Sonos Eliminates Unpopular 'Recycle Mode' That Bricked Older Hardware

[zorinlynx]

Everyone I know with quality speakers has them for decades. If they don’t remain the primary system they’re used as secondary.

Bluetooth support may end much earlier but there should remain a wired option. Treating speakers as disposable counteracts my reasoning for spending lots of money on them in the first place.

My main sound system is composed of JBL S-34s and I've had them since 2000. Nothing beats a plain speaker with + and - terminals on the back.

This is one reason I'm sad that the Airport Express was discontinued. You could use it to give AirPlay support to any sound system, even something vintage like a Pioneer SX-780 receiver.

 

[CarpalMac]

It's hardly a representative sample size, but of all my mates who own Sonos not a single one has said they'll continue to give them money. Everyone has said they won't buy another Sonos.

I have three Sonos device and one HomePod. I have a desire for two more devices, but after they showed their contempt for me, I'm done.

Despite their back tracking, the fact is I no longer trust Sonos. I'll continue to use my existing speakers, but I will not be buying another Sonos product.

Continuing with the anecdotal evidence, mine too. 30% off a newer product is not generous, especially as deals out there quite often get near to that anyway, whilst allowing me to sell on my perfectly serviceable units.

Sonos have highlighted the dependancy we have on the IOT and the utter weakness of the model. My home heating, security, power sockets etc.. I am utterly reliant on 3rd parties doing their bit for these things to continue to work. Frankly I would rather have the ability to run the necessary services on my own server instance, so that I'm in control.

 

[Misuteri]

I’ve used the same Harmon Kardon soundsticks that I’ve had since my blueberry iMac, why do we need to upgrade speakers???

 

[vixster1901]

Sonos had every opportunity to continue to be awesome. They lost the edge. The app (iOS) got clunkier and clunkier. Then NOT coming up with a solution to Airplay2 older devices for a reasonable priced box (on the front end.) Then the stupid bricking. I lost my interest with Sonos and I tell all about their history. Tell me something good about them now?

 

[DonutHands]

And who thinks the next Sonos controller update will only work with speakers that run the most recent firmware?

 

[Gasu E.]

Except the Sonos speakers are still working perfectly fine. No need to brick them and recycle them if you can just gift them to you family or friends or even keep them for your office.

Maybe I don't understand enough about Sonos products... but why should Sonos give you a 30% discount on new speakers if you are just going to keep your old ones? I could see the 30% discount back when it was an "upgrade"; but in your scenario, it's not an upgrade, but an expansion.

 

[SBlue1]

Maybe I don't understand enough about Sonos products... but why should Sonos give you a 30% discount on new speakers if you are just going to keep your old ones? I could see the 30% discount back when it was an "upgrade"; but in your scenario, it's not an upgrade, but an expansion.

Why? Rewarding loyal customers? Acquiring new customers? Plus 30% is not that much. You can find similar offers pretty often. I bought my DeLonghi coffee machine when it was on sale for 50% off! I have a list of things I want to buy and have a set percentage of discounts for each of the items.

 

[Release]

I still love SONOS and I'll continue to use and buy their stuff. Why? Because I knew when I bought 'em they might be obsolete someday.... like all digital devices. If not the speakers, then the services that run on 'em would stop working. It's all a part of digital evolution.

Honestly, I'm just happy they've worked flawlessly for the 10 years or so that I've had 'em. I have more Apple products sitting around collecting dust that no longer work. And I bought those in the same timeframe as the speakers.

 

[macduke]

I agree it was a terrible policy but “shamed into oblivion”? Really?

Every company — even the great ones — makes mistakes. How can we ever expect companies to improve if we don’t give them the opportunity to learn from their mistakes?

Eh, a bit of hyperbole.