The latest big update to the Sonos app is now available to download worldwide on iOS or as a new web app, and it's a great update if you own any of the best Sonos speakers.
The app should also be available on Android, but as of this writing, I still see the older version on the Google Play Store (I reached out to Sonos to confirm Android availability). But now I have the new update running on my iPhone.
I previously wrote in depth about the new Sonos app and how it's much smarter software and a smart hub for all your music services, but here are the key updates:
- New home screen that brings together recommendations from different services in a personalized space
- You can also pin specific items from different services here, such as a “New Releases” row for a particular service.
- New Now Playing screen and faster access to speaker groups
- Universal search from the home screen, prioritizing your favorite service
The first thing I noticed about this update is that it requires rescanning your Sonos system, and it pops up immediately to require it. So, as with so much technology these days, it's probably best to open this app and check that everything is working before you want to use it and access all the options.
I definitely think Sonos users will want to check this out quickly – a quick look at the Sonos app reviews will tell you that the app is the biggest one most people have with their Sonos setup, and while it's too early to tell how many problems the app will solve, it's a step in a more user-friendly direction, a good thing if Sonos wants to continue its dominance among the best wireless speakers.
The timing of the new app's launch also seems auspicious, with rumors of an upcoming launch of the first Sonos headphones fueled by a huge leak claiming to include the Sonos name and can design.
