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How to get access to Sonos AI features, as company aims to avoid another app disaster
When Sonos tried a major app update two years ago, things did not go well. Much-loved features disappeared, older speakers experienced connection problems, and accessibility features were broken. That debacle saw the company’s CEO fired.
The company is taking a much more cautious approach as it moves into the AI era with a Sonos 27voice update, enabling natural-language voice control via Hey Sonos requests …
The whole mess started when Sonos launched the company’s first headphones, the Ace, intended to compete with AirPods Max. The app needed to be updated to support these, and the company decided to use it as an opportunity for a ground-up rebuild, launching a completely new app just ahead of the launch.
Customers responded angrily to the loss of key functionality, compatibility issues with older speakers, and accessibility problems. Sonos initially downplayed the complaints, but CEO Patrick Spence subsequently emailed customers to apologize, and provide a timeline for fixes, subsequently making seven promises. However, customers weren’t impressed, and called for Spence to be fired – later getting their wish.
This time around, Sonos started out with a modest update in the form of the Sonos 27 app, leaving the more substantial changes to a subsequent Sonos 27voice version. This will replace the more limited voice control available today, much like the update from old Siri to Siri AI.
Rather than pushing it out to all customers, Sonos is adopting a very cautious approach. First, you’ll have to request early access to the beta and be approved. Second, the company is testing the feature with a relatively small group of users. Third, it’s seeking detailed feedback from beta testers before a planned launch next year.
The new features work in much the same way as Siri on HomePods.
You can use Sonos 27voice at any time by saying the wake word, “Hey Sonos.” While Sonos is listening, the white status light on your Sonos product will glow brighter and the volume will lower if any audio is playing. A confirmation tone will play after Sonos understands your request.
The company says you can then use natural language for both music-related commands and information searches. The company gives the following music examples:
Sonos says that early access to the beta is only available to customers based in the US, that numbers will be limited, and enrollment is not guaranteed. However, if you want to request access, here’s how to do so: