Sonos recently rolled out an important update to its Controller app, making the lives of iPhone and iPad users much easier and more pleasant.
As the Sonos speakers are streaming music from services such as Apple Music, iPads and iPhones are in charge of controlling the playlist. This means that Sonos doesn't ever need playback controls on its lock screen, but users have recurrently asked for their implementation.
With today's update, users who are sporting iOS 8 or newer got their wish.
Sonos Controller 6.3 for iOS brings a premiere in the form of lock screen controls, giving users control from their iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. What is more, the updated version of the app comes with some neat extra features, as well.
Previously, you had to unlock the phone and open the app in order to make any changes to the playback. With the Sonos Controller 6.3 for iOS, you may modify the volume, resume or pause a track, as well as peruse the playlist forward and backward with opening the app. All the changes happen from the lock screen, maintaining the phone locked.
Not only can users now use the playback controls on the lock screen, but 3D Touch shortcuts can also be accessed via the Home screen. This applies to the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus models that feature the 3D Touch tech. Gently tapping the screen while the app is running will prompt Play, Favorites, and Search controls to appear, while using Force Touch will let the user navigate through the app.
Should you be an iPad owner, you should know that the app also comes with Split View and Slide Over capability. The iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, or iPad mini 4 feature Split View, while the iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad Air 2, and iPad mini 2 (and its later versions) feature Slide Over support.
Some enhancements are visible in Sonos' Trueplay, making room for an easier way to tune in the device.
Previously, users had to wave their phones in order to finely tune their Sonos speakers, but the update will make that a thing of the past. That is, if you haven't relocated your speaker after the previous tuning.
A special mention about the update goes to the fact that it now allows higher bitrates for playing tracks from Rhapsody and Napster.
As with most updates, Sonos Controller 6.3 takes care of a number of bugs.
You can download the app at the official iTunes page.
