Sonos has always been known as the wireless speaker with the great sound. It’s been slow, however, to add smart functions like voice control. While Amazon’s Alexa has been available for about a year or so, that was your only option for integrating your smart home ecosystem with your Sonos speaker. For those who’ve embraced the Google ecosystem, rejoice! The Google Assistant is finally coming to Sonos One and Sonos Beam. The best news? You don’t have to do much to get it! The functionality comes via a software or firmware update, so if you own a Sonos already, just make sure you’re up to date.
The launch is expected on July 3rd, 2019. Other countries should follow soon.
Read our review of the 1st generation Sonos One on the blog
Sonos + Google Assistant coming to Canada
“We’ve been working on this for quite a while and are thrilled to be rolling it out,” reads an announcement to shareholders on the next Sonos website, explaining, “Through a software upgrade, Sonos One and Beam will support the Google Assistant in the U.S., with more markets to come over the next few months.”
Software update makes existing speakers smarter too
This is bound to bring even more value to the Sonos system. While it’s always been on top when it comes to audio quality and ease of use, adding the ability for customers to choose their smart digital assistant is a big step that makes the Sonos Beam and One even more versatile for users. And the fact it’s coming to existing speakers via firmware means even if you’re an early adopter, you can still get Google Assistant.
Voice Control with Sonos & Google
Voice control on your Sonos means you can ask for Sonos to play or pause your music, turn up the volume, plus get the weather, traffic reports, and even control your smart home, all with your voice. You can even customize certain commands with your new Google Routine; turn on your alarm and start a specific music playlist, dim the lights and more. Plus at any time you can mute the microphones on Sonos One and Beam with a tap of your finger. The indicator light will turn off so you know the mic is off. Your wish is Google’s command and you’ll get your answers via your beautiful Sonos speakers.
Sonos announced the new Google Assistant functionality was coming at CES 2019, the consumer electronics showcase, and even demoed it for some attendees, but it’s been slow to arrive, until now. In a demo done at the show, Sonos said that while Google and Alexa will be available on the Beam and One you wouldn’t be able to swap between the two on the fly. Instead, you’d have to choose your preference during setup.
But even having that choice is what Sonos wants for customers.
“This feature will truly elevate the customer experience and marks the first time that consumers will be able to buy a single smart speaker and get to choose which voice assistant they want to use. We think giving consumers choice is always the right decision, and we anticipate this philosophy will be adopted in the industry over time,” adds the letter.
Sonos + Google Assistant works with streaming services
The Google Assistant on Sonos will work with your streaming services like Google Play Music, Deezer, Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, and more simply by asking the Google Assistant.
Here on the Plug In Blog, we’re hoping to be able to get hands on with the speakers to try out the new functionality, so check back once Google Assistant launches here in Canada, expected sometime later this year.
Shop Sonos One and Sonos Beam at Best Buy.
