Sonos Speakers Now Available on Apple Online Store Around the World

[Uofmtiger]

You are probably right - the issues o have a are likely due to the inherent nature of wifi limitations. Unlike your setup, my airport expresses are not wired. I have four of them, and they represent three generations of Airport Expresses.

Some of the issues - Airplay suddenly can't find one or more, sudden unexplained breaks in Airplay even though the source is not moving around, and certain songs - yes the songs themselves - refuse to play on Airplay. That last one is weird. No idea what it's about.

But I can't say either way if Sonos is better. But I can say that I think the writing is on the wall - I think Apple is getting out of this market - the Airport market. Hope I'm wrong.

They offer AirPlay in the Appletv 4 and many new receivers have it, so I doubt the actual tech is going anywhere, even if they have given up on the Airport Express (don't really have a feel of whether they want to move this tech along, but in my case, it already works like a charm. I also have a combination of old and new Airport Express units. The one I use every day is the old one with the huge plug)

The tech in wifi routers is getting more sophisticated all the time, with many new wifi routers coming with their own mesh systems. Personally, I have a TP Link Google Hub and it never has an Airplay drop out. I can even get a strong signal outside. However, TP Link has even better routers out now with multiple lanes and numerous large antennas. I won't be updating my router until something breaks, though. But if I was having Airplay drop outs, I would upgrade or use a Home Plug solution when possible. The upside to just fixing the problem is that your entire network of devices should benefit.

 

[Tha Professor]

Anyway, I guess my point is that Airplay seems to be the last reason these days to buy an Airport Express, and now that Apple is selling Sonos - a competitor in the Airport Express/Airplay/stereo market - it tells me Apple is giving up on building the hardware for sending music around your home.

I miss that one hot minute where Apple was dipping its foot in the home stereo market with the iPod Hi-Fi. No, it wasn't the best speaker. But they were taking risks. And they were cool risks.

I still use iPod Hi-fi and an old airport express as our living room sound system. I love that setup. When set up correctly, the express is reliable and sounds good. While connected through optical, the system is always on without even a hiss. Beats Bluetooth speakers in every way except for portability, of course.

 

[Uofmtiger]

its all about the software and ease of use. They are simply the best on the market, or were until recently. I'd like to compare them to the Amazon Echo or Google Chromecast. I doubt I'll be changing though as I really like my Sonos, all 6 of them.

I have the Echo and the Chromecast Audio device.

Echo upsides

Aux output (analog only, though)
Bluetooth output to a Bluetooth speaker/receiver
Works with only a few different services (Amazon, Spotify, Pandora, etc.)
Is awesome for home automation
Works as a Bluetooth receiver, so you can use any app with it
Price is $50

Downsides
No digital out
Limited services built in
It can't send and receive a bluetooth signal simultaneously

Chromcast Upsides
Streams directly from web like Sonos (might be good for those with wifi issues)
Has digital and analog out
Works with a few different services
Plays Hi Rez files
Should work with Google Home
Price is $35
They can be grouped for multi-room audio ( I only have one, so I can't say how well that works. )

Downsides
Doesn't work with ever app like Bluetooth and AirPlay
Can't use Siri with it because it isn't compatible with Apple Music

Those are the highlights. My preference for music is still AirPlay since it works with all audio on my iOS devices and works with Siri when using Apple Music. Since I listen to podcasts quite a bit, it is also the best option there and it is easy to control the AirPlay device and send Siri commands with the Apple Watch, even when the iPhone is docked across the room. The real kicker is that it is built into 3 of my receivers and activating it in the phone will turn on my receiver(s) and put them on the correct input automatically. It is that kind of combination of sound quality and convenience that keeps me in the system. Would love to see Apple implement multiroom AirPlay in iOS (since WHAALE shows it is possible), but I would rarely use that feature, so not much of a drawback for my use. The WHAALE app works fine for my own music, in that respect, and I rarely open the app. Personally, I don't want music from other rooms bleeding into the room I am in and ruining the soundstage.

 

[Gutwrench]

Yeah, when I read you couldn't stream Apple Music to it, and there was no AirPlay, that made it an complete non-starter for me. Why get a speaker that can only play some of the stuff my phone can?

You can stream Apple Music. I run everything through my Playbar so it's extremely simple. If you only have Play1s you still have alternatives.

http://www.sonos.com/en/apple-music-on-sonos
http://www.sonos.com/en-us/airplay

 

[DudeDad]

Works great for me. I've had SONOS for about 12 years. Currently 8 Zones. Love it. I buy the old original controllers off of ebay and replacement batteries for them there too. VERY Easy to replace the battery although Sonos will tell you it's not possible!

I'm an audio mix and one obscure handy feature is being able to broadcast from the studio into every room. That was I can hear how the balance and EQ of a song sounds on a variety of speakers without making a stereo bounce, saving it to disc and running around from room to room. It's incredibly useful.

I have two of the "newest" although discontinued controllers..sadly, they are losing features with each update. I have an "extra" iPhone 6 that I use as the bedroom controller, and I have a Nuimo by Senic that sits in the bathroom for easy access to Sonos...
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Ah, another Sonos thread. Which can only mean a division of those that OWN Sonos vs. those that constantly put down Sonos...

Those that don't own Sonos:
Sonos is overpriced
It doesn't even support bluetooth
Airplay is better and I don't have to buy anything more
Sonos forces you to use their app
etc.

Those that own Sonos:
It is my favorite technology I've purchased in years
It works, and works incredibly well
I have speakers all over my house, and use them every day, flawlessly
I can't wait to buy more speakers
etc.

So decide for yourself. The people that own Sonos equipment overwhelmingly love it. Don't just like it, love it. It's pretty logical that those that own and extoll the positives actually have more basis for their opinions.

To those who complain about lack of Airplay and being "forced" to use the Sonos app....what app do you use for Airplay and why is the Sonos app a problem? If you play your collection from Apple Music, you have that in the Sonos app as well!

It's important to use a product before you bash it....

 

[Jimnational]

I would be very hesitant to invest in a Sonos system given their very shaky financial status. All of those layoffs earlier this year are probably just the tip of the iceberg.

I heard they are shifting focus to better software integration. Or maybe they are going lean to make themselves a more attractive takeover target. Their hardware is exceptional and underrated IMO

 

[ApplePapple]

Have two Play:1 and they are great. Incredible sound for such a small speaker. For those of you who have an Apple Watch I would recommend the app called Sonobit. It primary comes as a Widget but packs with an Apple Watch app. No experience of the play:5 though but it seem kind of expensive..
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Why does Sonos seem like a top player? What are they doing that makes their product worth buying?

I always hear people rave about them but it just seems like any other BT speaker...

I'm certainly no audiophile but the sound when you have few speakers playing synchronized in different rooms are really something different from other things. My mother in law have the top line B&O system but I think my 200$ play:1 sound better.

 

[jdag]

To those who complain about lack of Airplay and being "forced" to use the Sonos app....what app do you use for Airplay and why is the Sonos app a problem? If you play your collection from Apple Music, you have that in the Sonos app as well!

It's important to use a product before you bash it....

I think that the most common complaint is that because Sonos requires the use of their app, you cannot direct any/all system sounds to Sonos speakers. So you cannot use Sonos as "computer speaker" as if they were attached. Further, you cannot direct audio from YouTube or other non-suppoered services. With Airplay/BT you can et audio output from the control center.

My use of Sonos is for local music, TuneIn radio stations, and a couple of streaming music services (Amazon, Google, and Pandora). So personally, this does not bother/affect me in the least. But I can see how others would find it a negative.

 

[Bruce Oksol]

Well for starters, they aren't BT speakers. Minor detail .....

Agree. They are WiFi. Both WiFi and BT are wireless, but WiFi range is greater. In a small apartment, I don't think it matters.

 

[rizzo41999]

Why does Sonos seem like a top player? What are they doing that makes their product worth buying?

I always hear people rave about them but it just seems like any other BT speaker...

It uses Wifi. It's also great for surround sound around the house. No need to wire the walls or anything. Honestly, the only reason I got them.

 

[ldenning]

I love my Sonos speakers, Play5, Play1 and Soundbar, but the Play5 and Play1 have had big problems with wifi interference, including with their own network.

 

[deany]

Have two Play:1 and they are great. Incredible sound for such a small speaker. For those of you who have an Apple Watch I would recommend the app called Sonobit. It primary comes as a Widget but packs with an Apple Watch app. No experience of the play:5 though but it seem kind of expensive..
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I'm certainly no audiophile but the sound when you have few speakers playing synchronized in different rooms are really something different from other things. My mother in law have the top line B&O system but I think my 200$ play:1 sound better.

I have 4 zones purchaced over 6 years
I bought a play 1 last year lent it to my brother as a 'trial' he would not let me have it back!
He said 'but, but, but, I thought you said I could have the Play one!!!
he has now got a stereo pair of play ones (one of which is actually mine!) with flextron stands simply awesome.

Shame being the youngest and gullible.!

 

[ilspeaker]

The Apple ecosystem could very well benefit from a SONOS acquisition to really push forward that Echo-style device they're working on.

 

[calderone]

Agree. They are WiFi. Both WiFi and BT are wireless, but WiFi range is greater. In a small apartment, I don't think it matters.

I think you should reassess why one is better than the other. Hint: it isn't range.

 

[jagooch]

Why is this news? The story is literally telling you that another outlet is carrying Sonos speakers. Big whoop! Now, if it the store was "Apple Store is carrying Sonos Speaks at 50% of the normal cost this week" , I'd be interested.

 

[Zmmyt]

I'm only interested if Sonos is integrated into iOS. Otherwise too many limitations

 

[ozaz]

Why is this news? The story is literally telling you that another outlet is carrying Sonos speakers. Big whoop! Now, if it the store was "Apple Store is carrying Sonos Speaks at 50% of the normal cost this week" , I'd be interested.

Well, it is interesting that Apple have decided to stock a product that competes with the Airplay ecosystem.

Also, you get a 3 month Apple Music gift card if you buy Sonos from Apple Store, but not from elsewhere.

 

[mw360]

I asked Apple on a chat a while ago about the £99 Apple Music gift card and they said it wasn't for family subs only individual membership, so presume it's not a credit on your iTunes Store credit.

I think they were just trying to keep the message simple. When you dig a little deeper, you find that you can add it to your iTunes credit, and you can then use that credit for Apple Music memberships. What you can't do is directly apply the gift card to a family subscription - it has to go via your account first. When you redeem a card you get a choice:

1. Credit the 3 months to the duration of your Apple Music individual subscription
2. Credit the cash amount on the card (e.g. £29.97) to your iTunes account.

You obviously can't credit the 3 months to a family sub because the card isn't worth enough in cash terms. So you have to put it in your iTunes account as cash, and then pay for your subscription from there.

If you choose not to apply your Apple Music Gift Card balance toward a membership, the amount is credited to your Apple ID like an iTunes Gift Card.
Apple ID credit is used for each purchase you make in any of the stores, including Apple Music memberships, until it's gone.

Link (Apple.com)

 

[shaunp]

@shaunp the Echo sound way worse than the Sonos, but has additional functionality. The best of both worlds is the combination of an Echo Dot with a Sonos Play:5

Thanks for the info.

 

[ggibson913]

Why does Sonos seem like a top player? What are they doing that makes their product worth buying?

I always hear people rave about them but it just seems like any other BT speaker...

They aren't bluetooth, they work off wifi. The establish their own Mesh wifi network which means when you walk from one room to another there are absolutely no delays in the music. You can play different music on all of them or you can play the same music on all of them. Also they sound terrific. I personally have a Play 5 (older model), Play 3, and two play ones and I love them. I do think that their home theater set up is way overpriced as is the Sonos connect which you would use with your own equipment

 

[bmat]

For me, one major problem with Sonos and Apple is that they don't work that perfectly together. For example, you can connect Apple Music, but it doesn't allow filters to go through. Thus, if you want to restrict explicit music--kids in the room, dinner party, it can't be done. Plus, the interface can get buggy and certain Apple Music songs just can't be played at times, even though you might have excellent connection and the ability to play the song from the music app directly.

 

[threesixty360]

Can someone tell me why the damn thing drops out so much?
Why when I'm playing one song, change it to say a podcast, the podcast plays for a while and then switches back to the original song I was playing earlier?
Why is it the most unreliable wifi device on my network?
Why is the app so slow and tedious to use?
Why cant it use airplay? And if airplay is so unreliable why do I have far less problem with airplay to my apple tv than I have with sonos?
Why does 50% of the time it either cant find the speakers on the app when you first launch or I have to select a track twice to get it to play.

When it works Sonos is fine. But when it stops working I want to chuck it out of the window.
I'm seriously thinking of selling it and getting the bose version because it has bluetooth as well which would probably more useful (only that it doesnt do apple music so I'm stuck).

I dont understand why its so hard to do this? Why should I have to plug it via ethernet get a stable system? Its 2016! Wifi streaming is bread and butter stuff. I have a feeling that Sonos back end infrastructure is dated and they cant change it. I cant see why its so hard to make it a reliable service (for me at least).

 

[ggibson913]

Can someone tell me why the damn thing drops out so much?
Why when I'm playing one song, change it to say a podcast, the podcast plays for a while and then switches back to the original song I was playing earlier?
Why is it the most unreliable wifi device on my network?
Why is the app so slow and tedious to use?
Why cant it use airplay? And if airplay is so unreliable why do I have far less problem with airplay to my apple tv than I have with sonos?
Why does 50% of the time it either cant find the speakers on the app when you first launch or I have to select a track twice to get it to play.

When it works Sonos is fine. But when it stops working I want to chuck it out of the window.
I'm seriously thinking of selling it and getting the bose version because it has bluetooth as well which would probably more useful (only that it doesnt do apple music so I'm stuck).

I dont understand why its so hard to do this? Why should I have to plug it via ethernet get a stable system? Its 2016! Wifi streaming is bread and butter stuff. I have a feeling that Sonos back end infrastructure is dated and they cant change it. I cant see why its so hard to make it a reliable service (for me at least).

I would return them or call SONOS, I have no such problems with mine. They never drop.

 

[troc]

Just a quick one re: Sonos and Airplay.

The combination is perfectly possible, if you have the right hardware. All it takes is an Airport Express plugged into the input of a Connect or Connect:Amp. You can then select the line-in as the input source and Airplay to the AE. In Sonos preferences you can set up where the line-in gets played by default etc and whether it auto-switches to the line-in (i.e. Airplay) if a signal is detected.

 

[Leonard1818]

How did Apple refuse to support Sonos in the app? Also, how is Sonos a competitor to Google Home in any way? In fact, the Amazon Echo will work with Sonos in the future.
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I can control the Sonos using the side buttons on my device. It shows up on the lock screen too.

Yeah, it works for me like 50% of the time... It has gotten much better with recent updates to the controller app. Still doesn't handle multiple zones very well... full integration would be nice!