[secabeen]

Because they want to stream audio from streaming services, which have APIs that change regularly, and require some level of DRM and subscription management. If you just want to stream audio from a local server, buy a squeezebox device. (They went under a few years back, the demand wasn't there, but they did have exactly the setup you want)

[TeMPOraL]

> stream audio from streaming services, which have APIs that change regularly, and require some level of DRM and subscription management

That's a good point and it makes it even more important to push back - abusive, customer-hostile business models don't just affect the direct customers, they spread and infect everything downstream.

[ryandrake]

Sonos is a particularly horrible company though, with software particularly hostile to end-users. There are many cases where they actively prevent you from using the device that you bought.

When a software update becomes available, you can no longer use the Sonos app or connect to a Sonos device, making the device essentially unusable, until you update your software.

When Sonos, for example, changes their Terms of Service to be even more draconian, you must accept the terms or the device ceases to function [1].

They require ridiculous access to personal information like location [2].

1: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=15071120

2: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=21771491

Everything this terrible company does shows that they consider themselves the true owners of the devices they manufacture even after you purchase them. I will never buy another product from them.

[secabeen]

> They require ridiculous access to personal information like location [2].

I know I'm late on this, but both Android and iOS require location permission to get any access to WiFi scans or AP MAC address data. Sonos software scans to discover new devices, and that scan requires those permissions. If you can get a list of nearby APs, you can use the skyhook database to discern location. Thus, location permission is required in order to setup new devices.

[TeMPOraL]

Thanks. I've never bought anything from Sonos so far, but after everything I've read here and in this thread, I'm blacklisting the company and will advise anyone I know to do so too.