Sonos 2.8 adds Deezer Radio to multi-room systems in Europe, updates iPhone controller

After plunking down a grand for Sonos' impressive two-room bundle, it's always nice to see a freebie or two arrive via software updates. While not quite as big a release as version 2.7 was for Sonos' wireless (or wired) multi-room audio system, 2.8 does add free Deezer Radio service to Sonos users in 30 countries across Europe -- think Last.fm's artist smart lists with the ability to skip tracks only better dressed and with a knowledge of geography. Sonos is also updating its free iPhone / iPod touch controller application by extending native language support (Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Swedish added to English) and granting access to the sleep timers and wake-to-music alarms you've setup using the Sonos software controller running on your desktop. This update brings the features of the iPhone Controller up to par with Sonos' own dedicated controller and thus makes the €399 price for the CR100 all the more ridiculous.

Fortunately, for a limited time (until May 31st) Sonos is heavily discounting its €399 Sonos Controller as long as you buy it bundled with a ZonePlayer -- a box required for adding new speaker zones. The ZP90 and Sonos Controller combo is available for €599 (a savings of €149) while the amplified ZP120 and Controller combo is available for €699 (a savings of €199). The offer seems bent on preventing you from purchasing a relatively fragile but multi-purpose €219 iPod touch with onscreen keyboard to control your whole-house audio instead of Sonos' rugged and water-resistant CR100 Controller with scroll-wheel QWERTY. Try harder Sonos, even Apple learned to ditch the scroll-wheel. A few more interface shots after the break.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 14th 2009 1:07AM]

PASS.....

[ChrisK15 Posted Apr 14th 2009 1:46AM]

Isn't it cheaper to get an iPod Touch as a controller? Why WOULDN'T you do that if you got one of these?

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 14th 2009 1:47AM]

ooo

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 14th 2009 1:49AM]

Yes - if you have an iPhone or iPod touch, you can get started with Sonos for $350.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 14th 2009 2:07AM]

I heart my Sonos!

[michaelyork Posted Apr 14th 2009 2:18AM]

In love with my Sonos.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 14th 2009 11:49AM]

why not buy an airport express instead ?

[Sofabutt Posted Apr 14th 2009 4:55AM]

I love my Sonos system. I just wish Sonos would add some Applescript support.

All these software updates to include radio and pay services are worthless to me.

Their remote controller is awesome too, but if I ever need an additional controller I'll be buying a iPod Touch and not a Sonos Controller.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 14th 2009 6:49AM]

Iphone only works WIFI, the Sonos controller on the Sonos network, so it's not up to par. But the are bothe very nice.
Brilliant system, loving it

[LeeBongSmith Posted Apr 14th 2009 8:15AM]

Uhhh...can you get the same effect with Airtunes? And isn't it a lot cheaper? Seriously, I would like to know. Multiroom stereo sounds awesome, but I'm not sure I could swallow the price.

[BBrase Posted Apr 14th 2009 9:17AM]

Am I the only one that thinks these are grossly overpriced?

[HappyGeordie Posted Apr 14th 2009 9:42AM]

Has this update been pulled? My system is saying its 2.7 installation is up to date?

[Jimbojones Posted Apr 14th 2009 10:23AM]

I'm planning to get SONOS pretty soon. It's really not that overpriced if you have iPhone as a remote. I'm sick of iTunes over Bonjur Network. I'm just waiting for TIVO going back to DirectTV (that will solve all my video needs).

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 14th 2009 2:15PM]

Some think SONOS is overpriced.. that you can just use the air tunes or some other system in it's place. I say you can if you don't care about system that JUST WORKS. I bought my SONOS system over two years ago and I haven't had any issues... when I want to listen to music, have people over, etc... sonos always works. Unlike all the other systems I used when I'd always at some point have to hit up the computer and start messing with it to make it all work. If you want it all... SONOS+rhapsody is just bliss.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 14th 2009 5:31PM]

Hello everyone,

A software upgrade featuring Deezer Radio for 30 European countries and an update to the Sonos Controller for iPhone was scheduled to be release today. However, we are awaiting the posting of the new Sonos Controller for iPhone to the iPhone App Store before making the Sonos software version 2.8 available for download since they are dependent upon each other. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Thomas Meyer
PR for Sonos, Inc.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 14th 2009 6:05PM]

Save your money and get logitech squeezeboxes.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 16th 2009 8:06PM]

All you people who think Sonos is over priced, then you should first try out the less than par devices like AirportExpress and squeezeboxes, then try Sonos for 30 days. I'm telling you, once you get into Sonos, you wish you had more zones to place around your house. There is nothing like the multiroom room sound that Sonos gives. You might as well get something that works the first time rather than trial and error.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 14th 2009 9:42PM]

I don't have Sonos system but I watched video instructions on how to set it up on www.HandBookLive.com
It looks like a slam dunk. I am curious about it.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 14th 2009 9:48PM]

Agreed, Sonos is completely worth it. I have a setup in my house and loving it.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 16th 2009 5:47PM]

Does anyone know how well Sonos works with Rhapsody? Do you have access to their entire music collection (assuming you have a subscription)?