The up to date Sonos app is flying like a balloon amongst many customers

Final month, Sonos introduced full cell app overhaul for iOS and Android. It was presupposed to considerably simplify the earlier model by “combining companies, content material and system controls into one customizable house display screen.” Sonos wished an app really feel extra customized and fashionable, and make “tabbing from tab to tab” a factor of the previous.

I did not have an opportunity to make use of the brand new app instantly in April; Sonos solely supplied the press with a evaluation and a brief demo that coated the fundamentals. However even then, some sources warned me that there can be loads lacking from the preliminary launch.

Yesterday a brand new app was launched – extensively for iPhone customers and considerably sporadically for Android customers. (I nonetheless have not acquired an replace on the Galaxy S24 Extremely.) Judging by the response on the very lively Sonos subreddit, sure, the corporate took a scalpel and left numerous stuff. The brand new app falls quick in sure areas, however Sonos succeeds in a few of its core design objectives. Whether or not you are a fan of the brand new app will depend on how you utilize Sonos merchandise within the first place.

The options related to native music libraries are a large number, particularly search. Availability of the applying has deteriorated, one thing Sonos says that is scheduled to be corrected by June. The sleep timer performance has disappeared solely, and the corporate advises prospects to make use of the Sonos desktop apps for Home windows or Mac to set sleep timers till they’re finally added again. One thing easy like modifying an upcoming queue from throughout the app? Even that is out of inventory proper now.

That is by no means the suggestions anybody hopes for after a complete app redesign.

To be truthful, no each upset. I am seeing some constructive feedback about techniques – particularly giant ones – turning into extra responsive after the replace. And a few customers discovered the up to date design to be extra intuitive, which is strictly what Sonos was going for. It is also objectively extra customizable than earlier than. System management has pale into the background. music management, however there are individuals prepared to offer Sonos a while (and some updates) to work out the shortcomings and get again to parity with the S2.

Nevertheless, in the event you contemplate your self a seasoned Sonos consumer, it might be finest to carry off on hitting the refresh button. There isn’t any means to return to the earlier S2 app—not less than not on the iPhone. So ensure you know what you are entering into and that you just actually need the brand new design, even when it means dropping options each massive and small for just a few weeks. Hopefully not months.

Edge has reached out to Sonos for remark.