Wow talk about blowing something out of proportion. The new software comes with new terms. If you don't accept the new terms you keep the existing software. Over time, it is possible that current software sill stop working with e.g. some future Pandora API, and you'll have a choice of either updating your software or foregoing that feature.
I have a Sonos in every room of my house and I've owned them since the very first generation. Sonos has been extremely good about updating the software. The current software still works on the very first hardware, with all the functionality save for a single feature, room-correcting equalization, that requires the newer DSP. This company is the gold standard of ongoing software support for consumer goods and this article is trying to spin the situation in just the perfect way to make the Internet commentariat explode.
Whatever the rationale, the posts's core statement - that either people accept new contract terms or their device will brick the next time they change the API - is correct.
[edit] apparently the models have a line-in socket? In that case, I agree, them turning into regular speakers is better than bricking. However, I still think the article is relevant as it highlights the problem of ownership and terms of sale with IoT devices. (The conditions under which you bought the device can change arbitrarily after the sale)
This is silly, no one is saying they are going to brick the hardware, ever. But if you don't update and years later Spotify decides to change their end points, Spotify will likely stop working on your very outdated speaker.
If you have any google account or android device, they already have literally orders of magnitude more info on your life than Sonos would ever be able to collect. Not to mention Sonos has said it doesn't ever sell the data, AND you can opt out of usage info. Not seeing the problem here.
Found the Sonos employee. They've been extremely good about updating their software? I had to join the beta program and wait a year to get Spotify integration to work even after they advertised it as a feature. If you think they're the gold standard you've never seen their support forums..
I had a problem with their mac app years ago and ended up having a call on Christmas night with one of their engineers trying to track down what the bug was.
That said last I saw their software was just as buggy as its always been. Not worth the price IMO.
I have a Sonos in every room of my house and I've owned them since the very first generation. Sonos has been extremely good about updating the software. The current software still works on the very first hardware, with all the functionality save for a single feature, room-correcting equalization, that requires the newer DSP. This company is the gold standard of ongoing software support for consumer goods and this article is trying to spin the situation in just the perfect way to make the Internet commentariat explode.