The company is removing its desktop apps. Instead, they are introducing a web app. This new app allows you to manage your Sonos equipment from any location.
Today, Sonos is launching the updated mobile app that I shared with you earlier this month. It will become available for both Android and iOS on May 7th.
However, the desktop apps for Windows and macOS will soon be discontinued. Instead, a new web app will be introduced. This app will let you manage and access your Sonos speakers from any place, not just at home on Wi-Fi.
But let’s return to the smartphone app. It has been completely redesigned to be more dependable. Sonos aimed to make everything quicker and easier to navigate without using a tabbed navigation bar.
Now, all features are available on the homescreen, and you can arrange it to highlight your favorite playlists at the top.
You can also place your line-in audio source above other items. Moreover, you can add specific sections from music apps, like Spotify’s “new releases,” directly to the homescreen. Additionally, there is a constant search bar at the bottom, making it easy to find music with just one tap.
You can access your speakers by swiping up from the mini player at the bottom of the app. This will show you a system overview where you can control volume, group products, and more.
If you want more options, there is a shortcut to the settings menu in the top-right corner of the homescreen.
The search function remains largely unchanged, but you can now choose a favorite music service to appear first in the search results.
However, Sonos has not yet started marking spatial audio tracks from Apple Music in the search results; you will only see the label once playback begins.
I’ve only seen a quick demonstration of the app so far, so we’ll need to wait until May 7th to see if there are any features missing or reduced functionality compared to the existing version.
Such issues often upset Sonos users, so hopefully, there won’t be many problems to fix.
I am eager to try the web app and check how effectively Sonos devices can be managed from a distance; this feature was previously only available through the Sonos Pro subscription service.
The desktop apps were already getting minimal attention, so this change might be a good move.
Sonos CEO Patrick Spence is clearly excited about the new mobile app. He stated in a press release, “We thought it was the right time to overhaul our app experience.
After extensive development and testing, we are sure that this new app is simpler, quicker, and better. It sets a new standard for the home music listening experience and prepares us for future expansion into new areas and experiences.”
The updated Sonos app will be released as an upgrade to the existing S2 software and will support all the same products.
What we think?
I think the new Sonos app will make using my speakers easier. Everything will be on one screen, so I won’t have to click around much.
It sounds like setting up my favorite music will be simple. I’m a bit worried about the old desktop apps going away, but the web app could be good. I hope there aren’t many problems when it launches. I’m excited to see how it works!