Sonos Announces New Free Radio Option and iPhone App

According to a company press release, Sonos is releasing a new software upgrade and an iPhone app that make the wireless multi-room music system even more versatile and user-friendly than previous versions.

According to the company Web site, the Sonos system allows customers to stream music from any source (computer, CD player, iPod) into any room in the home that contains a Sonos ZonePlayer. The ZonePlayer 90 is designed to be integrated into an existing home theater system and to make use of its components; the ZonePlayer 120 contains its own amplifier—simply add speakers to begin listening.

The press release continues by saying that the Sonos system operates in conjunction with a broadband cable or DSL modem, which allows software updates to be downloaded. The most recent upgrade, Sonos System Software 2.7, provides users with instant access to content from free online music services Pandora.com and last.fm in addition to more than 15,000 radio stations via Sonos Radio. Sonos already offered access to subscription-based services, including Napster, Rhapsody, and Sirius. All services stream the Internet content (from up to 16 different home computers, no less) directly to the Sonos ZonePlayer.

The press release adds that Sonos is now offering a free iPhone app (available as a free download from the iPhone App store) that enables the iPhone and iPod touch to serve as the controller for the Sonos system. Visit sonos.com/iphone for a video demonstration of the iPhone and the Sonos system in action. The company will naturally continue to offer its own CR100 controller.

“The Sonos Controller for iPhone is another example of Sonos offering features and applications that make the system better, at no cost to our current or future customers,” said Sonos CEO John MacFarlane in the press release.

For more information about the Sonos music system, visit sonos.com