The company’s desktop apps are being phased out in favor of a web app that lets you control your Sonos gear from anywhere.
!Sonos
Today, Sonos officially introduces the redesigned mobile app that was previously previewed earlier this month. The new app is set to roll out for both Android and iOS on May 7th. However, the company’s desktop apps for Windows and macOS will no longer be part of the Sonos ecosystem. Instead, Sonos is launching a new web app that allows users to control and access their Sonos speakers from anywhere, not just when connected to Wi-Fi at home.
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25413635/Sonos_App_Redesign___Roam.jpg)
A Faster, More Reliable Experience
The smartphone app has been rebuilt from the ground up with a focus on reliability and speed. Sonos aims to provide a seamless experience without relying on a tabbed navigation bar. Here are some key features of the redesigned app:
Homescreen Everything: Unlike the previous version, where navigation was spread across different tabs, the new app places everything on the homescreen. Users can customize the layout, pin favorite playlists, and even prioritize specific audio sources.
Quick Access to Speakers: Swiping up from the mini player at the bottom of the app reveals a system overview. From there, users can adjust volume, group products, and perform other speaker-related actions. For deeper settings, a shortcut to the settings menu is available in the upper-right corner of the homescreen.
Enhanced Search: The search experience remains familiar, but now users can set a preferred music service that will appear at the top of search results. Unfortunately, Apple Music users won’t see spatial audio track labels in search results until playback begins.
What About the Desktop Apps?
Sonos will discontinue its controller apps for Windows and macOS. These desktop apps were already receiving minimal attention, and the move to a web app streamlines the Sonos experience. Users can now control their Sonos devices from afar using the new web app, a feature previously exclusive to the Sonos Pro subscription service.
Patrick Spence’s Excitement
Sonos CEO Patrick Spence expressed enthusiasm about the redesigned app: “We felt now was the time to reimagine our app experience. After thorough development and testing, we are confident this redesigned app is easier, faster, and better. It once again raises the bar for the home music listening experience and sets up our ability to expand into new categories and experiences.”
The new Sonos app will be delivered as an update to the existing S2 software and will support all the same Sonos products.
Sources: The Verge, Sonos Press Release
Related Posts
ChatGPT’s Google Search Rival Set to Launch ! – Can SearchGPT Break Google’s Dominance?
A New Era for the Internet? ChatGPT’s Google search rival, SearchGPT, is anticipated to make its debut by the end of this year, marking a significant advancement in OpenAI’s chatbot technology. According to the Press Gazette, Varun Shetty, OpenAI’s head of media, confirmed at a Brussels conference that SearchGPT is expected to be integrated into ChatGPT by year-end. SearchGPT, OpenAI’s AI-driven search engine, is designed to provide quick answers without the need to visit other websites. Users can simply ask, “Did the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Miami Dolphins last night? And if so, who scored?” and get a complete summary of the results. Currently, SearchGPT is in the testing phase, and early reports of its performance have been mixed. The Washington Post’s hands-on review in September highlighted that Google’s AI competitor still requires improvements. Shetty’s announcement that SearchGPT will be available before the end of 2024 indicates that OpenAI has made strides in its development, bringing it closer to competitors like Perplexity and Arc Search. War of the Search Engines The introduction of OpenAI’s search engine could be pivotal in both AI development and the competition for search engine supremacy. Google has long held an unrivaled position, but OpenAI’s advancements could pose a significant challenge. Unlike traditional search engines, SearchGPT responds to queries in natural language and provides sources for its answers, allowing users to easily access full articles. Shetty mentioned, “This is the core experience we’re building. It’s about finding the right balance between users and publishers.” Currently, ChatGPT provides answers without citing sources. The launch of SearchGPT aims to address this concern by enabling users to read original content rather than just receiving brief AI-generated summaries. Using AI on my iPhone 16 Pro Max for web searches with Arc Search has been impressive, but OpenAI’s entry into this arena could be a game-changer. Time will reveal if SearchGPT can truly compete with Google to become the preferred search engine for internet users. End of Article There you go! Now, it’s all revamped and ready to catch the eye. 🎉 Related Posts
Android’s Find My Device: A Compass Tool and UWB Support on the Horizon
In the ever-evolving world of smartphone features, the race to enhance device tracking capabilities has taken center stage. Android’s Find