different rooms, playing different music in different rooms, ... all the reasons why Sonos is my choice and I frequently recommend them. I'm also a software engineer with 40+ years of experience delivering products to customers. If I was responsible for such a disasterous release, I would expect to get fired.
Sonos - it’s pretty clear that the consensus of the ENTIRE INTERNET is that you screwed the pooch on this one, rendering your own products virtually useless. How do we get our money back, now that you’ve destroyed the user interface that was a primary selling point of your product line and a main feature of your (imo) false advertising????
People just need to be a little more honest with themselves and use less outrageous language.
Just above this post there were more measured comments from Ken, and I agree with his sentiments. The user interface isn’t destroyed — I rather like it better than the previous one. There are missing elements that should have been there from day one but it has mentioned over and over and over to the point of tedium that these will be coming in updates over the next few weeks. That isn’t ideal and I’m sure the intent was they would have been there from yesterday. Did they mess up — sure. But no one has died and if my alarms are missing I can always use my phone to wake me. Along with the missing pieces bugs will be fixed. Really people — I can’t believe I’m beginning to sound like Jgatie but your howls of doom and despair are now starting to feel a little bit overblown. It’s a few weeks — not ideal but you are all adults, and I’m sure you probably have more important things going on in your lives to deal with in the meantime.
People just need to be a little more honest and stop trying to defend the indefensible and sounding like a sonos fanboy. Most of the comments aren’t related to the UX (as this is down to personal preference, you will get some like it and others not). However what has happened here, is that key functionality has been removed and for users with large libraries it runs like a dog and constantly spits out “Something went wrong” messages. There is an easy fix for this, which is to have the original app available to download while the new one is fixed. The streamers and the sonos fanboys can then use the new one whilst those with local libraries can use the old version. This will then bring an end to the comments.
Today we are introducing the most extensive app redesign ever, creating an unprecedented streaming experience that allows listeners to organize their favorite playlists, stations, albums and more from over 100 services on one customizable Home screen.
Home Screen
The new Home screen provides faster access to Sonos system controls with one easy swipe up, making tab to tab jumping a thing of the past. As a leader in sound experience that’s focused on creating a better way to listen, Sonos intentionally redesigned the app on a modern software platform for an easier, faster and better experience that can support more rapid innovation.
The reimagined app supports all existing S2 products and will be available globally through a software update for the S2 mobile app.
100+ streaming services, one Home screen
The redesigned Sonos app prioritizes a listening experience that’s human - allowing you to bring your true favorites front and center and giving you more control to make your streaming experience your own.
Get into your music (and off the app) faster: No need to tap between tabs —the new Home screen serves up all your favorite content and controls, all in one place. Quickly jump back into your recently played, browse libraries and recommendations from your preferred services, and fill your home with music and all the sounds you love.
Customize and curate: Enjoy unparalleled curation by designing your Home screen to reflect how you listen. Pin rows of your favorite content and services; then move, edit, or rearrange them to your liking.
Search every streaming library: Look for an artist, song, podcast, or audiobook across all your preferred streaming apps at once via an easy-to-use search bar that’s always available right on your Home screen.
Elevated system control: Swipe up from the bottom of your Home screen to seamlessly control your entire system and access a visual overview of what’s playing on each of your products, quickly group speakers, and dial in on the perfect volume from anywhere in the app.
Accessible from any modern web browser, a brand new web app allows listeners the same seamless system control as the mobile app.
The new Web App
The Web App will be available alongside the redesigned mobile app on May 7, 2024.
Want to find out more about the new Sonos App? Have a look at the Info Hub section of the community for a complete rundown of the new user interface.
Please read the feedback from your users to the app update on multiple websites/Play Store/App Store. The update is a complete disaster and many basic features are gone. Which makes using an expensive music system unusable. You have a huge issue on your hands.
I've owned Sonos equipment for 15+ years and I now have 6 devices in my apartment that are my only speakers because I love the sound quality, ability to move between different rooms, playing different music in different rooms, ... all the reasons why Sonos is my choice and I frequently recommend them. I'm also a software engineer with 40+ years of experience delivering products to customers. If I was responsible for such a disasterous release, I would expect to get fired.
I’ve owned Sonos kit also for 15years. I had 4 devices in my last house and I have 10 devices in my current house.
I am not a software engineer, but I am able to wait the few weeks until the next update to reinstate the at least some of the missing elements and fix at least some of the bugs.
Sonos - it’s pretty clear that the consensus of the ENTIRE INTERNET is that you screwed the pooch on this one, rendering your own products virtually useless. How do we get our money back, now that you’ve destroyed the user interface that was a primary selling point of your product line and a main feature of your (imo) false advertising????
People just need to be a little more honest with themselves and use less outrageous language.
Just above this post there were more measured comments from Ken, and I agree with his sentiments. The user interface isn’t destroyed — I rather like it better than the previous one. There are missing elements that should have been there from day one but it has mentioned over and over and over to the point of tedium that these will be coming in updates over the next few weeks. That isn’t ideal and I’m sure the intent was they would have been there from yesterday. Did they mess up — sure. But no one has died and if my alarms are missing I can always use my phone to wake me. Along with the missing pieces bugs will be fixed. Really people — I can’t believe I’m beginning to sound like Jgatie but your howls of doom and despair are now starting to feel a little bit overblown. It’s a few weeks — not ideal but you are all adults, and I’m sure you probably have more important things going on in your lives to deal with in the meantime.
People just need to be a little more honest and stop trying to defend the indefensible and sounding like a sonos fanboy. Most of the comments aren’t related to the UX (as this is down to personal preference, you will get some like it and others not). However what has happened here, is that key functionality has been removed and for users with large libraries it runs like a dog and constantly spits out “Something went wrong” messages. There is an easy fix for this, which is to have the original app available to download while the new one is fixed. The streamers and the sonos fanboys can then use the new one whilst those with local libraries can use the old version. This will then bring an end to the comments.
I have a local library and I am experiencing issues as well. I also know that fixes are in the pipeline.
However I take back my comment that all here are adults. Once you start bandying about insults (‘fanboy’? — childish, but also incorrect) you’ve already lost the argument. I won’t engage in any further discourse with you.
I am a software engineer and no company I've ever worked for has treated customers so badly. You're right that the first version is usually best avoided but that's very difficult here. Most people have probably got automatic updates turned on so their system gets hosed before they have a chance to stop it. If this were a uni project it'd struggle to get more than a 2.2 because the fundamentals have been forgotten. If it turned out on examination that trashing existing customer functionality was deliberate then that would be a fail.
I've owned Sonos equipment for 15+ years and I now have 6 devices in my apartment that are my only speakers because I love the sound quality, ability to move between different rooms, playing different music in different rooms, ... all the reasons why Sonos is my choice and I frequently recommend them. I'm also a software engineer with 40+ years of experience delivering products to customers. If I was responsible for such a disasterous release, I would expect to get fired.
I’ve owned Sonos kit also for 15years. I had 4 devices in my last house and I have 10 devices in my current house.
I am not a software engineer, but I am able to wait the few weeks until the next update to reinstate the at least some of the missing elements and fix at least some of the bugs.
It’s only going to be a few weeks until they fix this? source?
I am a software engineer and no company I've ever worked for has treated customers so badly. You're right that the first version is usually best avoided but that's very difficult here. Most people have probably got automatic updates turned on so their system gets hosed before they have a chance to stop it. If this were a uni project it'd struggle to get more than a 2.2 because the fundamentals have been forgotten. If it turned out on examination that trashing existing customer functionality was deliberate then that would be a fail.
It would be Fail in any decent university.
For everyone looking for a way to go back to the previous version. I am sharing below the steps from a fellow forum user. They worked for me. This is for Android users. First remember to uninstall the existing Sonos app from your phone.
“Went to apkmirror.com on my phone browser, and downloaded Sonos 16.1 (arm64 v8a). Then opened the download folder and ran the install. (You may have to select the permissions on your phone to allow you to do that). Following install I turned off wi-fi and mobile data, then went to play store and selected do not automatically update apps. Then turned wi-fi and mobile data back on, then ran the app and signed in.”
I've owned Sonos equipment for 15+ years and I now have 6 devices in my apartment that are my only speakers because I love the sound quality, ability to move between different rooms, playing different music in different rooms, ... all the reasons why Sonos is my choice and I frequently recommend them. I'm also a software engineer with 40+ years of experience delivering products to customers. If I was responsible for such a disasterous release, I would expect to get fired.
I’ve owned Sonos kit also for 15years. I had 4 devices in my last house and I have 10 devices in my current house.
I am not a software engineer, but I am grown-up enough to wait the few weeks until the next update to reinstate the at least some of the missing elements and fix at least some of the bugs.
If you're not grown-up enough you will wait few weeks (or months) anyway. Because you don't have other choice... This is what is all about here. The released version of the app is not ready in any way for official release and all missing functionality was not mentioned at all. Second day after the release and SONOS officials still act like this mess was planned but not accidental. If this was planned then I don't see any point in defending it. If it was accidental then where is the “road map” of getting out of the mess. Restoring simple feature as sleep timer in July sounds ridiculous, Not mention the not working trueplay for some products, playing only one song from local storage when you press play and all other stuff reported already which obviously is covering the definition of “bug” rather than “new features to be added”.
And after all If all that push was is related with 7th of May Sonos Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results then situation becomes self-explanatory and indefensible at the same time.
Today we are introducing the most extensive app redesign ever, creating an unprecedented streaming experience that allows listeners to organize their favorite playlists, stations, albums and more from over 100 services on one customizable Home screen.
Home Screen
The new Home screen provides faster access to Sonos system controls with one easy swipe up, making tab to tab jumping a thing of the past. As a leader in sound experience that’s focused on creating a better way to listen, Sonos intentionally redesigned the app on a modern software platform for an easier, faster and better experience that can support more rapid innovation.
The reimagined app supports all existing S2 products and will be available globally through a software update for the S2 mobile app.
100+ streaming services, one Home screen
The redesigned Sonos app prioritizes a listening experience that’s human - allowing you to bring your true favorites front and center and giving you more control to make your streaming experience your own.
Get into your music (and off the app) faster: No need to tap between tabs —the new Home screen serves up all your favorite content and controls, all in one place. Quickly jump back into your recently played, browse libraries and recommendations from your preferred services, and fill your home with music and all the sounds you love.
Customize and curate: Enjoy unparalleled curation by designing your Home screen to reflect how you listen. Pin rows of your favorite content and services; then move, edit, or rearrange them to your liking.
Search every streaming library: Look for an artist, song, podcast, or audiobook across all your preferred streaming apps at once via an easy-to-use search bar that’s always available right on your Home screen.
Elevated system control: Swipe up from the bottom of your Home screen to seamlessly control your entire system and access a visual overview of what’s playing on each of your products, quickly group speakers, and dial in on the perfect volume from anywhere in the app.
Accessible from any modern web browser, a brand new web app allows listeners the same seamless system control as the mobile app.
The new Web App
The Web App will be available alongside the redesigned mobile app on May 7, 2024.
Want to find out more about the new Sonos App? Have a look at the Info Hub section of the community for a complete rundown of the new user interface.
For everyone looking for a way to go back to the previous version. I am sharing below the steps from a fellow forum user. They worked for me. This is for Android users. First remember to uninstall the existing Sonos app from your phone.
“Went to apkmirror.com on my phone browser, and downloaded Sonos 16.1 (arm64 v8a). Then opened the download folder and ran the install. (You may have to select the permissions on your phone to allow you to do that). Following install I turned off wi-fi and mobile data, then went to play store and selected do not automatically update apps. Then turned wi-fi and mobile data back on, then ran the app and signed in.
Is there any way to selectively disable updates only for the Sonos app?
i.e. allow all apps to auto-update except Sonos?
For everyone looking for a way to go back to the previous version. I am sharing below the steps from a fellow forum user. They worked for me. This is for Android users. First remember to uninstall the existing Sonos app from your phone.
“Went to apkmirror.com on my phone browser, and downloaded Sonos 16.1 (arm64 v8a). Then opened the download folder and ran the install. (You may have to select the permissions on your phone to allow you to do that). Following install I turned off wi-fi and mobile data, then went to play store and selected do not automatically update apps. Then turned wi-fi and mobile data back on, then ran the app and signed in.
Is there any way to selectively disable updates only for the Sonos app?
i.e. allow all apps to auto-update except Sonos?
Unfortunately, not. At least not that I’m aware of.
I think when people comment on the design, they’re thinking purely about how things are presented.
The reality, though, is that the navigation paradigms set out in the new Sonos app are an absolute disaster. Here’s some of what I’ve noticed:
I tap on a source like Spotify, and it loads a sheet. However, there is now a back button outside of that sheet at the top left. That’s supposed to indicate that I’m in a stack, but I’m not; I’m at the root level of a sheet. When I tap the back button, it closes the sheet, but I can’t swipe back and instead have to swipe down. If I go down a level, I can now swipe back. The back arrow should be inside the sheet, not outside.
When you’re multiple levels down a stack and tap "Settings," you might think you can just tap that back button, right? Nope. You have to swipe down and start again. This could have been solved by just having the sheet take over the top bar and treating it like any other native app would.
Swiping down doesn’t work in many situations, e.g., context menus that slide up, which only pulls down the content in the menu. I have to reach up and slide down. Why didn’t they just use native context menus?
I could honestly keep going for ages. I can see what they were trying to achieve with the sheets, and I’m sure with a bit of care and attention, they can get there. However, what’s present at the moment feels like a mess of concepts that intentionally try to rethink what works on native apps rather than leaning into the platforms themselves.
Also everything just takes up far too much space to the detriment of the content itself.
This whole debacle could have been avoided if Sonos had been honest from the outset, had performed any sort of serious beta user testing and had not rushed a half arsed “update” out via app stores
I can’t understand two things about this fiasco.
The first is why Sonos needs to faff around with what is a glorified remote, and in so doing, break things from how things were. What is the need for this waste and this is something I have not understood since 2018 when there already was a good remote via the app even then. Is this like getting bored with your car after some months of use and change just because you can? What a colossal first world problem and what a waste of resources in trying to solve it.
Second is why if they must do this, release it in this manner. Why not wait till it was ready in all respects except for some bugs? What is the existential crisis that can be the only reason for such a rush job? Why not release this in September, for instance?
Plus one severely disappointed by the new app. It’s not feature complete and should never have been released.
Also a bit of appreciation for @Jamie A who seems to be handling the mop and bucket on this one. Tough job.
Is there any way to selectively disable updates only for the Sonos app?
i.e. allow all apps to auto-update except Sonos?
Yes, on Android. At least on my device. On Play Store, search for Sonos, then select it, click on the 3-dots and disable auto update
@Kumar - I don’t have a massive beef with the UI redesign other than it seems to be simply for the sake of keeping the Sonos UI college placement kids busy. It’s the fundamental features that have been removed that are inexcusable simply for the sake of rushing the development cycle to meet a self imposed deadline.
Is there any way to selectively disable updates only for the Sonos app?
i.e. allow all apps to auto-update except Sonos?
Yes, on Android. At least on my device. On Play Store, search for Sonos, then select it, click on the 3-dots and disable auto update
I believe the question was how to disable automatic updates for Sonos app only, not how to enable automatic updates for one app. If you can find this option, let us know.
Is there any way to selectively disable updates only for the Sonos app?
i.e. allow all apps to auto-update except Sonos?
Yes, on Android. At least on my device. On Play Store, search for Sonos, then select it, click on the 3-dots and disable auto update
I believe the question was how to disable automatic updates for Sonos app only, not how to enable automatic updates for one app. If you can find this option, let us know.
Well, you just unset the checkbox as I did, so the auto update is not enabled. This is for Sonos app only. All my other apps are on auto update.
@Kumar - I don’t have a massive beef with the UI redesign other than it seems to be simply for the sake of keeping the Sonos UI college placement kids busy. It’s the fundamental features that have been removed that are inexcusable simply for the sake of rushing the development cycle to meet a self imposed deadline.
You assume this is the work of college kids. More likely, the labours of highly paid job-titled software 'engineers' who are busy frantically covering their rear-ends
Today we are introducing the most extensive app redesign ever, creating an unprecedented streaming experience that allows listeners to organize their favorite playlists, stations, albums and more from over 100 services on one customizable Home screen.
Home Screen
The new Home screen provides faster access to Sonos system controls with one easy swipe up, making tab to tab jumping a thing of the past. As a leader in sound experience that’s focused on creating a better way to listen, Sonos intentionally redesigned the app on a modern software platform for an easier, faster and better experience that can support more rapid innovation.
The reimagined app supports all existing S2 products and will be available globally through a software update for the S2 mobile app.
100+ streaming services, one Home screen
The redesigned Sonos app prioritizes a listening experience that’s human - allowing you to bring your true favorites front and center and giving you more control to make your streaming experience your own.
Get into your music (and off the app) faster: No need to tap between tabs —the new Home screen serves up all your favorite content and controls, all in one place. Quickly jump back into your recently played, browse libraries and recommendations from your preferred services, and fill your home with music and all the sounds you love.
Customize and curate: Enjoy unparalleled curation by designing your Home screen to reflect how you listen. Pin rows of your favorite content and services; then move, edit, or rearrange them to your liking.
Search every streaming library: Look for an artist, song, podcast, or audiobook across all your preferred streaming apps at once via an easy-to-use search bar that’s always available right on your Home screen.
Elevated system control: Swipe up from the bottom of your Home screen to seamlessly control your entire system and access a visual overview of what’s playing on each of your products, quickly group speakers, and dial in on the perfect volume from anywhere in the app.
Accessible from any modern web browser, a brand new web app allows listeners the same seamless system control as the mobile app.
The new Web App
The Web App will be available alongside the redesigned mobile app on May 7, 2024.
Want to find out more about the new Sonos App? Have a look at the Info Hub section of the community for a complete rundown of the new user interface.
Unable to change colour of the app icon. Unavailable under preferences.
I've owned Sonos equipment for 15+ years and I now have 6 devices in my apartment that are my only speakers because I love the sound quality, ability to move between different rooms, playing different music in different rooms, ... all the reasons why Sonos is my choice and I frequently recommend them. I'm also a software engineer with 40+ years of experience delivering products to customers. If I was responsible for such a disasterous release, I would expect to get fired.
I’ve owned Sonos kit also for 15years. I had 4 devices in my last house and I have 10 devices in my current house.
I am not a software engineer, but I am able to wait the few weeks until the next update to reinstate the at least some of the missing elements and fix at least some of the bugs.
It’s only going to be a few weeks until they fix this? source?
Hi
there was a news article which detailed June and July updates with what each one would contain, the info sourced from Sonos. I’ve tried to find it but I’m meant to be working — I’ll have another look later. Be assured I didn’t just make this up.
I’m bowing out of this thread now as, as is usually the case, any differing opinion brings out the crazies and the insults are flying. I’m entitled to my opinion as much as anyone else, but others think otherwise. I’ll see if there is a more moderate thread.
