The new Sonos Mobile App & Web App

Just bought this too. This guy is going to make $10,000 a day for every day Sonos don’t roll back to the previous version. He’s even offering a 30% discount right now.

Good luck to him, his Apple App Store earnings are going to be through the roof for months until they fix this.

Count me as one of the few who are thankful for this disaster of and update! I, like others remember the S1/S2 debacle but since I only own 3, yep only 3 SONOS Connect devices and all 3 I bought used so I have very little money invested in their walled garden I was not too concerned about this new version they pushed on everyone. I also have backup redundancy (retired IT/AV tech) with Google Cast devices in all 3 locations. Since the S2 update (another debacle in itself) I had to shelf one of my Connect’s as it was older and not compatible with S2, go figure, but I have always hated the new S2 (upgrade?) as I lost the ability to send music on my phone or any of my friends phones to the 2 remaining S2 Connects and the S2 app was so much slower and I had issues with one of the two zones dropping off randomly which I never had with S1. Only fix to get the two up running was the old unplug and plug back in crap. Which brings us to now. Thanks to a  post by osm on the bottom of page 30 with this link:https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/use-a-nas-drive-with-sonos about SMB versions I new I had to just bail on this whole mess and rollback to S1…. and guess what? I am happy again! I now have 3 SONOS connects that all work perfectly together again, I now can run SONOS S1 app on my very old iPad mini which could not run the S2 app so I get a nice iPad controller back into my system. 

I know most of you have much larger systems and newer gear that just won't work with S1 but for those who do only have S1 compatible systems I highly recommend rolling the gear back as my system is back to working smooth and fast and no more dropouts and I still have access to all my local music on my old WD Cloud NAS that I know is stuck on SMBv1 so I would never be able to upgrade nor would I want to upgrade to this 80.0 app that is more cloud based which is never a good direction to go in as most folks are moving towards local control to take security back in their own hands.

Here are some steps to downgrade a Sonos product from S2 to S1 which is a bit of a pain but I managed to pull it off:

1. Reset the Sonos product
2. Download the Sonos S2 app for iOS or Android
3. Open the app
4. Select More options when prompted to set up or join a system
5. Select Downgrade product to S1
6. Follow the instructions to downgrade the product's software 

Do not follow the direction SONOS has posted as they do not work and also I ended up resetting the S2 App in order to get the above steps to work. Also note you will lose any playlists doing this so what I did on my one Connect S1 is I setup my music library and then created the playlists I had on my S2 system one track at a time before I factory reset them and downgraded to them both to S1 firmware. It was a bit time consuming as my personal playlist was very big but I am glad I did it.

Any questions feel free to ask. 

Good luck SONOS with your future endeavors and Namaste 🙏🏼 

This is the best summation of how I feel that I’ve yet read here or elsewhere.  I was about to pull the trigger on another Roam, another Arc for a new TV, and was going to take a hard look at the headphones, not to mention beginning to think about replacing some of my older Sonos speakers. There is no way I’ll do any of that now.  Won’t even consider it.
 

This can be fixed instantly by allowing the old app to be re-downloaded, and then you work on this new one until it is ready.  If that isn’t done within a week or so, you will have permanently lost me, my family, and all of my friends who will listen to me that, contrary to what I’ve been saying for years, Sonos has lost its way and definitely isn’t worth buying.
 

There are alternatives. I will not only explore them, I will spend the money to buy them. It might cost me a bit more initially, but I will have the sweet satisfaction of rejecting this arrogant company and it’s utterly unusable app.

@SirDigitalKnight,

I have some quick questions, the answers to which, might perhaps be helpful to some others here too…

• Am I correct in thinking that users cannot downgrade their products, if they no longer have the S2 App installed on their mobile controller devices? e.g. if they have already upgraded to the new Sonos App? If they do have the S2 App, then can’t they just use that S2 App instead of downgrading and just switch off updates and standstill?
• Also does a Sonos user still need an S1 only product to create an S1 Sonos Household before downgrading their other S1/S2 products to that system?
• Are there any Sonos products that users should be aware of, that cannot be downgraded to S1. Is there a list anywhere?
• Finally, will the new Sonos ‘Web App’ work with an S1 system, or will that be lost too as it seems to work okay with many common web browsers, even some older tablets.

I love the fan boy posts that say variants of “relax, it’s just speakers” or “don’t overreact, it’s not that bad.” Yeah, no *. We know it’s just about our speakers. This isn’t Gaza. But this is a forum to discuss…wait for it…speakers.  And my expensive speaker system no longer works — overnight, with no warning, and no way to get it working again. So, yep, I’m really, really mad. Is it the end of the world? Nope. Is it infuriating and is this one of the few forums to discuss that? You bet it is.

*Moderator Note: Modified in accordance with the Community Code of Conduct.*

• If you are on Apple then you are sort of stuck but most people have access to an android device, family member, friend etc. So far SONOS has not updated any firmware to any of the actual gear that I know of. So yes and no on your first point. You could downgrade you system to S1 but all you Apple devices that have the new 80.0 app on them will not be able to control the S1 system or see it. Hopefully SONOS and or Apple with the previous version of S2. 
• You do not need a current S1 device to downgrade other S1 compatible devices. In fact after I created my music library on my old S1 Connect and my Playlists I unplugged it and downgraded my other 2 Connects to S1 one at a time.
• https://support.sonos.com/en-nz/article/sonos-app-version-compatibility
•  

• 

  But the Windows S1 controller app works perfectly and works when the internets goes down forever with the big Solarflare that is coming 😜

• 

   

Just got the updated app. Where did the EQ and loudness go? There used to be a button when changing sources for this. That was super convenient when it was added and now it’s back to hidden in system settings. Bring it back to the forefront please!

You might think that a CONTROLLER app would actually let you CONTROL the audio that plays on this audio system.

Ha ha ha ha, joke's on all of us because it no longer does its MOST BASIC FUNCTION. I can't change what song is going to play next, I can't take a song out of the queue, I can't even clear the queue. In other words I CANNOT CONTROL what will play. Thus this is not actually a controller app. Not sure what it IS, but it's definitely NOT a functional controller. 

And of course I can't access anything on my local network anymore. But what would be the point anyway? I couldn't add an album into the queue, I couldn't do any arrangement of songs from the network in the queue, apparently all I can do is play one song right now or line up a queue that can never ever ever be changed so you'd better get it perfect and perfectly in order the first time.

I am truly baffled as to how any adult human could think this was a functional app ready for release.

Local media is there but it doesn’t show up in search. Please update search to include local media.

Just updated to the new app on iOS and now my Sonos system is inaccessible to me. 

I am legally blind. Up until recently, Sonos has worked well with iOS and the iOS text-to-speech software VoiceOver.  Unfortunately, the new app is completely unusable wiht VoiceOver, which means it is unusable for me. There is no spoken feedback and none of the links work. Even worse, when you do try to activate a link/button, it activatges the wrong one. For example, when you try to follow the “Visit Help Center” option under ‘Account Info’, it triggers the ‘Delete Account’ option instead (very tempting!). 

Is it possible to donwgrade the app to the previous version? If so, where do you get the previous version and how do you prevent iOS from auto-updating it in the future? 

Given that I purchased Sonos because it was accessible and given they have now removed that accessibility, do they have any obligation here? If I cannot use the system, then I want a refund for my extensive investment given they have now made it completely unusable for me!

Tim, Sonos says they will bring back voiceover accessibility on May 21. I don’t know if this means full accessibility or just partial access. 
 

Jonathan Mosen is blogging about the issue at the following link, I’m sure he will continue to post updates https://mosen.org/sonos2024/

I have not updated yet and I will try the fix of installing the app from my Mac without the payload.  I have not been really pleased since the s2 transition, app takes forever to start even on last gen devices, search doesnt work properly, speakers sometimes are not found etc.

Remember when Sonos bricked our devices after the trade in? They apparently are out of touch with customers.

If I could get my hands on multiple Airport express devices I would sell my 10 Sonos devices and start over because this is not getting better.

Wow.  I just read that blog post above from Jonathan Mosen https://mosen.org/sonos2024/ and that’s heartbreaking 😢. 

I hate this update and it’s infinitely worse using my Sonos gear this week compared to last week because of how bad it is.

But it’s nothing compared to reading that blog post on how this is impacting people with vision impairment. Really feeling for you all after reading that blog.

Thank's for your unanimous messages.

It's staggering to observe such a level of stupidity and incompetence on the part of a manufacturer I was particularly fond of.

I feel betrayed and cheated by Sonos, who confiscates me valuable features without notice.

Today all I want to do is put all my Sonos equipment through the steamroller !
 

If one extends your analogy further he can feel like going back home and finds out the his/her spouse doesn't speak their language anymore (except 20-30 basic words), all daily routines are erased and on top of all beside that looks same pretty is the opposite of the gender it was the day before...but is courage to undress faster than ever before this update. It would be funny if it wasn't sad.

SONOS, it is what it is, it happened already and you have to deal with it. This is where I see nothing on the table. I said it once before - this is amateurish - either if management push this update when no specialist ever would sign it as ready either if management believes this is “courage” steps for new fiscal highs. This way it won't end up well for you and me.

When we can expect decent explanation of that failure in the experience we all had with clearly stated way out? Or maybe asking too much from the same management that made it possible all at first place. If this is the case please find the “courage” to state it so your current customer base could deiced adequately based their experience, budget and expectations which way to go. If this is not the case and you just don't know what is expected from you right now - good example could be Linus Tech Tip (LTT) reaction on their drama 8 months ago (you can watch it on YouTube).

It's your move (and this move is not restoring sleep timer in July'24 ;) )

*Moderator Note: Modified in accordance with the Community Code of Conduct.*

Big news:
Someone at Sonos is reading these messages...
even if it's only to eliminate the emergence of solutions unpleasant to the company ;-)

Sonos, I bought your equipment solely to use my local music library on the NAS.  I spent a long time choosing between you and your competitors and chose Sonos because of its SMB support.  Sonos, don't deprive your users of the familiar features that made Sonos famous.  Otherwise, Sonos will lose users.  I also ask you to return TuneIn.  Radio was a pleasant surprise in Sonos services, and the experience wouldn't be complete without TuneIn.

I cannot imagine Sonos selling ANY new equipment to anybody for the next 6 months at least.  Like many folk, I’ve got plenty of Sonos boxes already and have downgraded to 16.1.  Others with ios can get an old Android and use that as an old CR200 dedicated controller.  But imagine if you are setting up a house and wanted a multi-room system.  You go on the internet to do your research, or you go into your local hifi retailer.  Would you buy multiple boxes knowing that the software to run them did not contain basic music system functionality?  And further, there was no date when such functionality would be returned?  

Next, imagine you are a retailer and have all this Sonos stock which is now going nowhere.  That’s going to hit your bottom line.

We, the existing users, are all shouting here.  Including myself.  And with full reason.  However, imagine the conversations taking place within high management at corporate Sonos.  (“Management” implies some knowledge and control, so perhaps we should find another collective noun for the people on the top floor of the Sonos corporate offices.)  Sonos is going to sell NOTHING for the next 6 months - due to the kit not working for the next 3 months, and then based on damaged reputation once the kit does work.  As the column-inches within these forums multiply, some people must surely be being marched to the exit by security.  If that’s not the news that comes out from Sonos in the next few weeks, then we should all expect the same situation to repeat itself in the future.  

Sonos put a hole in the boat.  What happens next - both in re-introducing S2 ver 16.1 to all the app download pages and removing those responsible - is going to indicate whether Sonos will survive or not and whether there will be a repeat performance at some future stage.  Words and promises, irrespecitive of how bold or italicised the font used (as we’ve seen so far) have no value.  We should judge by the actions that occur.  

Sonos S2 App is missing from the Play Store in the UK.....

My mistake sorry. It's still there. If only .......

Marco.B wrote:

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.

 

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 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.

 

Here you can find the full press release. 

 

 

 

I installed the new App on my iPhone an iPad and lost one of the most liked features: the Sleep Timer and the Alarms 😒.  Moreover, while listening to my music library’s playlists, the queues are empty or the app shows an error occurred. Frankly, I am very disappointed about SONOS quality control. Like many others on the forum I turned to SonoPad to get better control of my devices.

Nouvelle version du logiciel de contrôle V80.0 sur les iPhone ne fonctionne pas ! trop de bug: long, pas de suivi des morceaux, agis très lentement sur les actions de volume. 

It probably depends which country you’re in, how long you have owned the system and whether the now-missing features were present at time of purchase.

If you happen to be in the UK I suspect the Consumer Rights Act 2015 might be relevant. It provides some protections (separate from general store/manufacturer warranties) on product quality (including durability) and whether products are fit-for-purpose and as described. Depending on product it can apply for up to 6 years after purchase. However I have no expertise in this area or any prior experience making a claim via this route so I’m just thinking out loud really. Summary info here: https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/regulation/consumer-rights-act-aKJYx8n5KiSl.

If not in UK might be worth looking for similar consumer rights laws in your country.

In desperation I just tried the new web app. It's the same as the Android app, with the same deficient UI. This may explain why the Android app is so bad. Web apps can be as good as native apps, but often aren't, because it's too easy to create them (in my experience as a software engineer). Good software takes time to mature; however, your dedicated user base shouldn't be made to suffer while it does. Bring back the old app, turn the new one into a pre-beta preview release, do it now Sonos, and then you might not start haemorrhaging customers.