As expected, Sonos is out with app and firmware updates this week that do away with the Bridge requirement. Now smaller scale Sonos deployments in homes with solid WiFi can more simply network their speakers without physically connecting hardware to one’s router. Having said that, Sonos does suggest that folks with a Bridge already in play leave well enough alone and take advantage of the existing mesh network (despite the clutter). Not to mention folks with more than three rooms or running 3.1/5.1 theater sound still require a Bridge intermediary. And, perhaps ironically, as the Bridge is decommissioned (for some), a higher powered replacement in the Boost is announced.
Available later this year for $99, the BOOST applies over a decade of learning about the varying needs of our customers and offers enterprise-grade wireless capabilities to serve even the most challenging home WiFi environments. Look for the BOOST’s official launch in the coming months.
Speaking of new fall hardware… we’re still wondering what the Sonos Playbase is all about.
Dave – How does the Sonos sound? Do you ever have problems with it? Thx.
I’m very pleased with its performance and sound. But it’s probably worth mentioning that I’m not an audiophile. In fact, I want to replace my three Play:3 and my one Play:5 all with Play:1 units – fewer speakers per uh speaker, but slimmer, sexier form. Also, even though I applied the upgrade, I haven’t actually disconnected my Bridge – so I can’t yet tell you how that’ll work out long term.
WTF is the difference between the outgoing Bridge and the new Boost? It sounds like they will do the same thing?
Apparently the function is the same but their performance is not. Boost sounds like the next gen Bridge – perhaps will better networking. And we do know the existing Play speakers have been going thru the FCC for re-eval due to presumably better/different wireless. I’ve never had a problem with the Bridge and doubt I’d upgrade. In fact, I want to unplug mine despite the recommendations. :)
I’m still confused about the 3.1 and 5.1 sound bar setup still requiring the BRIDGE. Is that going to go away with an updated play 1 and play bar + a Boost, or will it go away with new hardware completely or will a Bridge always be required for surround sound and never work on wifi?
According to the current FCC documents the boost will probably still be a 2.4 GHZ device with a triple antenna setup. Let’s see if it’s just a new bridge with the price of 2 bridges, or does it come with something extra.
With this update can the speakers like Play:3 work as wireless bridges? Wi-Fi to Ethernet out? That would a nice bonus for me.
my bridge is awful it cant play my music library off a PC and now I should spend $100 to fix it. how sick i am of the rip offs the phone companies the cable monopolies the traffic cameras spewing tickets the police with their radar guns the constant attack on my money. now Sonos should offer that new bridge that works to old owners as a free upgrade or at the cost of it. I am pissed i don’t need more expenses and i think the play bar is so overpriced as to be ridiculous