Sonos App Update Introduces New Presets and Launches AI Voice Assistant Beta

Image: Sonos adds new Presets and prepares for the 27voice AI beta · Source

Sonos updates its app with customizable Presets for quick music playback and opens US waitlist for its AI voice assistant beta, enabling natural language control. Additional features improve usability and system health monitoring.

Sonos is releasing a significant update to its app, adding new Presets functionality along with early access to its forthcoming AI voice assistant, known as 27voice. Users can now create custom Presets that play music at specified volumes in selected rooms, conveniently accessible from the app's homescreen for one-touch playback.

Starting November 6th, US users can join a waitlist to test the 27voice assistant, which will be available beginning November 12th. This AI assistant enables voice-based control for routine tasks like starting music, moving playback between rooms, grouping and ungrouping speakers, and setting timers. Beyond simple commands, Sonos says it will handle more complex, natural language requests — for example, "Play the album with a sardine tin on the cover," or questions such as "Who was the singer at the Superbowl? Play their latest album on Hallway."

These software enhancements are part of Sonos' effort to address issues from a problematic app redesign earlier in 2024. Sonos CEO Tom Conrad has committed to reversing unpopular changes and improving user experience. The updated app, introduced in September as Sonos 27, also includes the capacity to connect AI agents, with plans allowing users to create up to 10 custom agents themselves.

Additional improvements in the update include the ability to swipe on the "Now Playing" screen or mini player to skip tracks, as well as functionality to rearrange favorite items within the app. Integration with iOS-only System Health features is also included, helping users identify and troubleshoot setup problems efficiently.

This comprehensive update reflects Sonos’ strategy to better integrate AI capabilities and enhance usability, positioning its products for increasingly voice-driven smart home environments, particularly in the US market where the 27voice AI beta is initially launching.