Home » Misc » Alexa drop in sonos

Alexa drop in sonos


How To Get the Most Out of Connecting Alexa and Sonos

When it comes to wireless audio, Sonos is one brand that is often called out, and for good reason. Compact, great-sounding, easy to install, and packed with plenty of companion app features and customizations, a Sonos product is a fantastic addition to your home’s suite of web-connected gear. From stand-alone speakers to soundbars and wire-free surround setups, you can experience Sonos in as big or small a way as you choose.

Contents

Whether you’re running a single speaker or a more robust Sonos lineup, one of the best ways to control and manage your Sonos family of devices is through Amazon Alexa. By adding the Sonos skill to your Alexa app and enabling Alexa controls in the Sonos app, you’ll be able to use your Amazon hardware (Echo, Echo Dot, etc. ) to pilot your Sonos listening. Call up a favorite playlist, cue up an artist, play/pause, control the volume, and more, all with basic Alexa voice commands.

Better yet, if you own a Sonos Arc, Beam, One, Move, or Roam, you don’t even need an Echo device, because these Sonos speakers already have Alexa built right in.

For those just getting started with their Alexa/Sonos handshaking, as well as those who want to learn more about the capabilities of their wireless audio toys, we’ve put together this guide to illustrate exactly what kinds of things you can do with an integrated Alexa/Sonos package.

Artist or genre, Alexa knows your tunes

Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

While you can use your Sonos app to access all of your favorite music services, you can just as easily start listening to your go-to artists, songs, and playlists by simply using Alexa. The next time you’re hanging out by your Sonos One or Beam, ask Alexa to start playing The Beach Boys. Or, maybe you’re in the mood for a broader genre. Try saying something like, “Alexa, play classic rock.”

While the song is playing, you can tell Alexa to play/pause tracks, adjust the volume, and skip around on an album or playlist. If you’re subscribed to more than one music streaming service, you’ll want to specify at the end of your command which one Alexa should use to play the tracks. To make things shorter and sweeter, though, you can simply select a default music service in the Sonos app. Choose from Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Audible, TuneIn, Pandora, Deezer, iHeartRadio, and SiriusXM.

Use grouping for multi-speaker commands

Did you know that you can get one Alexa command to ping multiple Sonos speakers at once? Whether you want to hear music throughout your entire home or wish to make an announcement to all the Sonos speakers in your living room, you’ll want to create a Sonos group that Alexa can address. While you can still address one speaker at a time, having a group makes it easy to send commands to an entire batch of Sonos speakers that may all be near each other.

To do so, open your Alexa app and tap Devices. Next, tap the Plus icon, then tap Add Group. Tap Create a Room or Device Group, then tap Next. After this, you’ll be directed to choose a name for the group and the Sonos hardware you want to belong to it.

Once you’ve finished creating the group, you’ll be able to say things like, “Alexa, play ’80s music downstairs,” and all of the Sonos speakers on the main floor of your home will start jamming.

Control your movies and shows

If you have a Sonos Beam connected to your TV’s HDMI-ARC input, along with an Alexa Fire TV or Fire TV streaming device, you can use Alexa as an entertainment remote. With voice commands, you’ll be able to do things like turn your TV on/off, adjust the volume, and interact with apps like Hulu and Prime Video.

To do so, make sure you’ve added the Fire TV product to the Alexa app. To add the Fire TV to the Alex app, open the app, then tap Settings > TV & Video > Fire TV. Then, tap Link Your Alexa Device.

In addition to basic commands, you can get Alexa to change TV inputs, navigate through compatible apps, and search for specific movies and TV shows.

Engage with your smart home

One of the greatest Alexa perks is being able to connect and control all of your smart home devices using nothing but voice commands or the Alexa app. Even if you own a stand-alone Sonos speaker with Alexa built-in, you can still use that speaker as a smart home controller.

Let’s say you want to dim the smart lights in your bedroom. Once you’ve added the lights to your Alexa app and have designated what room the bulbs belong to, you can simply say to your Sonos speaker, “Alexa, dim the lights in the bedroom,” and it will lower the bedroom lights.

With Alexa and Sonos, you can control everything from smart thermostats and door locks to smart plugs and various web-connected appliances.

What Alexa and Sonos 

won’t do

Pairing Alexa and Sonos unlocks a world of wireless music controls and smart home capabilities, but there are some limitations.

Currently, you cannot use Alexa on your Sonos speaker to play songs based on lyrics; set Sonos timers and alarms; initiate Voice Calling, Whisper Mode, or Drop In; or play songs directly from your Sonos music library.

That’s not to say that these features won’t be available in the future, but for now, there are plenty of other great Alexa/Sonos tricks to keep you entertained until the next major software update.

Editors' Recommendations

How to set up Alexa on your Sonos system

Why you can trust Pocket-lint

(Pocket-lint) - All Sonos devices are compatible with Alexa voice control, though currently only six - the Sonos One, the Sonos Beam, the Sonos Beam Gen 2), Sonos Move, Sonos Arc and Sonos Roam - have Alexa capabilities built into them.  

To control all other Sonos devices using Alexa, you will need an Alexa-enabled device, such as one of Amazon's Echo devices, a Fire tablet, or the Sonos One, Sonos Beam, Sonos Arc, Sonos Roam or Sonos Move.

This feature guides you through how to add Alexa support to your Sonos devices.

squirrel_widget_148504

How to enable Alexa on Sonos

You'll need to make sure you're running the latest software on your Sonos app and speakers. To do this, open the Sonos app > Tap on Settings in the bottom right corner > System > System Updates > Check for Updates.

After you've installed the latest software, follow the instructions below to enable Alexa on Sonos:

Those instructions will get your Sonos account and Amazon accounts liked up, but you'll also need to enable the Sonos skill in the Alexa app to get the most out of Alexa on Sonos and play music with your voice.

To enable the Sonos skill in the Alexa app:

Pocket-lint

How Alexa works on Sonos

Alexa support on the Sonos One, Beam, Beam 2, Arc, Roam and Move is similar to the experience on Amazon Echo, but not quite as seamless and there are a few features missing like Alexa calling. You will be able to use your Sonos One, Beam, Beam 2, Arc, Roam and Move to control any smart home devices that are compatible with Amazon Alexa however, as well as ask Alexa to perform various tasks, including delivering a weather update, answering a question or ordering you an Uber, for example.

For many features, you'll need to make sure you have all the skills enabled in the Alexa app, as you would for Amazon Echo. 

You'll also be able to use your Sonos One, Beam, Arc, Roam or Move to send music and other audio tracks to your other Sonos speakers that don't have Amazon Alexa built in.

For example, say "Alexa, play Drake in the living room" and music by Drake will start to play on the Sonos speaker you have previously designated "living room". Read our Sonos tips and tricks to change a room name. Music will play from your default music service, which you can change in the Alexa app. It's also possible to play or shuffle Sonos playlists you've manually created.

For Sonos speakers without Alexa built-in, so the Sonos One SL, Play:1, Play:3, Play:5, Playbase, Playbar and Ray, you won't them talking back to you as you would with Amazon Echo or the Sonos Beam, One, Arc, Roam and Move. Instead, Alexa effectively becomes the Sonos controller, the Sonos speaker itself does not become a voice assistant.

Best Alexa speakers 2022: Top Amazon Echo alternatives By Britta O'Boyle ·

Numerous third party speakers have embraced Amazon's capable Alexa assistant alongside the Echo devices. Here are the best Amazon Echo alternatives.

Writing by Britta O'Boyle.

Sonos Move Portable Speaker with Smart Features / Hi-Fi & Digital Audio / iXBT Live

Hello! And I present a review of a very unusual portable speaker Sonos Move. Excellent balanced sound, convenient layout and interesting features - all this will not leave you indifferent. Sonos Move is the company's first portable speaker that allows you to "take your favorite music with you."

Official store SONOS

Smart speaker Sonos Move (Yandex.Market)

So, an interesting Move smart speaker from SONOS came to the review. It is not just a speaker or a portable speaker with a battery, but a whole autonomous system for playing streaming content from Internet radio, from multimedia services (for example, from YouTube). In general, this is a fairly advanced speaker that will be convenient for home use, as well as in the office, to create a comfortable environment. SONOS Move integrates into the smart home system.

Specifications:
Brand: SONOS
Model: Move
Type: portable speaker
Features: rugged design (IP56 water and drop protection), comfortable handle, intuitive touch controls
radio, audio stream playback from applications, including Youtube, integration into multiroom
Interfaces: Bluetooth, WiFi 2. 4/5GHz.
Power supply: built-in 36WH battery, original charging cradle, USB-C
Autonomy: up to 11 hours of continuous playback
Smart home integration: Yes
Applications: SONOS, Apple AirPlay
Dimensions: 240 x 160 x 126 mm
Weight: 3kg

SONOS MOVE smart speaker comes in original packaging.

Thoughtful packaging. At the very top is a booklet with information for the user.

A quick start guide is provided as a starter guide, which introduces the basic operations and operation of the dispenser, as well as links to the software.

Also included is a soft bag for storage, carrying and protection from external influences. By the way, for carrying along with the charger, I recommend purchasing a special Move Travel Bag case or something similar.

SONOS comes with a special O-stand charger with contacts and AC adapter.

The appearance of the SONOS Move speaker is shown in the images below.

The charger is suitable not only for recharging the battery, but also as a permanent power supply for the speaker when working in the home "desktop" mode.

The charging contacts are spring-loaded, positioned specifically for sliding contacts on the bottom of the SONOS speaker.

The power supply has an EU plug marked CPS045180250V. Power parameters: 18V, 2.5A (45 W), which allows you to recharge the column quickly enough.

The option to use directly with the base is suitable if the speaker, for example, plays at home, in conjunction with a home theater or as a portable speaker for a smart home.

The design of the stand is so organically made that it looks in the same design with the body of the SONOS Move speaker itself.

Special soft protective case included.

It completely covers the column, protects against scuffs, as well as other external factors (dust, etc.).

The quality of the cover is decent, the seams are even, the threads do not stick out. Drawstring included for tying.

The top panel of the device is made of touch, with indication. It is possible to control playback, adjust the volume, etc. In the center is the button to call the voice assistant. You can, for example, ask the Google Assistant for a song, or play Internet radio. Localization of the voice assistant is currently under development (we are waiting for software updates).

At the top of the cabinet, right on the speaker grille, is the SONOS logo.

The lower part of the housing is made of plastic with a soft-touch coating (soft rubber-like coating).

Internally installed dynamic mid-range driver and one low-frequency driver (woofer). Two Class-D modules are used as an amplifier. You can see a little more about audio amplifiers in this article.

On the back of the case there is a special niche, which at the same time is a convenient carrying handle and hides the push-button control unit (on/off buttons, access point activation, etc. are located).

Three buttons arranged vertically. Pay attention, the middle button switches the wireless connection modes: Bluetooth and WiFi, and the last network is dual-band 2. 4 / 5GHz.

A little lower is the port for recharging the USB Type-C device, and contacts for the charging station. You can charge from powerful USB PD3.0 adapters (45W or more, requires support for 20V / 2.25A mode, for example, such an adapter with USB-C is suitable).

In general, the appearance is top-notch. Nothing superfluous, almost the entire vertical surface is occupied by a grid for speakers.

On the top panel there is an LED operation indicator. Management is intuitive.

SONOS App required for advanced functionality. The setup procedure is as follows: connect via Wi-Fi to the column, configure, and then the option to work both via Wi-Fi and via Bluetooth connection will be available.

We press the button on the column - the “SONOS” access point “rises”, to which we connect for configuration.

Select the desired model (SONOS Move), confirm with a short press on the button on the speaker, set up a connection to your home Wi-Fi network.

At startup, the SONOS app offers a description of the basic features.
I recommend creating a SONOS account in order to take advantage of the extended functionality of the application.

To get started, the basic functionality of SONOS Move is offered - listening to media content directly from a smartphone, and working using streaming SONOS Radio.

Playback settings are also available - equalizer, volume boost, Trueplay sound enhancement function. As for Trueplay's automatic audio setup, with the option activated, the sound of the speaker constantly adapts to where you are and what you are listening to. This function analyzes the surrounding space and automatically adjusts the sound to it, improving the sound, removing noise and echo.

If we select content from a smartphone, then a file browser is available to search for the desired albums, artists and tracks. If we choose to listen to SONOS Radio, a list of available radio stations, including local ones, opens.

I mentioned above that a Bluetooth connection is available to work with the SONOS MOVE speaker. It is enough to switch the button on the back panel, then connect to the Bluetooth network. In this case, the playback of the audio stream is similar to ordinary speakers.

The application displays notifications about the track being played directly in the smartphone curtain. Quick playback control is also available there.

Other media content services can be added to SONOS Radio. For example YouTube. Add according to the instructions (enter and confirm your account to access the application). After that, playback from YouTube becomes available.

Examples of playing albums stored in a smartphone, as well as playing an Internet radio stream. Useful thing in the office.

The interior of the speaker looks very harmonious, but if you want to create a home theater system, the large SONOS ARC soundbar is better for you. By the way, the ability to set up a SONOS speaker in multi-room mode makes it possible to listen to different music in different rooms.

Although the speaker can work via Bluetooth, the Move is still part of the SONOS ecosystem and can work as a stationary speaker with other SONOS devices at home via Wi-Fi, as part of a smart home or multi-room. The SONOS Move speaker will be appropriate for both a noisy company and quiet home listening. Another popular topic is the use of such smart speakers in the office.

One of the main uses of the SONOS speaker is outdoor events. The column is equipped with protection against both moisture and shock. The battery life from the built-in battery is up to 10 hours (at medium volume).

Within 10-15 m to a router or smartphone, works without interruption and without interruption.

The speaker came in handy during a small event in the park, the volume level was sufficient for a small audience.

A short video about the SONOS Move speaker.

Unlike other models, SONOS Move really has high functionality: you can control the speaker through the smart home system, multi-room allows you to separately configure the speaker for each room. The convenient body layout makes the SONOS Move comfortable to use, and the rugged design makes it suitable for outdoor activities. The column is designed for both stationary use and stand-alone operation. The latest software update improves the power efficiency of the Move column to 11 hours, thus adding one hour of battery life to the declared characteristics. So you can enjoy up to 11 hours of great sound on a single charge. I note a powerful and high-quality speaker, balanced sound and a well-thought-out SONOS application, with the ability to play media streams from third-party services.

I have the impression that the SONOS Move speaker is worth the money, although the price is a bit high. In any case, such a device is quite possible to buy for the office or for the home. Such a column will fit well into the smart home system, and in general it is quite convenient.

P.s. at the time of publication of the article, an update of the SONOS application appeared with the Russian language added to the menu.

Detailed user manual in electronic form.

You can find other reviews and tests of the tool and gadgets in my profile and on the links below.

Thank you for your attention!

SONOS One Smart Speaker with Voice Control User Manual - Manuals+

SONOS One Smart Speaker with Voice Control

SONOS USER MANUAL 901 Amazon46

So you can have one Alexa Assistant
use your voice to launch and control music in Sonos.

Controls and lighting

Note: If you don't want anyone (such as a child) to control playback or change the volume using the speaker's touch controls, you can turn them off in the room settings.

Connector panel
Choose a location

Place your speaker almost anywhere. Here are some suggestions:

Speaker Mounts and Stands
For wall mount or stand kits perfect for your Sonos products, see the Accessories section of our website. website.

Microphone On/Off

Touch to turn the microphone on and off. (If you do not have a voice service installed, the microphone is inactive.)
When the microphone light is on, voice control is enabled and your voice assistant is ready to answer. When the microphone indicator is off, voice control is disabled.
Note: If you have installed a voice service and the microphone is turned off, you can still use voice commands. Just press and hold—no need to start with a wake-up word. When you release the microphone button, voice control is disabled again.

Specifications

Audio

networks

General

  • Product end
    • White with white grille; black with black grille
  • Kit
    • Sonos One, power cord and quick start guide.

    • Specifications subject to change without notice.

    Important Safety Information
    1. Read these instructions.
    2. Save these instructions.
    3. Pay attention to all warnings.
    4. Follow all instructions.
    5. Do not use this device near water.
    6. Wipe only with a dry soft cloth. Household cleaners or solvents can damage the finish of Sonos components.
    7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
    8. Do not install near heat sources such as radiators, space heaters, stoves, or other devices that produce heat.
    9. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, especially at plugs, receptacles, and where they exit from the apparatus.

      Learn more