Sonos AI coming in controlled beta as company aims to avoid another app disaster

Key Points:

• Sonos faced significant backlash two years ago after a major app update removed beloved features, caused connection issues with older speakers, and broke accessibility functions, leading to the firing of CEO Patrick Spence.
• The company is now cautiously rolling out the Sonos 27voice update, which introduces advanced natural-language voice control via "Hey Sonos" commands, aiming to improve user experience without repeating past mistakes.
• The new voice control allows users to interact naturally with their Sonos system for music playback and information queries, similar to Siri on HomePods, with features like grouping speakers and contextual music requests.
• Sonos is limiting early access to the Sonos 27voice beta to a small, US-based group of users who must request and be approved for participation, with detailed feedback sought before a wider launch planned for next year.
• To request early access, users can navigate to the Sonos app settings on iPhone and follow prompts to join the early access list, with setup instructions provided upon approval starting from Friday.