Sonos users are finally receiving a more user-friendly app, but the launch has a drawback.

      Enhanced navigation, speaker organization, and updated iOS volume controls are gradually being rolled out but will require manual activation at first.

      The Sonos app is undergoing a significant usability enhancement. Recognizable bottom tabs aim to facilitate navigation, while customizable speaker arrangements could simplify the management of multiroom systems.

      ShaunFromSonos, the community manager, noted that the update might take up to two weeks to be accessible to all users. When it’s available, users will need to enable the "Enable Improved Navigation" option in the app’s settings to access the new layout and sorting features.

      What improvements does the new layout provide?

      The most significant update replaces the app's slide-up panels with a traditional tab bar. The Home, System, and Search tabs are now positioned along the bottom of the screen, clearly indicating the active section.

      Most mobile apps adopted this design approach years ago. Sonos users should now spend less time swiping to select a speaker or discover music. An Android user commenting on the announcement also noted faster search speeds across different music services, although Sonos has not guaranteed an overall performance enhancement.

      How does speaker organization function?

      Speakers and rooms can now be arranged alphabetically, by usage frequency, or by the currently playing content. Users can also pin preferred speakers at the top of the list.

      This flexibility becomes increasingly beneficial as a Sonos system expands. Households with multiple rooms no longer have to rely on the app's default arrangement, making it easier to locate the right speaker. These sorting options will not be available until the improved navigation setting is activated.

      What other features does the update include?

      The iOS volume slider has been redesigned to expand during adjustments and display numerical levels. Additionally, Sonos Favorites now supports swipe-to-delete actions, and the Now Playing screen can incorporate background colors from the current album artwork.

      The app is now at version 87.00.36 on iOS and 87.00.35 on Android. It will install automatically once the phased release reaches each device, although iPhone users can refresh the updates page in the App Store for early access. If the navigation option isn’t visible yet, users should wait up to two weeks before seeking a solution.

      Paulo Vargas is an English major who transitioned from reporter to technical writer, consistently returning to…

      Apple Music subscription prices have increased

      The subscription rates for student, family, and individual plans in the US, UK, and Europe have risen.

      Apple has raised the subscription prices for its music streaming service. The individual plan now costs an additional dollar, and the budget-friendly student tier has also increased by the same amount. The family plan saw a $3 increase, bringing the new total to $19.99 in the US. The benefits of each plan remain the same.

      How much do I pay now?

      Skullcandy introduces its new Crusher 1080 ANC headphones with Bose tuning and vibrant colors

      Experience deep bass and noise cancellation with Skullcandy's latest headphones.

      Skullcandy has launched the Crusher 1080 ANC, which the company claims to be the most advanced headphones it has created to date. Priced at $279.99, this model marks the first collaboration between Skullcandy's renowned Crusher bass technology and Bose's audio innovations, a combination fans have been eagerly anticipating.

      What’s new with the Crusher 1080 ANC?

      Spotify introduces a conversational AI for track requests and music-related inquiries

      A ChatGPT-like AI feature is being introduced to Spotify for making music requests and answering questions about listening history.

      Spotify is unveiling a new AI-driven conversational feature that enables Premium users to interact with the app directly regarding their music preferences. Users can either type or voice their requests and narrow down results through follow-up questions, eliminating the need for manual searches for a song, podcast, or audiobook.

      This feature is accessible from both Spotify’s Home and Now Playing screens, functioning similarly to a personal audio assistant. It can determine what plays next, respond to questions about the current track or album, offer new recommendations, and sift through your listening history to deliver more tailored answers.