Add Chromecast built-in Integration

I've seen this conversation come up again and again. Unfortunately, I think this forum often misses the point:

Sonos does not want to sell you speakers. They want to sell you an ecosystem. Hell, they're even moving towards expanding that ecosystem into a full media OS in the near future. They are committed to this focus. For those disappointed in this focus, you will continue to be disappointed with Sonos. Do not invest in Sonos hoping this will change. It won't.

Why? Why does Sonos allow Airplay and not Chromecast (and yes it is Sonos making this decision)?

Simple. Apple only sells expensive hardware. There is no chance of wireless Apple speakers undercutting Sonos.

Chromecast, alternatively, is available in nearly every upcoming active speaker nowadays. Speakers with better sound than Sonos have Chromecast at exorbitant prices, which is fine. Chromecast, however, is also available in very affordable speakers that severely undercut Sonos. This provides a wireless multi-room solution to the consumer at a far lower price of entry than Sonos.

This latter situation is untenable for Sonos. They used to be the only game in town for wireless multi-room. Now that the space is crowded, they have to compete. Sonos has a diverse lineup and a fantastic sound. They can easily compete in the high end. On the low, however, they simply can't. More importantly they never will as they are a relatively small company, and some of these cheap Chromecast speakers are loss leaders for billion dollar companies.

So how does Sonos respond? They wall off their garden. They leverage their first mover advantage. They provide incentives for competitors to stay out of the low end of the market, which provides Sonos' original/strongest incentive (multi-room) at a fraction of the price. Maybe they focus their early legal battles against the companies bleeding these low end customers, customers that a decade ago would have been forced to break out their checkbook and invest in Sonos.

If you're comfortable in the Sonos ecosystem, you're lucky. They make a great product.

If you're not, or are more optimistic about Google Home than Sonos long-term, buy anything else.

Sonos doesn't sell speakers..

If they did, I'd buy more of them.

Might want to have a look at WiiM.  Their little device has created quite a stir already for its big feature set at a little price.  They don’t currently support Chromecast, but have said they will be producing a second device that does Chromecast.  Their infrastructure is similar to that of Sonos, and they offer unlimited lifetime support, something most of Sonos’ competitors don’t offer, certainly not at this price point.

https://wiimhome.com/Overview.html

Stuff like this is always appreciated.

Unfortunately, it's exactly why Sonos have removed every audio input possible without eliminating their use for television. Close that garden and profit while you can.

To be fair, it's also why Google discontinued its original Chromecast audio. Nobody will pay for a license when a dongle is so affordable.

Speakers are nothing more than ecosystem bait nowadays, and I don't think you need a business degree to know which players will eventually be left standing..

Actually, Sonos speakers can be used with any DLNA/UPnP infrastructure.  I no longer use the Sonos app, greatly prefer LMS with the Material Skin, which offers many advantages.  My Sonos Play:1s and Ones integrate just fine into the LMS system - minus the perfect multiroom sync, which I’ve never really cared about.

LMS can also be used to integrate other speakers such as chromecast and airplay.  My system has a mix of Sonos, Airplay, Chromecast and squeezebox radios.  It's even possible with some effort to include Echo devices. 

Half measures and work arounds.

This topic isn't brought up a dozen times a year, because people are content to find ways to simulate (poorly) a utility they've come to expect, or more importantly may prefer.

The fact a Sonos user could have all the functionality they desire if, and only if, they stay within a Sonos approved ecosystem is exactly my point.

Sonos don't sell speakers.

At least not without strings..

Not exactly. Line-In is available on Port, Amp, Five, and all their antecedents. The system can be used to distribute sources of any flavour, including a Chromecast Audio.

Plus of course any content can be streamed from an iDevice over AirPlay. 

Do you actually possess any Sonos gear?

Please don't assume to speak for me or any other "people" beside yourself.  I do not, nor have I ever expected and/or preferred Chromecast functionality, nor do I avoid the subject because I've found workarounds.

I own a fair bit actually. Including more than one of the products you listed. 

These are older products, however, and I think it's fair to say their successors will not have any such feature.

And that's fine. Having line-in present on only a portion of the product line does not allow for a full solution to use Sonos speakers within another ecosystem anyway. Half measures and work arounds.

If you're comfortable in the Sonos ecosystem, they make a great product.

My only point is that if you're not, don't hold your breath. Sonos clearly sees themselves more as a competitor to multi-room ecosystems than they do audio companies.

It doesn't appear you've read the entirety of my posts. If you have, you certainly missed the point.

Either way, this is a comically personal response. Suffice it to say, I am not as emotionally invested in audio companies as you.

I will, however, reiterate for your benefit: 

If you're comfortable in the Sonos ecosystem, they make great products.

Do not, however, make the mistake of thinking you are purchasing only a speaker. You are purchasing a piece of the Sonos ecosystem, and this ecosystem is where Sonos have chosen to focus their efforts as a company.

Sonos is competing more with Google Home than it is Bang & Olufsen.

No need to get bent out of shape about it. Let's just stop pretending like Bluetooth and Chromecast support is just around the corner and let people make an educated decision that makes sense for them.

On a personal note: I'm sure you'll have a blast asking the Sonos assistant to open Netflix in 2024. I sincerely hope it continues to work for you (as the main character).