Within the last few days, a new APK for the Sonos Android app popped up online. And, throwing caution to the wind, I went ahead and installed the 5.3 beta. While I’m not privy to the release notes, and therefore not necessarily aware of all changes, it seems likely that massive usability enhancements headline this release.
Upon opening the app, we’re presented with our Sonos Favorites (which I now have reason to flesh out). Further, certain functionality like switching zones or enabling timers is more apparent, while requiring fewer clicks, as Sonos more sensibly surfaces these features. And beyond the new raft of top-level contextual menuing, the now playing bar gains new functionality in rating, where appropriate – like I Heart Radio and Pandora music streaming services.
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I’ve called out the most obvious changes in the embedded photos and imagine the Sonos iOS app will see a similar makeover in the near future. Knowing several seniors who struggled with the Sonos UI, and several others who would benefit from Sonos but I’ve been reluctant to recommend, this will be a huge improvement for many.