AppleInsider Staff
Sonos and Apple will launch support for the Apple Music subscription service this month on Dec. 15, though it will initially be available as a public beta to users of Sonos speaker systems.
Sonos announced on Monday that it has been working closely with Apple to bring Apple Music to its Sonos ecosystem. Beginning Dec. 15, the "early preview" will offer Sonos users access to their Apple Music library, as well as the features "For You," "New," and "Radio."
Beyond the initial beta period, general availability will start in early 2016. Sonos is now allowing customers to register for the beta program on its website.
"Many of our members love Sonos and want to enjoy our service throughout their homes," said Eddy Cue, Apple senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. "We're thrilled to be working with Sonos to provide the Apple Music experience in even more places fans enjoy music."
Apple Music will be able to be controlled through the Sonos app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, as well as Mac, PC and Android phones. With Sonos speakers, users will be able to play their Apple msuic content in any or multiple rooms in their home.
"Streaming is bringing more music into everyone's lives — Â and that's a better life. The introduction of Apple Music marks an inflection point for streaming and its mass adoption," said Sonos co-founder and CEO John MacFarlane. "Now that we have access to virtually all the music on Earth, how music lovers listen to it is even more important. We are honored to bring Apple Music to Sonos listeners all over the world."
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10 Comments
This is nice and frankly expected. However it still does not address a long standing request by many for Sonos to support AirPlay. Sonos hardware will support AirPlay [via hacks], but either Apple does not want to share this with them or more likely, Sonos does not want to pay licensing. The Sonos app is fine, but AirPlay provides features that Sonos does not.
Brilliant news
This leaves those of us who prefer to use iTunes match out of the system. Many of us have spent years curating the list of music that we wish to own and to play, and have things in our libraries that Apple does not. I would happily pay separately to have AirPlay enabled on Sonos. For me, it's a much better service.
Excellent news. Sonos is the only reason why I've still got a Spotify subscription.
Sonos today has more viable competition than ever. Bose has their multi-room audio with Airplay support and many of the DTS PlayFi stuff I've seen supports Airplay natively.
I've been stuck circling in the air about whether to see if Airplay gets a nice bump in features. start building a Sonos system and now with companies like Martin Logan and Paradigm making DTS Playfi systems that's another option to consider.
Guess I'll wait to see how things shake out by next summer and then make a decision.