Sonos is to stop updates on ‘legacy’ products starting in May 2020 with some of its oldest products no longer receiving software updates or new features. Legacy products include their original Zone Players, Connect, and Connect:Amp (launched in 2006; includes versions sold until 2015), first-generation Play:5 (launched 2009), CR200 (launched 2009), and Bridge (launched 2007).
Although a common occurrence for computers and smartphones, the withdrawal of support for audio equipment is a first and reflects the move to ‘smart’ devices which contain similar components such as microprocessors and flash memory. There is also the risk that existing features may no longer work on these Sonos devices in future should partner organisations such as streamers and other hifi manufacturers change their technology.
This announcement has not gone down well with many Sonos users who fear that their devices may become unusable.
Sonos state in a blog posting that they are ‘extremely proud of the fact that we build products that last a long time, and that listeners continue to enjoy them. In fact, 92% of the products we’ve ever shipped are still in use today.’ The company offers two options for owners of these legacy devices:
Option 1
Continue using these legacy products, recognizing that your system will no longer receive software updates and new features.
Option 2
Trade up to a new Sonos product with a 30% credit for each legacy product you replace.
If you’re not sure if your products are affected, you can check in the System tab in your sonos.com account.
If you choose to participate in the trade up programme, your legacy products will be put in Recycle Mode, a state that deletes personally identifiable information and prepares these products for e-recycling. Recycle Mode also protects unsuspecting people from buying legacy products that are approaching the end of their useful life and won’t provide the Sonos experience customers expect today. Recycle Mode will only apply to the legacy products listed above.
Sonos advise that users should recycle their devices responsibly and will assist in the return and disposal of equipment if local facilities are not available.
For further information on the Sonos trade up programme go here.
