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Sonos is a manufacturer of audio devices.
{{InfoboxCompany
| Name = Sonos
| Type = Public
| Founded = 2002
| Industry = Audio Equipment
| Official Website = https://sonos.com
| Logo = Sonos.png
}}
Founded in 2002, '''[[Wikipedia:Sonos|Sonos, Inc.]]''', is an American company that specializes in audio devices, including wireless speakers, home theater systems, and headphones.
==Consumer impact Summary==
Sonos has been criticized for activities that harm consumers such as stripping privacy protection with no ability to opt out, remotely bricking devices that are sold to be traded-in (creating e-waste), updating older hardware into bricks, and demanding app download setup and multi-speaker capability. Such activities have invoked the concern of privacy, sustainability, and forced obsolescence.


== "Recycle mode" ==
==Incidents==
===Sonos forces post-purchase privacy policy change (2024)===
{{Hatnote|Read more here:[[Sonos forces post-purchase privacy policy change]] }}
In the 2024 version of their privacy policy, Sonos removed wording preventing them from providing user data to third parties that was included in their previous privacy statement. Additionally users were unable to choose to opt-out or dissagree with this change, making this a good example of [[Post-purchase EULA modification|changing the terms of the sale after the fact]].


In 2019, Sonos rendered formerly perfectly working devices into paperweights by disabling them altogether, just because those devices were no longer receiving software updates. Customers were offered a 30 percent discount on a new Sonos device if they accepted Sonos to intentionally remotely brick their existing device. Once a device is in Sonos "Recycle Mode", it can no longer be used<ref>https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/unable-to-set-up-a-sonos-product-in-recycle-mode</ref><ref>https://www.engadget.com/2019-12-31-sonos-recycle-mode-explanation-falls-flat.html</ref>. Sonos later ended this highly controversial and environmentally unfriendly program, but the damage was already done to otherwise still working hardware<ref>https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/5/21166777/sonos-ending-recycle-mode-trade-up-program-sustainability</ref>.
===Recycle Mode (2019)===
In 2019, Sonos started offering customers a 30 percent discount on a new device, in exchange for allowing the company to remotely brick their existing Sonos device. Sonos calls this software lockout "Recycle Mode". It renders the device permanently inoperable, turning it into e-waste. Affected models include Connect, Connect:Amp, ZP90, ZP80, ZP100, ZP120, and Play:5 (Gen 1).<ref name="sonos support">
{{cite web
|author=<!-- not stated -->
|title=Unable to set up a Sonos product in Recycle Mode
|url=https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/unable-to-set-up-a-sonos-product-in-recycle-mode  
|website=Sonos
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120125309/https://support.sonos.com/en-us/article/unable-to-set-up-a-sonos-product-in-recycle-mode
|archive-date=20 Jan 2025
|access-date=19 Feb 2025
}}</ref><ref>
{{cite web
|last=Dent
|first=Steve
|date=31 Dec 2019
|title=Sonos gives a lame reason for bricking older devices in 'Recycle Mode'
|url=https://www.engadget.com/2019-12-31-sonos-recycle-mode-explanation-falls-flat.html  
|website=Engadget|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129003226/https://www.engadget.com/2019-12-31-sonos-recycle-mode-explanation-falls-flat.html
|archive-date=29 Jan 2025
|access-date=19 Feb 2025
}}</ref>


However, since 2023 there is an open source project to recover devices that Sonos has put into "Recycle Mode"<ref>https://github.com/dbmaxpayne/Sonos-DSP</ref>.
The practice of intentionally breaking devices sparked controversy and a boycott, forcing the company to stop bricking devices as part of their trade-up program.<ref>
{{cite web
|last=Welch
|first=Chris
|date=5 Mar 2020
|title=Sonos is getting rid of the controversial Recycle Mode that needlessly bricked its older devices
|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/5/21166777/sonos-ending-recycle-mode-trade-up-program-sustainability
|website=The Verge
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120125313/https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/5/21166777/sonos-ending-recycle-mode-trade-up-program-sustainability
|archive-date=20 Jan 2025
|access-date=19 Feb 2025
}}</ref><ref>
{{cite web
|last=Abrams
|first=Lawrence
|date=30 Jan 2020
|title=Sonos Backtracks: Legacy Devices Will Get Updates After May
|url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/technology/sonos-backtracks-legacy-devices-will-get-updates-after-may
|website=Bleeping Computer
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115032125/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/technology/sonos-backtracks-legacy-devices-will-get-updates-after-may/
|archive-date=15 Jan 2023
|access-date=19 Feb 2025
}}</ref> However, devices that Sonos had already bricked remain unusable. Instead of unlocking affected devices, the company offers disposal as the only option.<ref name="sonos support" />
An open source project started in 2023 attempts to repair a Play:5 (Gen 1) speaker bricked with Recycle Mode.<ref>
{{cite web
|author=dbmaxpayne (Mark)
|title=Sonos-DSP
|url=https://github.com/dbmaxpayne/Sonos-DSP  
|website=Github
|url-status=live
}}</ref>


== References ==
===Bricking of CR-100 controllers (2018)===
In 2018, citing an aging processor and lithium-ion battery, Sonos announced the release of software version 8.5, which would discontinue support for the controller.<ref name="techradar">
{{cite web
|last=Porter
|first=John
|date=31 Jan 2018
|title=Sonos finally kills off CR100 controller and long-time fans aren't happy
|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/sonos-finally-kills-off-cr100-controller-and-long-time-fans-arent-happy
|website=Techradar
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250120111709/https://www.techradar.com/news/sonos-finally-kills-off-cr100-controller-and-long-time-fans-arent-happy
|archive-date=20 Jan 2025
|access-date=19 Feb 2025
}}
</ref>
After the update was applied to a system, the CR-100 would be permanently bricked, and would be unable to connect to another system.<ref>
{{cite web
|author= Sonny Origin
|date=7 May 2018
|title=Today Sonos killed my CR100 remote control
|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPnfqzBF3fw
|website=Youtube
|access-date=19 Feb 2025
}}</ref>
Sonos offered a coupon of $100 to affected customers<ref name="techradar" />, however, it is important to note that Sonos did not offer a similar product for sale. A discussion thread was initiated on the Sonos forum by dissatisfied users urging the company to reconsider its decision to discontinue the controller<ref>
{{cite web
|last=Dash
|date=31 Jan 2018
|title=SAVE THE CR100
|url=https://en.community.sonos.com/controllers-software-228995/save-the-cr100-6800510
|website=Sonos Community
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823113720/https://en.community.sonos.com/controllers-software-228995/save-the-cr100-6800510
|archive-date=23 Aug 2022
|access-date=19 Feb 2025
}}</ref>, but their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
 
===Forced app download (2017 or earlier)===
Sonos has engaged in [[forced app download experience|forced app download]] practices since at least 2017.<ref>
{{cite web
|last=Mess
|date= 30 Nov 2017
|title=Make Sonos work without internet
|url=https://en.community.sonos.com/advanced-setups-229000/make-sonos-work-without-internet-6795315
|website=Sonos Community
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111231148/https://en.community.sonos.com/advanced-setups-229000/make-sonos-work-without-internet-6795315
|archive-date=11 Nov 2024
|access-date=19 Feb 2025
}}</ref> Sonos frequently prevents their customers from using their purchased hardware without an app and/or internet connection. Even though it is possible to use Sonos speakers without an app, initial setup has required the download and use of Sonos' app since at least May 2022. <blockquote>"Yes you can (use the Sonos Roam speaker without an app). However, you will need to set it up for the first time using the app." (May 2022)<ref>
{{cite web
|last=TheFlyingHellfish
|date=19 May 2022
|title=Can I Use a Roam Without the App?
|url=https://en.community.sonos.com/portable-speakers-229130/can-i-use-a-roam-without-the-app-6869207
|website=Sonos Community
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522044022/https://en.community.sonos.com/portable-speakers-229130/can-i-use-a-roam-without-the-app-6869207
|archive-date=22 May 2023
|access-date=19 Feb 2025
}}</ref></blockquote>In addition, not all Sonos products support use without an app (April 2023)<ref>
{{cite web
|last=Smith
|first=Andrew
|date=22 April 2023
|title=How To Use Sonos Without The App: A Complete Guide
|url=https://soundscapehq.com/how-to-use-sonos-without-app/
|website=Soundscape HQ
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212163603/https://soundscapehq.com/how-to-use-sonos-without-app/
|archive-date=12 Feb 2025
|access-date=19 Feb 2025
}}</ref> and even if they do, sans-app usability is only limited to one speaker.<blockquote>"You can use speakers without an app, but it only applies to a single speaker. If you want to play audio across multiple speakers, you will have to use the app and there is no other workaround to this." (Dec 2021)<ref>
{{cite web
|last=Bearson
|first=Rune
|date=14 Dec 2021
|title=Can You Use Sonos Speakers Without the App?
|url=https://earrockers.com/can-you-use-sonos-speakers-without-the-app/
|website=Ear Rockers
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920164127/https://earrockers.com/can-you-use-sonos-speakers-without-the-app/
|archive-date=20 Sep 2024
|access-date=19 Feb 2025
}}</ref></blockquote>
 
==References==
<references />
<references />
[[Category:Sonos]]

Latest revision as of 20:55, 5 March 2025

Sonos
Basic information
Founded 2002
Type Public
Industry Audio Equipment
Official website https://sonos.com

Founded in 2002, Sonos, Inc., is an American company that specializes in audio devices, including wireless speakers, home theater systems, and headphones.

Consumer impact Summary[edit | edit source]

Sonos has been criticized for activities that harm consumers such as stripping privacy protection with no ability to opt out, remotely bricking devices that are sold to be traded-in (creating e-waste), updating older hardware into bricks, and demanding app download setup and multi-speaker capability. Such activities have invoked the concern of privacy, sustainability, and forced obsolescence.

Incidents[edit | edit source]

Sonos forces post-purchase privacy policy change (2024)[edit | edit source]

Read more here:Sonos forces post-purchase privacy policy change

In the 2024 version of their privacy policy, Sonos removed wording preventing them from providing user data to third parties that was included in their previous privacy statement. Additionally users were unable to choose to opt-out or dissagree with this change, making this a good example of changing the terms of the sale after the fact.

Recycle Mode (2019)[edit | edit source]

In 2019, Sonos started offering customers a 30 percent discount on a new device, in exchange for allowing the company to remotely brick their existing Sonos device. Sonos calls this software lockout "Recycle Mode". It renders the device permanently inoperable, turning it into e-waste. Affected models include Connect, Connect:Amp, ZP90, ZP80, ZP100, ZP120, and Play:5 (Gen 1).[1][2]

The practice of intentionally breaking devices sparked controversy and a boycott, forcing the company to stop bricking devices as part of their trade-up program.[3][4] However, devices that Sonos had already bricked remain unusable. Instead of unlocking affected devices, the company offers disposal as the only option.[1] An open source project started in 2023 attempts to repair a Play:5 (Gen 1) speaker bricked with Recycle Mode.[5]

Bricking of CR-100 controllers (2018)[edit | edit source]

In 2018, citing an aging processor and lithium-ion battery, Sonos announced the release of software version 8.5, which would discontinue support for the controller.[6] After the update was applied to a system, the CR-100 would be permanently bricked, and would be unable to connect to another system.[7] Sonos offered a coupon of $100 to affected customers[6], however, it is important to note that Sonos did not offer a similar product for sale. A discussion thread was initiated on the Sonos forum by dissatisfied users urging the company to reconsider its decision to discontinue the controller[8], but their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.

Forced app download (2017 or earlier)[edit | edit source]

Sonos has engaged in forced app download practices since at least 2017.[9] Sonos frequently prevents their customers from using their purchased hardware without an app and/or internet connection. Even though it is possible to use Sonos speakers without an app, initial setup has required the download and use of Sonos' app since at least May 2022.

"Yes you can (use the Sonos Roam speaker without an app). However, you will need to set it up for the first time using the app." (May 2022)[10]

In addition, not all Sonos products support use without an app (April 2023)[11] and even if they do, sans-app usability is only limited to one speaker.

"You can use speakers without an app, but it only applies to a single speaker. If you want to play audio across multiple speakers, you will have to use the app and there is no other workaround to this." (Dec 2021)[12]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Unable to set up a Sonos product in Recycle Mode". Sonos. Archived from the original on 20 Jan 2025. Retrieved 19 Feb 2025.
  2. ↑ Dent, Steve (31 Dec 2019). "Sonos gives a lame reason for bricking older devices in 'Recycle Mode'". Engadget. Archived from the original on 29 Jan 2025. Retrieved 19 Feb 2025.
  3. ↑ Welch, Chris (5 Mar 2020). "Sonos is getting rid of the controversial Recycle Mode that needlessly bricked its older devices". The Verge. Archived from the original on 20 Jan 2025. Retrieved 19 Feb 2025.
  4. ↑ Abrams, Lawrence (30 Jan 2020). "Sonos Backtracks: Legacy Devices Will Get Updates After May". Bleeping Computer. Archived from the original on 15 Jan 2023. Retrieved 19 Feb 2025.
  5. ↑ dbmaxpayne (Mark). "Sonos-DSP". Github.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Porter, John (31 Jan 2018). "Sonos finally kills off CR100 controller and long-time fans aren't happy". Techradar. Archived from the original on 20 Jan 2025. Retrieved 19 Feb 2025.
  7. ↑ Sonny Origin (7 May 2018). "Today Sonos killed my CR100 remote control". Youtube. Retrieved 19 Feb 2025.
  8. ↑ Dash (31 Jan 2018). "SAVE THE CR100". Sonos Community. Archived from the original on 23 Aug 2022. Retrieved 19 Feb 2025.
  9. ↑ Mess (30 Nov 2017). "Make Sonos work without internet". Sonos Community. Archived from the original on 11 Nov 2024. Retrieved 19 Feb 2025.
  10. ↑ TheFlyingHellfish (19 May 2022). "Can I Use a Roam Without the App?". Sonos Community. Archived from the original on 22 May 2023. Retrieved 19 Feb 2025.
  11. ↑ Smith, Andrew (22 April 2023). "How To Use Sonos Without The App: A Complete Guide". Soundscape HQ. Archived from the original on 12 Feb 2025. Retrieved 19 Feb 2025.
  12. ↑ Bearson, Rune (14 Dec 2021). "Can You Use Sonos Speakers Without the App?". Ear Rockers. Archived from the original on 20 Sep 2024. Retrieved 19 Feb 2025.
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