Sonos just released its first iPhone app, allowing owners of the media streamers to control their wireless music kit anywhere in the house. Trouble is, Apple got there first, and its kit costs less than half the price.
Just like Apple’s own Remote app, Sonos’ new software will let owners select songs or internet radio stations, and direct them to different ‘zones’ or players around the house.
It’s a free download from the iTunes App Store, but here’s the rub: Sonos’ equipment costs a fortune. The company’s cheapest Introductory Bundle will set you back around £600. That includes a couple of streaming boxes and a remote. Add a set of speakers and you’re looking at £800.
Even a standalone streamer will cost you from £190. And you’ll still need a computer or separate networked storage device to send it music files.
Compare that to an Apple TV (also controllable from the iPhone or iPod touch) at £200, and it’s a weak offering, especially considering the Apple TV will also handle photos and hook into iTunes to buy or rent movies and TV too. Oh, and to use an Apple TV there’s no need to buy a computer or extra storage.
Those content with audio alone could even use an Airport Express to extend their computer’s music library. It’s controllable by the iPhone or iPod touch, hooks up to any speakers you like, and costs just £65.
OK, so Sonos does have some advantages. It’ll let you control zones in an extremely slick way. But unless you live in a sprawling country estate, does it really warrant the outlay? Check out Sonos’ demo below.
Out now | £free (requires Sonos hardware) | Sonos (via Stuff)
Sonos and Apple TV are chalk and cheese and not worthy of a direct comparison.
Sonos allows direct integration with services like Napster, Rhapsody, Sirius and last.fm. These offer ‘all you can’ eat music bundles, like I get access to play over 4million albums for just £9.99 on Napster. That would only buy me a dozen tracks on iTunes.
Additionally, Sonos will allow you to play different music in different rooms at the same time. The Apple option is fine for people who live alone in bedsits, but if your wife doesn’t wanna hear your Pink Floyd and would rather listen to Take That in the kitchen, then Sonos is the way!.
I couldn’t agree more – The Sonos stuff is soooo expensive it’s untrue. You can do exactly the same with Windows Media Centre Extenders, or, like you say, Apple TV or Airport Express. It’s a complete rip off designed for people with too much money and no idea about technology.
I bet it’s easy for a salesman to sell since the remote looks nice but if you did your homework you could achieve the same for half the price.