Bose SoundTouch end of life treatment: Difference between revisions
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==Background== | ==Background== | ||
Bose launched the SoundTouch line in 2013 as premium wireless speakers with cloud-based multiroom audio capabilities. The original lineup included three speakers priced between $399 and $699. By 2015, Bose had expanded the range to include models starting at $200 and high-end home theater systems exceeding $1,000.<ref name="techspot">{{cite web |author=Jacobs |first=Skye |date=12 October 2025 |title=Bose's SoundTouch shutdown leaves connected speakers less "smart" |url=https://www.techspot.com/news/109830-bose-soundtouch-shutdown-leaves-connected-speakers-less-smart.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive. | Bose launched the SoundTouch line in 2013 as premium wireless speakers with cloud-based multiroom audio capabilities. The original lineup included three speakers priced between $399 and $699. By 2015, Bose had expanded the range to include models starting at $200 and high-end home theater systems exceeding $1,000.<ref name="techspot">{{cite web |author=Jacobs |first=Skye |date=12 October 2025 |title=Bose's SoundTouch shutdown leaves connected speakers less "smart" |url=https://www.techspot.com/news/109830-bose-soundtouch-shutdown-leaves-connected-speakers-less-smart.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251013025252/https://www.techspot.com/news/109830-bose-soundtouch-shutdown-leaves-connected-speakers-less-smart.html |archive-date=13 Oct 2025 |access-date=16 October 2025 |website=Techspot |publisher=TechSpot}}</ref> | ||
The SoundTouch platform offered Wi-Fi streaming from services including [[Spotify]], TuneIn, Pandora, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio, along with synchronized multiroom playback controlled through a mobile app. In 2018, Bose launched a new smart product line to supersede SoundTouch, including a separate app, Bose Music.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-08-28 |title=Bose introduces new smart speaker and soundbars |url=https://www.bose.com/pressroom/bose-introduces-new-smart-speaker-and-soundbars |access-date=2026-01-09 |website=Bose |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251107181302/https://www.bose.com/pressroom/bose-introduces-new-smart-speaker-and-soundbars |archive-date=7 Nov 2025}}</ref> | The SoundTouch platform offered Wi-Fi streaming from services including [[Spotify]], TuneIn, Pandora, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio, along with synchronized multiroom playback controlled through a mobile app. In 2018, Bose launched a new smart product line to supersede SoundTouch, including a separate app, Bose Music.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-08-28 |title=Bose introduces new smart speaker and soundbars |url=https://www.bose.com/pressroom/bose-introduces-new-smart-speaker-and-soundbars |access-date=2026-01-09 |website=Bose |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251107181302/https://www.bose.com/pressroom/bose-introduces-new-smart-speaker-and-soundbars |archive-date=7 Nov 2025}}</ref> | ||
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*All features that require the SoundTouch app. Which include: | *All features that require the SoundTouch app. Which include: | ||
** Preset management and programming | **Preset management and programming | ||
*** Using the buttons 1 through 6 on for example the SoundTouch Series 30. | ***Using the buttons 1 through 6 on for example the SoundTouch Series 30. | ||
** The ability to set or change the internet connection settings. | **The ability to set or change the internet connection settings. | ||
*** As a side-effect, SoundTouch devices without an internet connection set before May 6 are now permanently stuck throwing up no internet connection errors, which includes the device lighting up in an orange colour even when turned off on some of the SoundTouch devices. <!--I own the series 30, so I'll add a picture of this later.--> | ***As a side-effect, SoundTouch devices without an internet connection set before May 6 are now permanently stuck throwing up no internet connection errors, which includes the device lighting up in an orange colour even when turned off on some of the SoundTouch devices.<!--I own the series 30, so I'll add a picture of this later.--> | ||
*Security updates and firmware patches | *Security updates and firmware patches | ||
Although originally unconfirmed, in the January 7 revision, Bose has stated that Airplay and Spotify Connect would continue to function as inputs alongside AUX and Bluetooth.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harding |first=Scharon |date=2026-01-07 |title=Bose open-sources its SoundTouch home theater smart speakers ahead of end-of-life |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/01/bose-open-sources-its-soundtouch-home-theater-smart-speakers-ahead-of-eol/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-07 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Additionally, Bose confirmed that multi-room audio synchronization and app-based remote control will function as normal after the end-of-service date.<ref name=":0" /> | Although originally unconfirmed, in the January 7 revision, Bose has stated that Airplay and Spotify Connect would continue to function as inputs alongside AUX and Bluetooth.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harding |first=Scharon |date=2026-01-07 |title=Bose open-sources its SoundTouch home theater smart speakers ahead of end-of-life |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/01/bose-open-sources-its-soundtouch-home-theater-smart-speakers-ahead-of-eol/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260502175639/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/01/bose-open-sources-its-soundtouch-home-theater-smart-speakers-ahead-of-eol/ |archive-date=2 May 2026 |access-date=2026-01-07 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Additionally, Bose confirmed that multi-room audio synchronization and app-based remote control will function as normal after the end-of-service date.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
==Bose's response== | ==Bose's response== | ||
Bose justified the discontinuation by citing technical limitations and infrastructure costs. The company stated that SoundTouch systems have been "stretched to their technical limits in terms of memory and processing power" and that maintaining "the performance and security our customers expect" is no longer possible.<ref name="techbook">{{cite web |author=Szymanski |first=Przemyslaw |date=13 October 2025 |title=Bose Discontinues Support for Popular Speakers and Soundbars |url=https://www.techbook-magazine.com/home-entertainment/bose-discontinues-support-for-popular-speakers-and-soundbars |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251026224505/https://www.techbook-magazine.com/home-entertainment/bose-discontinues-support-for-popular-speakers-and-soundbars |archive-date=26 Oct 2025 |access-date=16 October 2025 |publisher=TECHBOOK Magazine}}</ref> | Bose justified the discontinuation by citing technical limitations and infrastructure costs. The company stated that SoundTouch systems have been "stretched to their technical limits in terms of memory and processing power" and that maintaining "the performance and security our customers expect" is no longer possible.<ref name="techbook">{{cite web |author=Szymanski |first=Przemyslaw |date=13 October 2025 |title=Bose Discontinues Support for Popular Speakers and Soundbars |url=https://www.techbook-magazine.com/home-entertainment/bose-discontinues-support-for-popular-speakers-and-soundbars |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251026224505/https://www.techbook-magazine.com/home-entertainment/bose-discontinues-support-for-popular-speakers-and-soundbars |archive-date=26 Oct 2025 |access-date=16 October 2025 |publisher=TECHBOOK Magazine}}</ref> | ||
Bose is offering affected customers up to $200 in trade-in credit depending on model and condition, along with a 25% discount on new purchases. The company sent personalized apologies to some high-profile complainants, with customer Richard Lomas receiving an email acknowledging that current products "may not replicate the exact SoundTouch experience."<ref name="bloomberg">{{cite web |author=Welch |first=Chris |date=10 October 2025 |title=Bose Angers Customers By Ending Cloud Streaming for Old Speakers |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-10/bose-angers-customers-by-ending-cloud-streaming-for-old-speakers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive. | Bose is offering affected customers up to $200 in trade-in credit depending on model and condition, along with a 25% discount on new purchases. The company sent personalized apologies to some high-profile complainants, with customer Richard Lomas receiving an email acknowledging that current products "may not replicate the exact SoundTouch experience."<ref name="bloomberg">{{cite web |author=Welch |first=Chris |date=10 October 2025 |title=Bose Angers Customers By Ending Cloud Streaming for Old Speakers |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-10/bose-angers-customers-by-ending-cloud-streaming-for-old-speakers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.org/details/bose-angers-customers-by-ending-cloud-streaming-for-old-speakers-bloomberg |archive-date=20 May 2026 |access-date=16 October 2025 |publisher=Bloomberg}}</ref> | ||
The company stated it remains "committed to creating new listening experiences for our customers built on modern technologies" but confirmed it will not integrate SoundTouch products into the Bose Music app or provide any replacement platform.{{Citation needed}} | The company stated it remains "committed to creating new listening experiences for our customers built on modern technologies" but confirmed it will not integrate SoundTouch products into the Bose Music app or provide any replacement platform.{{Citation needed}} | ||
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*The end of service date has been extended from February 18 to May 6. | *The end of service date has been extended from February 18 to May 6. | ||
*The SoundTouch app will be updated on May 6 to allow the functions that did not rely on the cloud. | *The SoundTouch app will be updated on May 6 to allow the functions that did not rely on the cloud. | ||
** The SoundTouch app does still require outdated android versions to run, rendering the app unusable on most modern devices. | **The SoundTouch app does still require outdated android versions to run, rendering the app unusable on most modern devices. | ||
*Airplay and Spotify Connect will continue to work after May 6. | *Airplay and Spotify Connect will continue to work after May 6. | ||
*The SoundTouch API documentation is now publicly available. | *The SoundTouch API documentation is now publicly available. | ||
==Consumer response== | ==Consumer response== | ||
The announcement generated immediate negative reaction across multiple platforms. On Reddit's r/bose forum, users posted hundreds of angry responses. One customer wrote: "So basically they will become expensive bricks in 6 months. I'm fuming. I have like $3k invested in these. Been Bose customer for over 40 years. Will never buy from them again."<ref name="register">{{cite web |author=Speed |first=Richard |date=13 October 2025 |title=Bose kills SoundTouch: Smart speakers go dumb in Feb |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/10/13/bose_reminds_users_that_nothing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive. | The announcement generated immediate negative reaction across multiple platforms. On Reddit's r/bose forum, users posted hundreds of angry responses. One customer wrote: "So basically they will become expensive bricks in 6 months. I'm fuming. I have like $3k invested in these. Been Bose customer for over 40 years. Will never buy from them again."<ref name="register">{{cite web |author=Speed |first=Richard |date=13 October 2025 |title=Bose kills SoundTouch: Smart speakers go dumb in Feb |url=https://www.theregister.com/2025/10/13/bose_reminds_users_that_nothing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260514092112/https://www.theregister.com/on-prem/2025/10/13/bose-kills-soundtouch-smart-speakers-go-dumb-in-feb/573381 |archive-date=14 May 2026 |access-date=16 October 2025 |website=The Register |publisher=The Register}}</ref> | ||
A Change.org petition was started, urging Bose to maintain SoundTouch support and rapidly gaining over 1000 signatures. It characterized the decision as "planned obsolescence" that "devalues considerable financial investments" and called Bose's offered compensation "largely a consolation."<ref name="changeorg">{{cite web |url=https://www.change.org/p/urge-bose-to-maintain-soundtouch-cloud-support |title=Urge Bose to maintain SoundTouch cloud support |publisher=Change.org |date=9 October 2025 |access-date=16 October 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251213084042/https://www.change.org/p/urge-bose-to-maintain-soundtouch-cloud-support |archive-date=13 Dec 2025}}</ref> | A Change.org petition was started, urging Bose to maintain SoundTouch support and rapidly gaining over 1000 signatures. It characterized the decision as "planned obsolescence" that "devalues considerable financial investments" and called Bose's offered compensation "largely a consolation."<ref name="changeorg">{{cite web |url=https://www.change.org/p/urge-bose-to-maintain-soundtouch-cloud-support |title=Urge Bose to maintain SoundTouch cloud support |publisher=Change.org |date=9 October 2025 |access-date=16 October 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251213084042/https://www.change.org/p/urge-bose-to-maintain-soundtouch-cloud-support |archive-date=13 Dec 2025}}</ref> | ||
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Multiple users requested that Bose release the SoundTouch SDK as open-source software to allow community maintenance of support.<ref name="hackaday">{{cite web |author=Posh |first=Maya |date=11 October 2025 |title=Bose SoundTouch Smart WiFi Speakers Are About To Go Dumb |url=https://hackaday.com/2025/10/11/bose-soundtouch-smart-wifi-speakers-are-about-to-go-dumb/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251012144003/https://hackaday.com/2025/10/11/bose-soundtouch-smart-wifi-speakers-are-about-to-go-dumb/ |archive-date=12 Oct 2025 |access-date=16 October 2025 |publisher=Hackaday}}</ref> | Multiple users requested that Bose release the SoundTouch SDK as open-source software to allow community maintenance of support.<ref name="hackaday">{{cite web |author=Posh |first=Maya |date=11 October 2025 |title=Bose SoundTouch Smart WiFi Speakers Are About To Go Dumb |url=https://hackaday.com/2025/10/11/bose-soundtouch-smart-wifi-speakers-are-about-to-go-dumb/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251012144003/https://hackaday.com/2025/10/11/bose-soundtouch-smart-wifi-speakers-are-about-to-go-dumb/ |archive-date=12 Oct 2025 |access-date=16 October 2025 |publisher=Hackaday}}</ref> | ||
=== January revision === | ===January revision=== | ||
The end-of-life plan revision was met with some excitement and confusion on r/bose. Some users expressed excitement with the open source API, while others showed confusion on how an open source API will help average consumers. Overall, it was a positive shift in sentiment, with several people saying they have changed their mind on never buying Bose products again.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-07 |title=Bose SoundTouch Shutdown Update |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/bose/comments/1q6f3fc/bose_soundtouch_shutdown_update/ |access-date=2026-01-09 |website=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-09 |title=PCWorld: Bose goes open source with its aging SoundTouch speakers |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/bose/comments/1q81fwl/pcworld_bose_goes_open_source_with_its_aging/ |access-date=2026-01-09 |website=Reddit}}</ref> | The end-of-life plan revision was met with some excitement and confusion on r/bose. Some users expressed excitement with the open source API, while others showed confusion on how an open source API will help average consumers. Overall, it was a positive shift in sentiment, with several people saying they have changed their mind on never buying Bose products again.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-07 |title=Bose SoundTouch Shutdown Update |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/bose/comments/1q6f3fc/bose_soundtouch_shutdown_update/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260520145054/https://old.reddit.com/r/bose/comments/1q6f3fc/bose_soundtouch_shutdown_update/ |archive-date=20 May 2026 |access-date=2026-01-09 |website=Reddit}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-09 |title=PCWorld: Bose goes open source with its aging SoundTouch speakers |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/bose/comments/1q81fwl/pcworld_bose_goes_open_source_with_its_aging/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260520144935/https://old.reddit.com/r/bose/comments/1q81fwl/pcworld_bose_goes_open_source_with_its_aging/ |archive-date=20 May 2026 |access-date=2026-01-09 |website=Reddit}}</ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||