The time where iPhone users could brag about being the only ones to have the Sonos Controller is over. The Android version of the Sonos Controller is out, and it works beautifully. We have played with the Sonos System Software 3.4 which adds support for Airplay (iOS) and Android. John MacFarlane (Sonos’ CEO) gave us an upbeat demo of the new functions.
The Android app is very important for Sonos, not only because Android now outsells iOS, but also because one can find/build really affordable 7″ tablets that could be used only as a controller. “It took a while to get the Android app, but we wanted to build it right” John MacFarlane told me. And did I mention that the Sonos controller for Android is free?
The iPad Sonos Controller app makes good use of the screen real estate
The iOS version of the Sonos controller is still getting some (development) love: Sonos is now supporting iPad, and they are making good use of that extra screen space. There is much more information, which reduces the need to switch between menus in the user interface. Finally, the AirPlay support is built-in, which lets you choose where the audio will land in your sound setup.
Sonos will continue to build its own controller hardware for the time being as the product still enjoys a great deal of success, especially when the Sonos setup is installed by professionals.