Why Can’t Sonos Re-Release the Old App?
If you’re a Sonos customer who has been unhappy with the recent changes to the Sonos app, you may be wondering why the company can’t simply re-release the old app. Sonos CEO Patrick Spence recently explained on Reddit that while he initially hoped to bring back the old app as an alternative for customers experiencing issues, backend updates to cloud servers and speaker software have made this option unfeasible. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons why Sonos can’t re-release the old app and what the company is doing to address customer concerns.
Technical Challenges of Re-Releasing the Old App
One of the main reasons why Sonos can’t re-release the old app is the technical challenges involved in doing so. According to Spence, Sonos is not just the mobile app but also includes software that runs on speakers and in the cloud. Since the release of the new mobile app, Sonos has been updating the software on speakers and in the cloud to the point where the old app (S2) is now less reliable and less stable than what customers remember.
Impact on System Reliability
Spence noted that after extensive testing, Sonos reluctantly concluded that re-releasing the old app would actually make the problems worse, not better. This is because the backend updates to cloud servers and speaker software have fundamentally changed the system’s reliability and stability. While it may be disappointing for customers who preferred the old app, Sonos is focused on finding the fastest path to fixing the issues and improving the overall user experience.
Alternative Solutions for Sonos Customers
If you’re a Sonos customer who has been struggling with the new app and can’t revert to the old version, you may be wondering what alternatives are available to you. While Sonos may not be able to re-release the old app, the company is actively working on resolving issues and improving the user experience. Let’s look at some alternative solutions that Sonos customers can explore in the meantime.
Future App Updates
Sonos has outlined plans to address missing features and bugs in future app updates scheduled for September and October. By focusing on enhancing the functionality and performance of the new app, Sonos aims to provide customers with a better overall experience. Keeping an eye out for these updates and installing them promptly can help you take advantage of new features and improvements.
Apology and Product Delays
In July, Sonos issued an apology for the issues with the new app and shared plans for future updates. Additionally, the company decided to delay two upcoming product launches in 2024 to prioritize fixing the app. By acknowledging customer concerns and taking proactive steps to address them, Sonos is demonstrating its commitment to delivering a high-quality app experience for users.
Team Restructuring and Expertise
In his Reddit post, Spence mentioned that Sonos has put the original architect of the Sonos platform back in charge and assembled a team of experienced engineers to work on fixing the app. By leveraging the expertise of these individuals and focusing on resolving technical challenges, Sonos aims to restore customer confidence and satisfaction. This strategic approach to team restructuring and expertise utilization can yield positive results in app improvement efforts.
Conclusion
While the inability to re-release the old Sonos app may be disappointing for customers who preferred its design and functionality, Sonos is taking proactive steps to address concerns and enhance the user experience. By focusing on technical challenges, alternative solutions, future app updates, apologies, product delays, and team restructuring, Sonos is working towards resolving issues and improving the new app. As a Sonos customer, staying informed about updates, maintaining open communication with the company, and exploring available alternatives can help you navigate through these changes and enjoy an improved app experience in the long run.
