Google Assistant devices can finally set Sonos products as a default speaker

Google and Sonos don’t get on, but now the two firms’ devices do as changes to Google Assistant will let users set a Sonos product as their default speaker.

If you want to set your Sonos speaker as a default option in the Google Home app: Go into your settings menu, device settings, default music player and then choose your speaker from the list provided.

Related: Why Sonos is suing Google − and what it could mean for customers

A similar route through the settings menu will allow you to set up this function on any other Google Assistant device.

However, you will have to have the latest updates on your Google Assistant enabled device, and on your Sonos speaker, in order to use this feature. Equally, there are some reports of devices needing to be re-started before this functionality works – so try that if you’re still struggling.

Now, simply shout “Hey Google! Play ‘I Fought the Law’ by The Clash!” Or: “Hey Google! Play ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ by Johnny Cash!” and your favourite justice-system-themed songs (or any other sort of songs you choose to listen to,) will be played out loud and clear on your Sonos speaker.

Now ask yourself, does your Sonos speaker look smug?

Perhaps not, Sonos chances of winning the legal case have been said to be slim by some expert commentators and, even if the company can reach a successful resolution, there will be a legal mountain to climb first.. At the moment, the allegations against Google remain just that, allegations, and nothing has been proven.

The legal case is certainly an interesting one though. Sonos allege that Google infringed on five patents and, essentially, ripped off the company’s multi-room speaker technology. Google strenuously denies the claims.

Google had had access to a number of Sonos product blueprints, because of a partnership between the two companies which began in 2013. At that stage Google were not really in the hardware business, so Sonos didn’t see any potential risks in showing off product plans.

Related: Sonos sparks fury in speaker support row – the web’s best reactions

Now, things are very different and Sonos are not happy about many of the features that appear on the Google Home smart speaker, and other similar devices.

Sonos told Trusted Reviews: “Google is an important partner with whom we have collaborated successfully for years, including bringing the Google Assistant to the Sonos platform last year. However, Google has been blatantly and knowingly copying our patented technology in creating its audio products.