Sonos app update tweaks design for faster playback

Sonos has released a new public beta for its Android app, with the intention of making it easier for users to control and play music.

The app has been redesigned so that the 'Play All' and 'Shuffle' buttons now appear at the top of the Album and Playlist screens, which should give users much faster access.

You can now also instantly start a song in the Sonos mobile app by tapping it, rather than having to use the 'Play Now' or 'Play Next' functions; similarly, on a Mac or PC, you can now just double click on a song to play it.

MORE: 21 Sonos tips, tricks and features

MORE: Sonos Play:5 (2015) review

The way the Sonos app queues music has also been reworked. Previously you had to tap the song title in order to view your listening options - now you can touch the three dots that appear on the right, which open up more options such as 'Play now', ‘Play next,’ or ‘Add to end of queue’.

Songs can also now be started from an album, playlist, or the queue and, once finished, Sonos will immediately play whatever has been lined-up next in the tracklist. Sonos has also attempted to make sending music from one room to another much simpler.

To join the Sonos Public Beta Programme, make sure that your device and the Sonos system are both on the same WiFi network. Open the Sonos app from your Android device, open your 'Settings' and go to 'Advanced Settings'. After that, tap the 'Beta Program' option, and then 'Join the Beta Program'. You can read more about it on the Sonos website.

The Sonos app update should be available now.

MORE: Sonos - everything you need to know

MORE: Best wireless speakers

Adam was a staff writer for What Hi-Fi?, reviewing consumer gadgets for online and print publication, as well as researching and producing features and advice pieces on new technology in the hi-fi industry. He has since worked for PC Mag as a contributing editor and is now a science and technology reporter for The Independent.

Latest in Wireless Speakers
HomePod OS
An Apple HomePod with a screen might arrive this year after all
JBL Flip 7 in white finish held in hand against backdrop of orange JBL beanie bags
JBL Flip 7 vs Flip 6: what's the difference between these two Bluetooth speakers?
JBL Charge 6 speaker held in hand
JBL Charge 6 vs Charge 5: what's new?
HomePod OS
The rumoured Apple HomePod with display is reportedly put on ice while Siri gets its act together
Bowers & Wilkins Zepellin
Bowers & Wilkins and McLaren are making new audio hardware with an F1 twist
JBL Charge 6 in red with carry strap
JBL upgrades two of our favourite Bluetooth speakers with bigger sound, longer battery life and more durable designs
Latest in News
Audiolab 6000A MkII amplifier in silver
Audiolab upgrades its five-star 6000A amplifier with a new DAC chip, enhanced circuitry and HDMI ARC
Qobuz
Qobuz reveals average payout per stream – and claims it is higher than rivals
Sonos Beam Gen 2
Quick! This five-star Sonos Dolby Atmos soundbar has dropped close to its lowest price
The Google Pixel 9a being held horizontally at waist-height so only the back is visible.
The Google Pixel 9a launches at £100 less than the iPhone 16e with a better screen
A woman flicking through stacks of vinyl records in a Rough Trade shop.
Vinyl records and music streaming both hit landmark highs – but the one growing faster in revenue may surprise you
Vertere DG X turntable in black finish
Vertere's gorgeous DG X turntable features significant updates for a more refined performance overall