Inquisitive Windows users got an answer today from Sonos that put a bit of a damper on the future of a dedicated Windows apps for the multi-room speaker system. According to a forum post on the Sonos Community blog, a representative confirmed that the company has no plans to build a Windows Phone 8 app or entertain the idea of a Universal Windows 10 app.
Some of you have been asking about a native Windows Phone controller app for Sonos, and we’ve been slow to provide a clear answer. We’re sorry about that. The truth of the matter is that up until now we’ve been unclear internally on this very question. In fact, it’s been the source of many passionate debates because we recognize that some Sonos owners are also Windows Phone users. In the end, however, we’ve made a decision that Sonos is not going to build a Windows Phone 8 app nor are we planning to build a Windows 10 “universal” app. We’ll, of course, continue to support the Windows desktop controller. We’re big fans of the work Microsoft is doing across many areas, including mobile, voice control, AI, VR and of course the Groove music service, available on Sonos. We know this is super frustrating for Windows Phone owners anxious for more native apps on the platform, but like other companies we’ve had to place our bets. Our focus right now is on Voice and Paid Streaming Services, and we’re exploring quite a few innovative ways to experience and control your music – on your device and off. We’ll be sure to keep this group informed of our progress. Thanks, Kenneth.”
The seemingly harsh confirmation finally puts to rest a three-year-old request from Windows users for Sonos to support Windows 8 RT and Windows Phone 8 with a dedicated app, while also muting any further fantasies of Windows 10 app in the process.
Understandably, a Windows 8, RT and Windows Phone 8 app don’t make a whole lot of sense for the company in light of Windows 10 adoption. However, from the outside, it seems rather odd to not support the 270 million people who have upgraded to Windows 10.
