Sonos: Difference between revisions

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 "Recycle Mode". The software lockout renders a working device permanently inoperable, turning it into e-waste. Affected devices include Connect, Connect:Amp, ZP90, ZP80, ZP100, ZP120, and Play:5 (Gen 1).<ref name=":1">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>

The practice of intentionally breaking devices sparked controversy and boycotts. In a response to the controversy, Sonos CEO suggested that the customers are "confused",<ref>https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/23/21079269/sonos-ceo-patrick-spence-apology-legacy-products-software-updates</ref> but ultimately the company gave in, and stopped bricking devices as part of their trade-up program.<ref>https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/5/21166777/sonos-ending-recycle-mode-trade-up-program-sustainability</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=":1" />