New Sonos app angers many users

Completely changing an app used by millions of users is no easy task, but Sonos has made life easier by completely redesigning its app. Faced with the disappointment of its customers, the manufacturer stands firm and promises to return the missing functions.

As of May 7, users of Sonos products had to use a new app that replaces the less popular S2 version. The app’s home page is now customizable, the configuration of various music services has been simplified, the controls have been redesigned… Changes are always hard to come to terms with once you’ve finally gotten used to an app, even a flawed one. However, it appears that the redesign was particularly poorly received by many customers who complained about the lack of this new version.

Read Sonos is changing: new app fixes 4 years of frustration

A look through the Sonos forums, Reddit, and even our readers shows the extent of the damage. There are no accessibility features for subscribers (Sonos promises to have them back by June). Timers before turning off music have disappeared, and the manufacturer simply recommends using the Mac or Windows apps for now.

Editing the music queue – deleting a song or inserting another – is a write-off. The search function is incomplete. ” Using our speakers independently is a challenge that many of us may now no longer be able to cope with. “, regrets one of our readers, who recommends disabling automatic app updates.

iOS users who have upgraded to the new version of the app have no choice but to live with it; Android makes it easy to return, but you’ll need to find the Sonos S2 app APK and install it by sideloading it.

Faced with protests, Sonos urges patience: ” We understand that our users value certain features that they want to continue using now. “- admits product manager Maxime Bouvat-Merlin. Edge. ” We’re working hard to reintroduce them in the coming months, while adding new improvements that will make the app even better. “, he adds.

This is encouraging, but why not spend a few more weeks integrating these features? Sonos could have avoided a lot of controversy. The rest of the statement is a bit untrue and is unlikely to reassure confused users. Thus, the manufacturer manager reminds: bravery “What did it take to ” rebuilding a brand’s core product from the ground up, knowing that it may require taking a few steps back to ultimately take a big step forward. “.

Aside from the unwanted mention of Apple, which was ridiculed by many for the “courage” it took to remove the jack on the iPhone 7, why should customers pay the price for Sonos’ whims? The maker of connected speakers and soon headphones also explains that this new app will serve as the basis for future features in the works. He also promises: ” keep listening to reviews from [ses] clients “, which is not entirely positive!