Sonos has announced that you no longer need a direct wired connection or a Sonos Bridge to enjoy streaming audio from Play speakers.
The speaker company is introducing the massive change to its multiroom streaming setup via its latest Sonos 5.1 update.
Available to download now, Sonos says it has been beta testing the ability to take the Bridge out of the equation and use your home router for several months. This was to make sure it was good enough to deliver an experience on par with using the Sonos network.
If you already use a Bridge in your setup, Sonos believes this is still the best environment to use. Homes where Wi-Fi signals do not reach every room you want to position a speaker in, is another scenario to still own a Bridge. Sonos 3.1 and 5.1 home threatre systems will still need a wired connection as well.
For users with a Bridge setup who want to now go bridge-free, you need to do the following to make it work correctly:
1. Update the app
2. With the bridge still plugged in, select Bridge Setup in your Settings
3. Follow the steps described in the app
4. Once these steps have been followed you will be able to unplug the bridge and test the simple setup without the need to reset your system
5. To go back to standard setup, simply plug the bridge back in.
In addition to announcing the major software update, Sonos also unveiled what it is calling the Sonos Boost. Essentially, this is a wireless alternative to the Sonos Bridge, which aims to help create the ideal Wi-Fi environment to get the best out of your system. The Boost is set to go on sale in October.
You can find out more details on the Sonos 5.1 update and whether your speakers are compatible by heading over to the Sonos page.
MORE: Best Wireless Speakers
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
