"Sonos stops updates for older products" - explained!

[@smarthomesounds]

UPDATE - Hi guys, thank you for watching. I wanted to clarify some points as it appears from reading some of the comments, there are still misconceptions about Sonos’ legacy products. Your speakers including your legacy products will continue to work exactly as they do now for many more years to come. No speakers are being bricked and no speakers are being made obsolete. Any legacy products will still receive bug and security updates so there are no threats to data protection or security. Following on from the CEO’s statement on the 23rd January, and since hearing some of the feedback from the community, Sonos have reassured us on a couple of points: Sonos are now working on a fix to allow your modern products to still receive software updates if there are other legacy products on your system. How this will be implemented will be shared over the next few weeks. If any unforeseen developments occur in the future that critically affects the listening experience, Sonos will work on an alternative solution and let you know how your experience might be affected. Now that Sonos have ironed out the major concern that I and many other people had regarding the inability to run a legacy and modern product on the same system, it seems there may be a solution to put our minds at rest. I think as consumers, it’s important to recognise that the technology industry is changing so rapidly, it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to design a product with a lifespan of more than a decade. Let’s take the example of TVs. 8K is already the next big thing shortly after 4K and most 4K TVs will not be able to support 8K so this is something we need to weigh up when purchasing smart tech products. If you haven’t had a chance to check out the letter from Patrick, here’s the link: blog.sonos.com/en/a-letter-from-our-ceo/

[@therealchickentender]

*"Let’s take the example of TVs. 8K is already the next big thing shortly after 4K and most 4K TVs will not be able to support 8K so this is something we need to weigh up when purchasing smart tech products."* This analogy is useful from a general perspective, but cannot be applied to the current Sonos situation. To extend the analogy properly it would be as if 8K content became, over time (first from Netlfix, then from Hulu, then OTA broadcasting), the only content available and your TV was unable to access it whatsoever. That is not the case.

[@therealchickentender]

The *only* as-per-usual way forward is if, of course, one chooses to upgrade legacy devices to modern ones. I'd *strongly* urge avoiding the related "trade-up" offer from Sonos, the details of which I personally find beyond irresponsible but actually deplorable, effectively bricking known-good hardware for no other reason than to render it unusable/unsaleable. The policy is both ethically and environmentally bankrupt in my view, and offer no benefit to anyone but Sonos by way of new sales. It certainly should not worth the meager 30% to even participate in this scheme. If anyone would like to upgrade to modern, offer your legacy device for sale on the used market and be upfront about its current state with potential buyers; you'll likely recoup more than 30% value and then can purchase your new replacement unit outright with good conscience.

[@drummerman122]

The original email makes no claims of our legacy products lasting for years. In fact it’s almost deliberately misleading they make no promise on how long they will work for.

[@T3rf3x]

This highlights a very common problem with modern electronics. I'm not currently a Sonos user however as a potential buyer, this does concern me given the significant investment that goes with the eco-system. It would great if there was an easy to find lifecycle policy, similar to Apple or Google stating how long a device can expect updates. It would be beneficial to know how older software might affect access to onsite sources such as Plex Media Server compared to cloud based sources like Google Play Music, Spotify or Apple Music. I will say in Sonos' defence, they're a lot better than brands such as Samsung in this regard. My Samsung Smart TV from 2013 started to have features dropped just two years afterwards. Sure it's only an HDTV but such moves don't give much reassurance for consumers.

[@tombutler7726]

As an early adopter of Sonos products, I feel a little betrayed and snubbed. I'm not sure a 30% off band aid will be enough to make me keep throwing money at this relationship

[@CharlesGregory]

6:47 "wipe the speaker, render it unusable, and then you can dispose of it safely" How can you say that with a straight face as if it is an acceptable option in today's eco-conscious world? A piece of hardware that works perfectly will just be junked? What an environmental disaster. It doesn't matter if it's being recycled, the speaker works *now* and will be bricked for no reason. A better option would just be to let the customer keep the old speaker and offer them the 30% discount. At least the old speaker may still find a use (give it to a family member or friend who has very basic requirements, using it individually for example) or at least the customer could sell their old speakers to further subsidise the cost of spending thousands of dollars just to do what they *already* have been doing.

[@tdmduc]

It won't be JUNKED. Assumptions assupmtions

[@dajusta87]

@@tdmduccan’t use a Sonos speaker without software. So it’s junk.

[@alistairandrews8903]

So we can expect this to happen to the ‘modern’ products in a few years time? 10 year lifecycle and then throw away? I have 4 products affected so I think I am done with SONOS.

[@UttRConcrete]

I just bought the Amp and two Sl Ones. I was thinking about getting the sub. I don’t know now...

[@bobscubamall]

Couldn’t agree more, after all these devices purely play digital music surely the processes can keep up with that I sincerely hope that Spotify continues to run with the legacy equipment in the future, but likewise I am done with Sonos, thank God I never purchased a sub

[@foxkenji]

I’ll switch to Yamaha or Sony soundbars. I regret buying a Sonos Beam.

[@harrybaque5502]

@@bobscubamall Spotify is in bed with Sonos so I am not hopeful

[@WilfForrow]

This isn't new, and it isn't only Sonos. I've been through exactly the same with Technics, Sony and Creative, but I bought Sonos because it was the ONLY practical multi-room system for me (and I tried Creative and wired solutions).

[@viz8746]

I bought a Sonos Play 5 Gen 1 used off Ebay last year 2023 -- I cannot believe the sound on this thing -- I was able to reset the unity physically by pressing down the keys and plugging it in, and used ethernet and the old app to update (whatever updates were available) -- let me tell you, this thing is a BEAUTY - one of the very best speakers I've every listened to music through - planning on buying at least another one - even if it doesn't work through Wifi and App, I'll connect a Bluetooth adapter through an RCA or 3.5mm input and it will HANDS DOWN beat 95% of whatever's on the market today.

[@ians9298]

Sonos have just fundamentally changed their ethos, from ‘products designed to last’ to time boxing usability. Anyone putting money into a Sonos eco system before waiting to see how this plays out is nuts, theres a significant groundswell of anger across the client base. Revenue will fall for some time I suspect.

[@jimjones1586]

They seemed to sell out years ago when all of a sudden it needed your location and constant updates etc

[@mulls2go]

in a nutshell, sonos are just a speaker rental company now 'new features' it just needs to stream (compressed) audio, it just sits in the corner not being touched unlike a phone, laptop, tablet etc... my advice, sell while sonos is still in busineds

[@GSNLYT]

Well, Now I'm sure Im gonna buy a hi-fi system with a stereo/receiver with WiFi and Bluetooth, no Sonos for me

[@ASOCIADO7]

A recall on all these products should be done and reported it to bbb here in the US ONKYO DID IT THEY MADE A GOOD PROFIT FROM BUYERS AROUND THE WORLD. RECALL SONOS PLAY 5

[@martinwells1342]

I’ve been a fan of Sonos with four products, up till now. During all my Sonos investigations no one ever even hinted that the technology would become obsolete. I thought I was buying speakers, not microprocessors. To make matters worse I considered the 30% trade-up discount when I bought my Sonos Move in December, but paid full price for the Move expecting many years future service from my Play 5. Very disappointed.

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi Martin. None of your products are becoming obsolete. They will still continue to function but the Legacy products will stop receiving the latest features via software updates. You can still continue to use your Play:5 after May 2020.

[@olazabalwikstrom]

Please correct the spelling error in your title. It currently spelled "Explained", the correct spelling is 'Spun' or 'Guessing'

[@celticbattlepants]

"Take advantage of the 30% discount" translation: "Be taken advantage of".... 30% is a derisory offer.

[@atsinos]

jules changed_to_increase_privacy agreed! Whole heartedly agree! Sonos regularly offers 20% discounts to other parties (my bro worked for one such company that offered a group discount of 20%). So basically we are offered an extra 10% discount compared to what Sonos is already willing to accept. In exchange, our “recycled” units are rendered worthless. We can’t even sell them. And this is for speakers, not a high tech component! Speakers have a 20-40 year lifespan. So the way I see it, if my ecosystem is 5 years in, it’s depreciated value is 25/30. Sonos should compensate me 25/30th of a new system, not 1/3rd! And all this to not have a guarantee that the same situation will materialize in 6 years’ time!

[@theaudiophilebarista2424]

Can’t you just disconnect and power down your legacy product -> update your new product -> turn on your legacy product again?

[@DkViking1]

The Audiophile Barista: I was thinking the same thing. It sounds like a good plan to me.

[@foxkenji]

This is highly disappointing. I just bought a Sonos Beam. So I’m expected to junk my speaker in 10 years for absolutely no reason at all? A speaker doesn’t need software, it just needs to play audio. Period. Had I bought a Yamaha bar like I was thinking I could use it till it fell to pieces.

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi. Sonos are still supporting the legacy products, they don't need to be junked, it's just that they won't receive future software updates. There are many other audio companies that don't use software but also means they don't get smarter over time and benefit from new and exciting features. The Play:5 gen 1 has received software updates for over 10 years including the ability to add voice control, however there comes a time when the processing power can no longer match the system requirements of new features. I hope this clarifies!

[@6164vincent]

"Arylic upstream pro" . WiFi and Blutooth adapter for multi room music. I'm currently replacing to WiFi boards in my 8 Sonos speakers to go it alone and "off " Sonos software. An easy upgrade to solve this problem.

[@urologydoctor]

Hello all - I also feel kind of hoodwinked. (I have old play 5, 2 connect amp, 1 connect, 1 bridge- I have a new play 5 as well). Given the way this was presented and situation it places -in the setting that everything is working great now with Alexa and Spotify.- I feel like I would NOT want to continue to rely on Sonos as a company. MY QUESTION: What are people going to change to? Is amazon coming out with an amp product? Multiple products work with Alexa skills but as everyone else here need a full house multi zone system. Junking this amount of expensive equipment that I bought about 6yo sits poorly with me. I predict this will be the moment Sonos has jumped the Shark - so stupid. Pissing off existing customers is not a good way to gain new ones.

[@ims44]

Seems a bit like corporate suicide to me. I bought Sonos primarily because it can move with you, sounds great, and effectively could last for decades. Also that you could expand as you desired even if it was a bit expensive. Now I don't think I will ever buy Sonos again and most of their loyal customer base must be thinking the same thing. Not really sure what a good alternative is that won't end up doing something similar but I will be looking. Maybe I'll look into Heos but last time I looked it wasn't that great.

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi Iain, your speakers will continue to function as they do currently. The recent letter from the CEO of Sonos states they will continue to support them functioning for as long as possible. Ending support for software updates just means they won't access the latest features via these updates. They are also looking for a solution for those who have a combination of Legacy and Modern Sonos products in their system.

[@Sunila_DragonladyCH]

I changed the layout of my system yesterday and the trueplay tuning doesn't work any more. It tells me that it is "not yet supported for this phone". But I've been using it for two years now. I'm glad I kept my old stereo system... still working fine after 30 years. :(

[@MJ-kh3bk]

Sonos just committed commercial and brand suicide. Their oldest customer’s, most effected, should be their best advocates. Sonos will be lucky to be around in 12months if they don’t reverse this product marketing disaster. I have many Sonos product, no more for me if this is not addressed. Play 5’s to landfill! and wow 30% discount, ummmm Environmentally unSound!!!

[@johnteal2016]

isn't there a 3rd option that you didn't mention, running 2 systems? A Gen1 app running the old speakers, and a Gen2 app running all your new speakers?

[@nolanbooker5461]

Bye ...Bye Sonos.I will not spend another dime on anything Sonos.

[@francfurian8215]

Well this has made me think “do I really want to buy a Sonos setup & have to go through this in a few years time. mmmmm??? Thanks for the heads up😊

[@bikeronnie]

Franc Furian yep me too, i'm currently looking for home audio/soundbar and Sonos WAS at the top of the list, so glad I've not bought into the system yet, won't be now!

[@hard2bear3110]

@@bikeronnie name another company who support their kit as long as Sonos do? They just don't announce when they drop support. Samsung, Sony, Lg, Bose etc all do it. Sonos aren't dropping their devices either, they just aren't bringing 'new' features to older devices. People have blown this way out of proportion. Good luck finding devices that perform like Sonos kit, have the same ease of use and functions because you will struggle to find it

[@bikeronnie]

Funny, I was only watching your video the other day on how Sonos is so so future proof and that's why they're so good because you can update the software regardless of age! Not your fault but just found it uncanny and ironically i'm currently looking for a soundbar etc and Sonos have just fallen off the top of the list! Glad I stumbled on this video 👍

[@hard2bear3110]

What do you want a soundbar for? To play audio from your TV? They they worry? It will continue to work as expected... people are blowing this out of proportion

[@LucVandekerckhove-q3s]

At the time I was very amazed with the sound quality of my Sonsos S5 1st gen. In the meantime, it has been expanded with a number of S1 speakers. Today it seems that the S5 has become completely unusable. Connection to a network is not possible in any way.

[@citation51power]

Why would you permanently disable any product for just 30% off on a replacement especially when older Sonos products especially the connect and connect amp still sell for a lot on the 2nd hand market. If you sell an old connect amp you could potentially have 60% off on the new Sonos amp.

[@DOYLECLEVERLOBE1]

More like would have sold for a lot, after this.

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi John, yes you do have the option of selling your Sonos products instead of the Trade Up. That's your choice!

[@Rogwatford]

So if you remove the unsupported speaker from the network, let the new one update, can you reinstall the unsupported speaker? Or does it all blow up?

[@eyewandersfoto]

No. You will not be able to add the depcretated device to a Sonosnet that has been brought to current version after May of this year. You can add a *new* and modern device to an existing legacy-limited Sonosnet, but it will receive the software version that the controller on that network is running and will be limited to that version, like the network as a whole, going forward. The only other option is to maintain two separate networks, one legacy, one current, but there will be no interoperability between the two.

[@jeanmichelgonzuna]

is the Sonos connect Gen 2 still working on Sonos S2 app?

[@patricksnyder3446]

I had a receiver I put to good use to avoid replacing my older iPad or iPhone ! I no longer will be using the Sonos I bought back in 2018! It was also interesting that while talking to Tech Support they told me another new upgrade was coming out the 7th of may! Receivers don't need upgrading!

[@youknow7822]

I saw that legacy devices only have 32 MB of storage, makes a little sense. The One 2nd Gen has 8 GB, hundreds of times the storage of the legacy devices, I think that they want to prevent this to happen again adding so much storage.

[@nealohara782]

Traded up 2 x ZP100's for Amps. Well happy. 30 percent is a good deal to me for the extra power to the speakers. Have a good few connects so will recycle them over time. Had them for years. I forgot how heavy the ZP100's were!

[@tophat27]

This will make me nervous for future updates killing speakers making you update a speaker like a cell phone Speakers should not become obsolete

[@tophat27]

First they take away features now this i wish i knew this was coming i would have took a different road

[@jimjones1586]

is there a way round that sonos only ues SMB1 so if you are like me and yourmusic comes via a NAS. I do not wish to sue SMB1 for obvious reasons but then my sonos amp and play 5 S1 will not work. As I own a yamaha av reciver and a yamaha soundbar seems strange I have sonos products to interface with them. May have to go with music cast direct.

[@sebastiansegade]

Sonos products are great with great customer support they have real people who will answer the phone and will talk to you that is priceless

[@randydecastro950]

So If I used the trade up discount then my old play 5 speaker will stop working?

[@metube9541]

Will Sonos still give 30% discount if the current speaker is broken, well smashed actually, as it was thrown across the room in frustration.

[@aikjones1]

Thanks for this video, I was almost buying a Play 5 Gen 1 from someone for £90 today, i'll be passing this up & keep my eyes peeled for a Gen 2. Seems abit headachy to connect the Gen 1 to wifi as it requires the Bridge or using the ethernet cable.

[@spydismith1496]

I have a sonos play 1 I have a problem with it The problem is when I playing a sound track the duration of the track is 1 hour.. After 24 mins it pkay the next track automatically without i play the next Make sure that I have the latest updates of sonos App Can you help me in this problem? Thanks so much

[@Brighamdoc]

Time to slowly switch all my Sonos to Bluesound. I just got a Bluesound Vault 2i and it sounds so much better than my connects. I do have 3 connects and a connect amp.

[@1234shan1]

If I was warned that this was going to happen I wouldn’t have bought Sonos

[@foxkenji]

shan murphy I’m in the same boat. I just bought a Beam. I’m abandoning this scam and switching to Yamaha or Sony.

[@hard2bear3110]

@@foxkenji because Sony are so much better at supporting their devices? What are you afraid of? All companies eventually stop adding new features to their devices, this isn't anything new. If anything Sonos support their devices longer than Samsung, Sony, Bose, LG etc

[@robert.wigley]

There is a forth option not touched on in this video. Not ideal, but you could put any 'legacy' products on a second network. Thereby keeping them in use, but not receiving updates after May, while also not preventing other 'modern' products from being updated. Basically, having two separate Sonos setups. Not ideal by a long shot, but worth highlighting.

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi Robert, I think you make a valid point and this is a potential solution, albeit a slightly awkward workaround. Thankfully, following the CEO's statement recently, it seems they are working on a solution for those with both legacy and modern products in the same set up.

[@traubgator]

Sonos is playing with fire here by not allowing updates to systems that still have legacy products linked in. If the play 1 was part of this, I'd certainly give up the sonos network, not worth it to invest in a decent speaker that will be bricked in 5 years.

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi there. None of your speakers are being bricked. It might be worth checking out the recent letter from the CEO of Sonos. They recognise the potential issues for people with both Legacy and Modern products so are looking for a solution going forwards.

[@walloswallo]

I just saved up enough to get a connect and a couple of speakers. Now this. What are some othe companies that are comparable? My main use was to connect my old school analog system to wireless.

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi Brandon, always tricky deciding on which brand to go for! Other options might be Yamaha, Bose or even Heos. However it is likely they will experience similar difficulties like Sonos as the smart tech industry evolves.

[@SusanEnns]

I received the email from Sonos about my Connect. I too am going to wait until May, however I was thinking of getting rid of the Connect all together and buying a Beam. Currently, I have my TV connected to my receiver and have everything set up so that I can hear the TV audio in other rooms on different Play1 through the Connect. Do you know if I can group a Beam to a Play 1 or Move in another room so that I can hear the TV audio?

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi there, yes any speaker you have whether it's connected to the TV or just used as a stereo system, you have the ability to share that audio across any other speakers in your WiFi network using the Group function on the Sonos App.

[@emielio]

Hi, thanks for the info. Are you sure you can trade in for a different type of Sonos speaker? I've got a Connect which will be end-of-life and like to replace it for a Play:1. Can this be done? Is the 30% discount in place for this "switch"?

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi there, yes you can trade it in for any product. Unfortunately the Play:1 has been replaced by the Sonos One so this might be the best option for you! If you trade in your Connect you would get 30% off the RRP of whichever current product you chose.

[@emielio]

@@smarthomesounds Will the option to choose a device be available after you recycle the old device?

[@arcadelt5237]

Well Jonathon, as much as you tried to hide it, I can see the shell shock in your eyes, just like I can read it in the various comments on this decision by Sonos. The real bombshell here is not that Sonos is going to wind down support for old products, but the realisation that Sonos products, like all tech products, have a shelf life. Previously, people thought they would have this stuff in their house for as many years as they used to have old "dumb" amplifiers and speakers, and now we know that is just not the case. Therefore, even the new products like the Sonos One, Move and Beam, are going to be deemed "legacy" items, and probably a lot sooner that we all expected. If you look at the processor and memory specifications on the very expensive Play Bar, it surely has its head on the chopping block even sooner again. Anyway, I just went back and had a look at your video on why Sonos equipment is so expensive, and I wonder if this decision honestly changes your view on the value proposition of Sonos equipment? In my opinion, to recover from this, Sonos need to do two things. The first is lower the prices of all their products to reflect the new obsolescence reality. The second, is to be honest to their loyal users about their development cycle timeline so we know well in advance what and when replacements are in the pipeline, and when old products are likely to transition from "modern" to "legacy". If you can communicate just one message to Sonos, that last one is it.

[@bayerpaul]

Thanks for the info, I have four affected products, two play 5, one amp and one bridge, will I be able to take the 30% offer and buy say two moves or do they have to be like for like? Cheers Paul

[@stevepollard7107]

You can use any legacy product for trade in when you want. You decide - it doesn’t have to be like for like. I recycled a play 5 gen 1 for two play one’s. I can still use my other play 5 and connect amp to trade at a later date. They remain bricked at the movement however so I will wait until the next Sonos sale to make better use of the 30% trade in value available to me.

[@oobenoob]

Off topic, but have you done a video review of the Sonos Boost? I am going to start a second Sonos room soon so I will have a lot of speakers on my wifi network.

[@davidperry4013]

2 speakers and an receiver is like having an aftermarket car stereo but, for you home and it's really nice.

[@rickpark291]

Seems to me if they really care about this issue they’d build expandable memory slots into future products.

[@tclarkstarnes]

I think they should allow you to use the play 5 as a stand alone speaker and give you the %30 off a new product also.

[@suuz77]

Thank you for this update, it put everything in context and did suggest we don't panic! I'll wait for May and see what changes...... Still love my Sonos stuff, that won't change, they are great products!!

[@bakelitsuisse7707]

Great video! Actually back in 2012, I bought my forst SONOS Playbar 5 and alongside the BRIDGE due to my big home network. Yesterday, I tried to remove my old BRIDGE and had hiccups with sound. Then I have no choice to replace BRIDGE with the BOOST one.

[@johnhuron5989]

This is lunacy on the part of Sonos. The “Wish List” that I was about to purchase has just been irrevocably modified. Thanks.

[@mattiasvanoverbeke1831]

So you spend over a €1000 on sonos and then they just say no more software updates for you

[@maxflight777]

I’m tempted to split my Sonos system into two. One S1 and one S2 . Can anyone post their experiences?

[@bnwinsf]

I have two Play:3s that are actually older than my Play:5 (gen 1). When will these enter legacy status? What about my first gen Play:1s? You have to believe that's going to happen at some point. That's the issue for me. These things are EXPENSIVE. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool twice, shame on me (that won't happen). I think I'm done with Sonos. (very clear explanation, btw)

[@foxkenji]

Brian Warling yeah I’m done with Sonos after this too. I’m switching to Yamaha or Sony. I just want my speakers to pay audio, not be computers.

[@jimbell5967]

This December, 2019 I purchased a Sonos Beam and the Sub as the start for my home theater after watching your comparison video. Since then, I've discovered (STILL IN THE BOXES and Never Used) in a closet, a Sonos PLAY:3 speaker and a Bridge. I believe they were purchased around 2013 or so. Do either of these components have a use in my brand new system? Should I just toss them? Thank you and keep up the great videos! Jim B.

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi Jim, thanks for your comment. The Bridge is one of the products classed as a legacy item however your system should connect wirelessly to your network and is not a necessary item. The Play:3 however is classed as a modern product so adding this to your system will not cause your other speakers to prevent getting further software updates. If you do not wish to keep them, Sonos holds their value very well on the second-hand market and you my be able to get as much as 50% value back from them. Hope this helps!

[@jimbell5967]

@@smarthomesounds Thank you for the prompt reply. You're the best!

[@bindardundat454]

If there’s nothing to worry about and my “legacy “ products will still work as always , why did they say anything at all ? I don’t buy it. I missed a update once which caused my speakers to malfunction

[@catall7465]

Yes me too. I'm having second thoughts about buying a Move. I don't want to own 2 bricks in a few years!

[@Tech4Ten]

Im a happy sonos customer. However, from a consumer looking at all the recent news from sonos in the past couple months. First them buying a voice assistant platform, next they decide to sue google and amazon, and now this push to try to convince loyal customers to upgrade all smell like cash grabs. Plus do u want another voice assistant listening to you?But sonos has to realize...they are not the only smart speaker around anymore, and amazon and google have been pushing to take sonos high end audio market share with their newer devices. Will i still keep my sonos system, yes. But i will probably hold off buying anymore sonos products till i see what happens come May.

[@mikemiller6776]

I do believe who ever made this video works for SONOS. Any explanation and any offer SONOS has made is absolutely un acceptable. I am using audio equipment purchased in the 1970’s that still works and sounds as good as when I purchased it. In most instances it has better sound than SONOS. My investment in the SONOS legacy equipment approaches the $10,000 level. Knowing what I know now I would not have paid $500 for this limited product. If I took SONOS up on there offer, I would have to spend $5,000, while knowing it’s life expectancy is only 3-10 years. I hate to say it, but legal action may be necessary.

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi Mike, thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. Firstly we made this video to clarify the situation and unfortunately we feel there are still some misconceptions having read the comments. Your Sonos system will continue to work exactly as it has done for many years to come, just as you mention your 1970's system has. You won't receive any new features to these products as you have done over the years but it will continue to work. Sonos have stated that if a third party such as a music service make a big change such as adding HD music, the legacy products may not be compatible. Just the same way as if you purchased a 4K TV it won't be compatible with 8K when it eventually comes. We have no doubt you have had many years of joy with your Sonos system and will continue with the same experience going forward. There has also been an update regarding new & legacy products running in the same system which is worth reading​. blog.sonos.com/en/a-letter-from-our-ceo/

[@Lucifer.6.6.6.]

7:08 4th option never buy Sonos again.

[@danielfradley8714]

Why can't they set the play 5 to be permanently line in only and disable the WiFi. Then we can just connect an Echo Dot or Nest Mini and continue to use it without without affecting other Sonos products we may have. Ideally without the current processing lag, if possible.

[@eyewandersfoto]

That is a viable option for the Play:5. But any speakers (Play:1 when it is deprecated finally) without analog line-in will be doorstops if not used on a legacy-limited Sonosnet. (You'd need to remove the Play:5 from your Sonos environment, then add it to it's own standalone network, then relegate it Echo/Chromecast/Nest/Etc line-in functionality. It would just be a powered dumb speaker.)

[@foxkenji]

Eyewanders Foto this is unbelievable. So, if at anytime Sonos decides to brick my Beam speaker I can’t just connect an HDMI line from my TV to it, and expect it to work? Beam shouldn’t have to need to connect to a network just to play audio from my TV.

[@1PaulG1]

Confirmed via Sonos CEO has said they will not brick the speakers ... Just disappointed is the very poor communication from Sonos ... How embarrassing for the CEO 🤔

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

Can highly advise anyone considering Sonos to punt that name to the sidewalk and move on to some other brand. They've updated apps and borked more than one existing system. Infuriating when your system was working fine then one day, not. They may not be bricking them - but they have borked them with their apps. BTW... many of the older correspondence on their site involving older products have been removed or blocked. Look else where folks.

[@brianjackson9557]

Sonos really needs to have some kind of buy back program.

[@elvirecuperus4016]

3 of my 9 Sonos products are legacy. it is a difficult decision to stay with Sonos or to look for alternatives like Harman Kardon, Heos, etc.

[@DanielMigneault]

Alternatives, all the way! i will take that route very soon!

[@elvirecuperus4016]

@@DanielMigneault yes i think I should do that! even though that will again be a major investment ..

[@DanielMigneault]

@@elvirecuperus4016 Same here. The fact is that my sonos ain't for multiroom, I mostly rely on Google home for that. Sonos was attracting for the good sound and for the wireless capabilities in the livingroom ( music and tv). The thing that I hate is when I'm forced to change equipment that is in perfect working conditions in such a short period of time. I will go back to wired equipment, they last for ever.

[@solitudeguard5688]

Elvire Cuperus get a gnarly hifi system. I’d recommend bowers & Wilkins, Monitor Audio, Bang and Olufsen and H&K

[@elvirecuperus4016]

@@solitudeguard5688 thanks!

[@ilkerilgen]

HE SAID DON'T BUY SONOS

[@jamesgrad]

Thanks for your all your videos. I have (as well as a Connect) a Bridge, which are now both "legacy". You said that the 30% discount was applicable to any new speaker. If I traded in only the Bridge (which I haven't used since being able to use my own wifi), would I be able to get a 30% discount on a Move?

[@jamesgrad]

Looks like only the Connect (which I'm not going to change until I absolutely have to) is eligible for the 30%" discount. There goes my wizard scheme!

[@smarthomesounds]

@@jamesgrad Hi James, there is currently no policy in place for the Bridge but we have heard that this may change in the near future. It might be worth waiting to see if anything goes ahead with that! Hope that helps.

[@jamesgrad]

@@smarthomesounds Thanks for the reply. I'll keep my fingers crossed (and the Bridge in the box of currently not used stuff!).

[@SimonLeicester]

Think anyone would be daft to buy anything Sonos before May at the earliest so see how this pans out and whether they come with a way of running legacy with more recent kit. So no sales for Sonos or their retailers for a few months. Certainly difficult to justify Sonos high prices if their products could be class as ‘legacy’ at a months notice

[@brianoglesby4101]

I don't think that the 30% discount for purchase of new products to replace the old ones is a good enough offer. There are some of us who have recently purchased some of the "out going" products. This will cause me to be less likely to spend money on future sonos products, for fear of this happening periodically.

[@mun33y]

I never went Sonos, why wouldn’t you just buy a google chromecast audio and plug it into any amplifier/hifi system and be done with it..CCA use to cost $30 compared to how much from Sonos ? Granted cca aren’t available now but grab them while you can on the second hand market

[@220deal]

Sonos and updates are a bad combination. Latest update (2021) again problems. I use a regular iMac, so that can't be the problem. The update before a friendly lady from Sonos helped me out. We had to go deep into the system and it took over an hour, despite her great knowledge. When I play music on the Sonos speakers with Spotify, no problem. But the Sonos app itself can't find the system again after the update!!!???

[@crumdoggy]

I am done with sonos. Three bricked products .

[@GameKeyModSquad-hr4ln]

these part was out 9 years ago

[@drummerman122]

Sonos are a disgrace. Their products are overpriced and I have had lots of problems with my systems. I have spent a fortune on play 5s a play 3 sound bar a bridge and connect. Now they are telling us they may not work! I hope they go bust I can’t see many loyal customers going for their 30% discount offering. Absolute disgrace.

[@geeek69]

Utterly ridiculous that my new products will also not receive updates just because I’ve been a loyal customer over the years and have some older models. I think the company will go bust over this

[@foxkenji]

Ge e e k I’m switching to Yamaha or Sony. I just want my speakers to play audio, not be computers. Worse is I paid good money for a Sonos Beam... now at any time they can go in and brick the product I own.

[@GIjoelly]

I'm so glad I didn't invest. Was going to do the full 5.1 sonos set up. my current is wired. Will just move to an atmos setup instead (wired)... 👍

[@foxkenji]

GIjoelly stick with wired. I should’ve done the same. Wired you can trust.

[@GIjoelly]

@@foxkenji just got to decide on what speaker package to get. 👍 Including Atmos. I have a Denon avr x2300w. Defo the way to go....

[@davidatkinson7234]

Jonathon, I'm disappointed with your explanation of the Sonos EoL e-mail and plans come May 2020. You admit that it's going to be "bad news" for some of us and include yourself as being adversely affected and then give a plausible explanation for why Sonos are taking this course of action. These things don't sit together well. I understand that as a trader you can't be seen to publicly criticise Sonos, but unfortunately whilst intended to be helpful, I believe your video lacks authenticity as a result of your being quite disingenuous in it's content.

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi David. It's a shame you feel this way. This video aims to inform customers with the facts as we noticed there were a lot of misconceptions. We also wanted to highlight the options you had going forward. Since we published this there's been an update which you may find useful. It is in the pinned comment at the top of the comments. Also, just to clarify, the email sent from Sonos was not an "End of Life" email, these products will still continue to function after May 2020.

[@davidatkinson7234]

Hi Thanks for replying, I do accept that legacy devices will continue to operate beyond May 2020, but I think the trust in Sonos has been too severely damaged by their mishandling of this. Your well-intentioned aims to help clarify their decision, may well back fire & damage your own reputation, (as I felt when I responded). I think people maybe under-estimating the strength of feeling this has generated in Sonos customers.I have seen the Sonos CEO response and yet don't feel any different from before, but I will wait and see what happens. Just think you need to be careful that some of the damaging fall-out from all of this doesn't come back to yourselves.

[@hiltrudrathenberg1850]

Too much talking and no real help for my sonos which does not work any more all of a sudden.

[@cmair77]

Cool I just won't buy any more sonos products, back to bose I guess.

[@davidatkinson7234]

Despite what CEO statement says I think people need to do their own research about Sonos's real intentions here. This statement sent to shareholders is really quite damaging:"We may choose to discontinue support for older versions of our products, resulting in customer dissatisfaction that could negatively affect our business and operating results.We have historically maintained, and we believe our customers may expect, extensive backward compatibility for our older products and the software that supports them, allowing older products to continue to benefit from new software updates. We expect that in the near term, this backward compatibility will no longer be practical or cost-effective, and we may decrease or discontinue service for our older products. If we no longer provide extensive backward capability for our products, we may damage our relationship with our existing customers, as well as our reputation, brand loyalty and ability to attract new customers.For these reasons, any decision to decrease or discontinue backward capability may decrease sales and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition"and no I'm not a shareholder - Then to go ahead with such damaging decisions says something about their real intentions!

[@keithslarke7312]

Be interesting to see if Sonos are still IN BUSINESS by May 2020 for you to see what they offer. Any software can work it just takes good analysts to do it this company just wants more and more income as shown by the 300% price increase over the last 10 years. By the way do not tell @GrettaTunberg how much plastic will be in the sea because of Sonos recycling responsibly.

[@DOYLECLEVERLOBE1]

How dare you!, Sonos!

[@WilfForrow]

This isn't new, and it isn't only Sonos. I've been through exactly the same with Technics, Sony, Logitech and Creative, and various TV's (do you remember plasma TV's?). I bought Sonos because it was the ONLY practical multi-room system for me (and I tried Creative and wired solutions). It has been brilliant, and I want the newer features they've been introducing. I think they should be clearer about guaranteeing some basic things that will NOT stop working. The trade-in is a partial solution, although I hate the un-green-ness of bricking a working speaker. But as my 5 year old Play:5 Gen 1 has developed a fault, I may take it anyway. If you don't want modern tech, two tin cans and a bit of string will keep working for a bit longer.

[@CAboy]

Why not a 50% discount? Only that will make me happy.

[@GameKeyModSquad-hr4ln]

does apple give 50% off for your9 year old phone?

[@haroldholloway9786]

I am greatly disappointed with Sonos actions. I have invested a lot of money in Sonos products including two system5 (expensive) speakers (fairly new)that I use in my family and game rooms. Don't understand why the addition of external memory wasn't explored/considered before changing platforms. There was no consideration to their faithful customer base to help protect their existing investment. My next concern is what their next planned obsolesce will be. There should be a technical way to split the systems and still expand my Sonos system. I will no longer invest in any more Sonos products. You just gave your competition a great marketing bonanza.

[@haggis4952]

After being with sonos for many years time to move on we have 2 play 5s 6 amps couple bridges and cr200 controllers..since the anounsment of there bricking program but dont worry will will give you 30 percent off a new product but kills the device and becomes landfill ..what a fucking joke

[@Carlos2400]

I don't see the issue here I never expect my products to last more then 10 years anyway.

[@sebastiansegade]

Great video too thank you for doing it answer all my questions

[@dallas88b]

Sounds pretty disingenuous to me. "Sonos products won’t get new software features, we pledge to keep them updated with bug fixes and security patches for as long as possible" - Sonos still doesn't support fully support Catalina, have a history of deleting capabilities that existed when the product was purchased, love to blame others (how dare Apple update their Operating System). THERE IS NO STABLE ENVIRONMENT HERE. Sonos update whatever they want, whenever they want, and are happy to rely on the performance of other system platforms and the clients operating systems for their own livelihood - but they see nothing wrong with being in-compatible with those platforms....that ain't supported no more so just bugger off. Don’t believe me?.....take a look at the user forums including Sonos own support forum. (And take into account that Sonos delete any posting they don’t like...yes...personal experience). Once you get past the interference from the Sonos fanboys it clear the real customer experience ain’t so great. Sono's has moved further to exclusively supporting Streaming Services like Spotify and they have dropped many features that existed when the speaker was sold. Now, when the Spotify API is further updated, or an OS update or Patch takes place, the "pledge to keep them updated with bug fixes and security patches for as long as possible" wont help at all (that aint a bug and it aint a security fix - its an incompatibility with Spotify ) ..... the device will be terminal.

[@jcjon8243]

I have 14 sonos 3 are affected with this new update that they are about to do I still I have time to return my sonos beam no more sonos for me

[@CharlesGregory]

You're lucky... I could deal with 3/14 (depending on if those 3 were commonly used). I have 5/7 expiring :-(

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi Charles, your products won't be expiring! Come May 2020 they will still function and receive bug & security fixes they just won't benefit from the latest features via software updates. The recent letter from the CEO of Sonos also states they are looking for a solution where you can still receive updates on your newer "modern" products.

[@CharlesGregory]

@@smarthomesounds Support is expiring on those devices. Bug fixes only, and as many others have said, we don't know exactly what the scope of that is. Not to mention that my new products will no longer get updates if I want to use the system as I do now (being able to group rooms together).

[@smarthomesounds]

@@CharlesGregory Hi Charles. If you check out the letter from the CEO of Sonos, they are working on a solution to enable your new products to still receive updates so you can keep your system as it is. There should be no reason for your legacy products to stop working as Sonos have also stated. Support is not expiring, only further software updates for new features.

[@CharlesGregory]

@@smarthomesounds Their letter didn't say that. It appears to give the option of segregating old and new components, or have the whole system limited to bug fix updates only (i.e. no feature updates on the new products).

[@markrichardstanley]

In 10 years from now we will struggle to remember what Sonos did. I understand that tech becomes obsolete over time but you cannot treat loyal customers in the way they did. I sold all my Sonos players (including S2 compatible) and bought Bose.

[@ironmansound1]

Great I have 15 legacy products in my house!

[@atsinos]

Facts: 1. Reasonable life expectancy of quality speakers is decades. Ask cnet’s #Audiophiliac, @SteveGuttenberg. 2. 30% trade-up discount is not a commensurate offer considering the speaker will be rendered inoperable. 3. Québec, Canada introduced Bill 197 in late 2019. It’s a private member’s bill making it illegal to engineer obsolescence. If enacted, the province’s consumer protection act would make this conduct illegal, or at a minimum would enforce some sort of consumer redress. 4. Sonos did not say future, non-legacy products won’t follow the same fate. In other words, they likely will. 5. Sonos was marketed as a speaker company. Audio features and specs are prominently featured on the website’s product page. Power and networking are described after “Dimensions”. Even with “Power & Networking” nothing speaks to microchips, hardware memory size or other that could lead one to believe the product could become obsolete. 6. Sonos’ market cap began feeling the pain of such a poor decision. Bad decision about the situation, bad decisions leading up to the situation and terrible communication which does nothing to solidify the trust of its established customer base.

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi Alex, some interesting points made. Here are my thoughts: 1) Steve Guttenberg focuses on true wired systems which is fine if that works for you but smart tech such as Sonos is trying to stay ahead of the constantly evolving market. 2) Legacy products are not being rendered inoperable in May 2020 they will still function as they do & receive bug and security fixes but they won't have access to the latest features via software updates. The system you have today will continue to operate as it does today for as long as possible. 3) Regarding the bill, as your product will continue to work in the same way as it has done for many years, it is not being engineered into obsolescence. But, if for example Spotify launch HD music you may not be able to access that on your Legacy product. This would be the same as purchasing a 4K TV today and not being able to access 8K TV when it eventually arrives. The TV will still work but it would not offer 8K definition. Out of interest, what would be your thoughts on taking legal action against the TV manufacturer in this scenario? 4) In the climate of this smart market, there is always a chance that new, big updates might arrive which cannot be predicted. Therefore, there is that possibility. However, as the current legacy products will still function as they did when you first purchased them (if not better thanks to software updates over the years) your speakers wouldn't become obsolete. 5) As mentioned above, no products are becoming obsolete. 6) I agree that it needed clarification (which is why we made this video). Sonos have also since released a letter from the CEO which recognises this and helps to explain the situation going forwards. I've put a link in our pinned comment if you want to check that out!

[@atsinos]

Smart Home Sounds Ltd. I appreciate your thoughts however some appear biased and in some instances perhaps my facts were not as clear as I had hoped. For instance, the fact I point out in #1 is that Sonos has been marketed since day 1 as a whole home speaker system. The operable word here being speaker. Not HD speaker, not internet speaker, etc. I purchased my whole system from one of Montreal oldest and most reputable hi-fi retailers, Layton Audio. The only technology that was sold to me was the app, which is slick. The speaker remains a speaker and my expectation was always that my purchases (play 5, 3 and two 1’s) would last. Right now, Sonos has not confirmed how their legacy components will react. So neither of us knows. However what I do know is I purchased a quality system and at no time did I purchase something whose future performance and future-proofness would become ambiguous. Next, the trade-up discount requires you to put your speaker into recycle mode, which Sonos says will no longer permit the speaker from connecting to any Sonos ecosystem ever again. In other words inoperable. So ya, I think my point is factual and bang-on. For your comment comparing Sonos to a tv or computer, we will have to agree to disagree. The cost of tv’s has gone drastically down and expectations are such that customers aren’t surprised. For the speaker industry, this is shocking and not something we are used to. I can now buy a 60” inch tv for $600 CAD. That’s a heck of a lot of tv for the money. My expectation is that it’s useful lifespan will be perhaps 10 years (Quebec case law actually demonstrates this and it is upheld by consumer protection). Are you saying that because a fridge is now wifi, that I should expect it’s life expectancy to be diminished? We are moving towards a more connected ecosystem in general and this type of manufactured obsolescence needs to stop. As I stated earlier, neither of us knows for certain how legacy components will react when Spotify updates they software. If my usage experience does not change over the course of the next 5 yrs, I will have cried over spilled milk. However, here’s what I do know: Sonos did make, or failed to make changes that drastically impacted my user experience: lock screen controls on iOS! If a company can’t get THAT right, and they are ambiguous in their communications, how can I have any trust in their performance in the future? Thank you for pointing out the CEO response, I’ll have a look. Clearly they care more about potential stock drops than the initial thoughtfulness of the initial communication and this poorly thought out product planning!

[@tvanwestrenen]

My 30yo vintage stereo amp says Hi!

[@Beefers26]

Thanks for the explanations, which are really helpful. I also had a Play 5 gen 1 but coincidentally, something changed recently which meant that I wasn't getting as good as usual sound from it. I think one of the woofers inside stopped working. Therefore, I decided to get a new Play 5 using the 30% discount. It's a good deal (£350 instead of the usual £499), especially as the newer Play 5 does have superior sound to the first-gen speaker. I think Sonos are being judged slightly unfairly, given than most of us would struggle to use a mobile phone or iPad that we had bought more than 10 years ago, due to technology advances. The reality is that tech will always be updated and we need to accept that if we want to carry on benefiting from the additional features that are offered to us from it.

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi there, glad you found the video helpful. Sounds like the Trade Up worked well for you. We understand it's worrying for some Sonos users but the update from the CEO today should help put people's mind at rest that legacy products will continue working going forward. Hope you enjoy your new Play:5!

[@koosy2987]

Sonus sure fucked this one up, time to start selling although I doubt people still want to buy any Sonos products, the 30% discount is a joke.

[@peterandresen3413]

my connect is 6 months old......

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi Peter, make sure you log into your account on sonos.com to check whether your products is deemed a Legacy product or not. Most Connect & Connect:Amp bought over the last couple of years are not affected by this. Hope that helps.

[@oneleggedwonder1]

I've just purchased a Sonos amp to go in my bedroom as I already had Sonos connect in my living room connected to my really good quality Panasonic soundbar. got it at a reasonable price on eBay the software update issue doesn't bother me and it shouldn't worry anyone else all I'm going to be doing is adding a Chromecast audio to each of my Sonos devices which will give it full access to Spotify if this functionality is lost can connect all my Google home speakers with all my my Sonos products in my Google home app that's good functionality in my book

[@chapmanmerchant]

Im opting out to not use sonos from now on.. Pricie thing to do cus there were intrigated in to the house main system.. IM DONE DO NOT BUY THIS SYSTEM THERE ARE BETTER OUT THERE.. FUCK SONOS

[@JBR.1974]

there's a 4th option...which Sonos have suggested...and that's to run legacy devices and modern devices in two setups...not simple I'm sure but still an option...especially those with large collections of both

[@kamillasandera-zech4008]

Hi , i am very HAPPY , you explain the whole situation VERY WELL. I have the same PROBLEM ALREADY NOW. My SONOS S5 AND BRIDGE doesn't work, and we have march 25,2020. I am so sad, i enjoyed my SONOS for many years. I contact SONOS people , they gave me some idea. Not use the bridge and connect to ETHERNET ? Let see if i am successful with that. Kamilla Canada