Latest Sonos Software Update Includes Higher Napster, Rhapsody Bit Rates

Sonos issued a software update to users Tuesday that includes higher streaming bit rates for Napster and Rhapsody users. Sonos support didn’t tell users the former or new bit rates but said the increase would translate to “vibrantly detailed sound.” The company didn’t immediately respond to questions. Also new in software version 6.3: quick control from an iOS lock screen, allowing users to control volume, pause and skip features without having to unlock the phone, good on iOS version 8.0 and higher, said Sonos. A new split-view feature for iOS lets users view content from another app while using Sonos functions. A “slide over” function that works on later model iPads lets users begin playing music and then “get back to your emails,” Sonos said. Improvements to the Trueplay feature simplify the tuning process possible with a Sonos speaker to improve sound regardless of location or positioning. Sonos addressed a “system not found” error that resulted from the previous software update: users who encounter the error message now will find it easier to fix, or they can connect directly with Sonos support for assistance, said the company. Users with a question or problem with their Sonos system can reach customer care from the main menu of a phone or tablet app through the new Help button, it said.