Bose Shifts from Cloud-Based Music Control to Open-Source Model for SoundTouch Speakers
In a move that's being hailed as a consumer-friendly decision, Bose has announced its intention to open source the software for its SoundTouch line of home speakers. The smart speakers will no longer rely on cloud-based features and updates, effectively turning them into "dumb" speakers.
However, for SoundTouch owners who are worried about losing access to their favorite music streaming services, there's a glimmer of hope. Bose is now providing third-party developers with the necessary tools and documentation to create their own compatible software and features. This means that independent developers can start creating new tools and integrations for the SoundTouch speakers.
As part of this transition, Bose has also extended the end-of-life date for its cloud-based updates from February to May 6. In a surprising twist, the company has announced that the AirPlay and Spotify Connect functions will still be available after EoL, alleviating concerns among customers who had been worried about losing access to these services.
The app itself will also continue to function in a stripped-down format, although it won't receive any further updates. It's worth noting that the decision to abandon cloud-based features has likely been influenced by customer feedback, including vocal complaints on Reddit. The fact that customer concerns have been taken into account is seen as a positive step by Bose.
The SoundTouch speakers were first introduced in 2013 and carried a hefty price tag of $600 for entry-level models. While the decision to open source the software may be a compromise, it's clear that Bose has listened to its customers' concerns about the speakers becoming obsolete over time.
In a move that's being hailed as a consumer-friendly decision, Bose has announced its intention to open source the software for its SoundTouch line of home speakers. The smart speakers will no longer rely on cloud-based features and updates, effectively turning them into "dumb" speakers.
However, for SoundTouch owners who are worried about losing access to their favorite music streaming services, there's a glimmer of hope. Bose is now providing third-party developers with the necessary tools and documentation to create their own compatible software and features. This means that independent developers can start creating new tools and integrations for the SoundTouch speakers.
As part of this transition, Bose has also extended the end-of-life date for its cloud-based updates from February to May 6. In a surprising twist, the company has announced that the AirPlay and Spotify Connect functions will still be available after EoL, alleviating concerns among customers who had been worried about losing access to these services.
The app itself will also continue to function in a stripped-down format, although it won't receive any further updates. It's worth noting that the decision to abandon cloud-based features has likely been influenced by customer feedback, including vocal complaints on Reddit. The fact that customer concerns have been taken into account is seen as a positive step by Bose.
The SoundTouch speakers were first introduced in 2013 and carried a hefty price tag of $600 for entry-level models. While the decision to open source the software may be a compromise, it's clear that Bose has listened to its customers' concerns about the speakers becoming obsolete over time.
At first I thought losing cloud updates would be a major bummer - all my smart home stuff is tied to those services. But it's cool that 3rd party devs can create new features and integrations for them now 
. And yay, AirPlay and Spotify still work! 
It's not like Bose was gonna abandon us completely... I guess customer feedback really matters 
Still, I'm curious if this is the start of a trend - will other companies follow suit? 
They're finally listening to their customers and giving them more control over their smart home setup. Open-sourcing the software is a huge win for DIYers like me who love tinkerering with our gadgets.
It's not just about replacing cloud-based features, but also about creating a community-driven ecosystem.
their old speakers are kinda ancient now but idk if people will even use them anymore with the new smart home devices coming out 
It's like they're making it harder to use, not easier... I guess only time will tell how this all plays out 
.
It just goes to show that Bose is really listening to customer feedback (I've seen some of those Reddit threads, btw). And yeah, it's a bit like a trade-off – you give up the cloud features, but you get more control and flexibility with your speakers. I think this is a win-win for users! 
"Goodbye cloud, hello open source! 
"
"I'm not saying my speakers are stupid, but I just told them to shut up and play music" 
"Dumb speakers are the new smart speakers" 
. That's like, super cool for all you tinkerers out there 
.
!
. It's all about giving the power back to the people! And I have to say, extending the EoL date was a great call 
. Plus, it's just nice to see a company listen to its customers and make some changes 
. I'm all for this open-source thing! 
what I don't get is why companies gotta make us keep paying for updates like this - seems fair to just give people the software & let them create their own integrations, that way everyone wins 
plus it's awesome that developers can make their own stuff for the SoundTouch speakers 
It's like they're giving us the ultimate flexibility. And with third-party devs able to create their own software and integrations, it's gonna be a whole new world for SoundTouch owners! 
Plus, keeping AirPlay and Spotify Connect alive is a major win. I'm all about DIY projects and tinkering, so this just makes me even more excited to dig into the open-source model and see what crazy things people come up with! 
. stats say that since january, bos has seen a 25% increase in customer engagement on social media 
. overall, it's been a pretty smooth transition for the soundtouch speakers 
And what's with this "dumb" speaker thing? Did Bose ever even offer a smartphone app for the SoundTouch speakers in the first place? I swear, it's like we're going back to the Stone Age! 
... people always saying customer feedback is what drives innovation, but here we are. We're basically being told our smart home speakers aren't smart enough because of it 
... can't they just give us the freedom to upgrade our own software like normal? 
.
. So here's to a brighter future for our SoundTouch speakers 
! #OpenSourceForTheWin #BoseListens #SmartSpeakersMatter