Sonos 4+

Airplay via apple is what I use as unfortunately (because the content on Sonos radio is good) for a expensive high end product like this this app is applying. Speakers seem to randomly appear and disappear (whilst always being visible is you look with AirPlay!?!?) and I have been trying to rename one of my speakers for about 10 months and another for over a year. It is a extremely short sited thing for Sonos to do, make very good wireless speakers and then release an app that your lucky if you can connect to. The same happens on my wife’s phone and all other instillation I have of the app. 0stars for the app 1 for the content Sonos radio is bad I just never listen because the app is if your lucky it is slow and clunky and if your unlucky not working at all. Please Sonos could you sort this pigs ear of an app out so I can use all the features of my speakers properly.
I have 9 Sonos speakers they are great BUT PLEASE SORT THE APP OUT IT IS UNUSABLE if it was not for AirPlay allowing me to connect to them I would have sold them. The “new” app that I have been using for age since it release is worse. Please it must be in your own interest to do this as a co look at the App Store reviews that are not reviews for ur speakers all talk about the same stability and connectivity problems.

Fairly new to Sonos but definitely not new to smart tech. I have smart lighting, heating, blinds, cctv and pretty much everything else that can be controlled through apps.

The functionality is all there, fast loading app, robust connectivity and access to some powerful features like room tuning, previously reserved for professional use.

However the user interface (UX) was given little or no thought. I’m not sure it has ever been real-world tested, where users of various ages and tech ability use the common features as they would day to day.

Navigation/menu driven access is ancient, the most usable apps have icons or graphical interfaces with quick access to key tasks.

Different sources and even programs have variations in the mix. Changing from tv to Netflix for example will often require a volume change, eq tweak or surround sound level change. Yet these most used functions are buried layers deep in a primitive, text driven navigation more like an online DIY store.

The Sonos kit is outstanding, in quality, performance and clarity. The hardware excels in every regard, looks stunning and carries thought behind the design and feel.

I just think the app could do with a similar treatment, customisable initial screen perhaps or a home/landing screen quick access to settings we frequently reach for.

Minor gripe as the Sonos experience so far has exceeded my previous system from that company who’s name is a bit like Boss !!

Sonos systems are great, their performance is unmatched but the app to actually use the speakers is just shocking. For such a high end product, you expect the app to match this and at least function correctly but the reality is the app is such a low market tool and it does not do this at all. It really ruins it for Sonos as the usage of the app is not easy and I’m 21 with a decent understanding of technology so I don’t know how people with little interest in technology are supposed to be able to work it.

About 50% of the time I try to use the app it tells me it’s unable to connect to the Sonos, so I can’t use my speakers at all. On the occasion the app does want to work, skipping a song takes it about 30 seconds to decide if it wants to or not and the app constantly freezes and is awfully slow. There’s been updates on the app recently and nothing has changed other than the icon colours, it’s horrific to use. It really does make me consider buying other products, at least these will have a better chance of being able to use the product you spent a lot of money on, because they’re no good if you can’t use them 50% of the time which is exactly what this app causes to happen. If Sonos don’t sort the app out, I will not be buying any of their products again and I’m sure many others won’t either, it completely tarnishes your experience of the brand.