Question: Do mandatory updates interrupt line-in playback?

Unless you have automatic updates enabled in the Sonos app?

Since the Sonos devices are in direct contact with the internet you should be happy they are updated once in a while. When you are planning to use them for something important it is alway wise to see if there’s an update beforehand….

Nope. Never found out what happened and why playback suddenly stopped. I’m looking at options to replace the Sonos speakers with something else. 

Mandatory updates are a thing with Philips Hue too, although the lights won’t suddenly switch off without notice. The mandate only happens when attempting to open the Hue app. At least they admit it, with the message “mandatory update required”.

The Sonos app didn’t admit anything, the interface in the app is replaced with empty placeholder containers with flashing shades of grey.  The only option was to head to app store and update the app. I don’t use auto-updates for anything, after too many times getting burned from unwanted changes. I do update things, but in my own time and under my decision.

> “ you should be happy they are updated once in a while”

LOL that sounds like some kind of twisted Stockholm syndrome at play.

I would prefer a system that is guaranteed to work out of box and conforms to basic standards, and works as long as those standards are available - such as the network in my house, wi-fi, bluetooth  etc. I don’t want to be tied to an eco-system with needy update requirements, selling me new features or whatever.

I read recently about a bluetooth coffee mug that heats up. Apparently it requires an account and you need to login before you can check the temperature of the drink you’re holding in your hands. Ridiculous. I will never submit to needless data-collection and UX dirty tactics. If you have, good luck with that.

23,428 replies? Good grief indeed. You’re a professional Sonos commenter?

Not that I like giving advice to veterans, but I’d suggest contributing more than the equivalent of a sneeze. 

For example, thoughts on the requirement to log in to Sonos just to adjust volume limiter or see recently played items and other settings? Don’t care? Just accept whatever is dished out?  Every decision you make filtered and validated via a remote service… not because it’s technically required, but because removing independent control from your hands is in the manufacturer’s interest. Okay, well some of us are pushing back against this progressive erosion of local control, and substitution with mandated internet account tracking compliance.

One thing I like about Sonos speakers is I can actually trigger them via other systems such as home automation, sensors etc for security purposes and so on,  but honestly I’m half expecting that to be closed off at some point because it’s not tied to the preferred eco-system.

@jayHi .  I expect a sarcastic comment about my number of posts, and would like to inform you that I don’t give a **** what you think or say about that.

First, as commented by others, there are no mandatory updates on Sonos.  You need to turn off automatic system updates in the Sonos app, and updates for the Sonos app in your app store.  You can then decide whether or when to update.  But apps and system must be kept on the same version, and so if you allow the app to update (for example) the system must be brought in line.

My thoughts on the requirement to sign in to make changes to settings?  It’s a good and sensible idea and was in part in response to numerous customer requests.  Once a controller is logged in it stays logged in unless it is reset or is not used for a long time.  You make it sound like you have to sign in for every change.  I cannot remember when I last had to sign in to make a change.  It is literally years.  The requirement prevents visitors, children  etc screwing up the Sonos system, whilst allowing them to play music.  It’s a security measure that I wouldn’t be without.  You are of course entitled to feel differently, and I am sure you have read Sonos’ information security policy before expressing your views.

A couple of other points:

1. “I would prefer a system that is guaranteed to work out of box”.  Sonos often does work out of the box. But guaranteed?  Well. when router manufacturers and mobile phone manufacturers make their products identical, all users set up their networks properly, when wireless interference ceases to exist and users read the set up instructions, THEN Sonos might guarantee such a thing.  This is not a sensible suggestion.  A system with Sonos’ capabilities is ruled out by this requirement.  I doubt if manufacturers of single Bluetooth speakers would give such a guarantee.
2. “I don’t want to be tied to an eco-system” .  Then Sonos was a bad choice for you.  Sell immediately.

Nope.  “Good grief” is more than sufficient for your level of drama.  

You make it sound like the only thing between you and the darkness of breached security badlands, is an audio speaker without the latest “security update”, lol. There’s a reason why we never hear of security incidents arising from “someone not updating their speaker”. It’s because actual security incidents almost always occur as a result of human error. Nothing to do with app updates. Eg, poor passwords, or developers exposing backend databases where all your Sonos personal data lives including exact geo coordinates, etc.

Volume has nothing to do with security. It’s just volume. And in the rare case someone does actually want to password protect basic settings including EQ, then simply allow the option to do that. Allow a master password and user roles or similar. Do the job to facilitate sensible, user friendly UX rather than mandating everything under the sun to “keep us safe from ourselves”.

The role of a speaker manufacturer is not to lock away basic settings behind online registration. Just like the role of a bluetooth coffee mug maker, is not to require online rego for checking the temperature of the liquid inside. User choice = good UX.

Anyway… that concludes my thread. Speaking of which, the choice to mark it “answered” was taken away from me, and given to others. In true Sonos form!