Today, Sonos announced a key software update that many users have been waiting for: no longer is the Bridge accessory required for a wireless Sonos system. With software update 5.1, Sonos can now run on an existing wireless network taking the previously required Bridge or hardwired connection out of the equation. After unpacking a Sonos speaker, joining to your wireless network is handled via the iOS or Android app. While this certainly simplifies the setup of a Sonos system, the company still warns that a hardwired connection is the best bet for a reliable signal amongst your speakers. The wireless Bridge is still available for those that are interested in that option.
Rakuten via Altatac offers the Sonos PLAY:1 in black or white for $169.99 shipped. That’s $30 off the regular price. This price beats Amazon by $30, where over 1,800 users rate this product 4.5/5 stars and it is the best seller amongst bookshelf speakers.
The Sonos PLAY:1 features two class D tuned amplifiers, one 3.5″ mid-woofer and a tweeter. The humidity-resistant design allows for the speaker to be placed in a bathroom or outside on humid days. With access to a variety of music sources, such as Spotify, Pandora and Beats Music, the Play:1 is a solid option for building a whole home wireless music system. The PLAY:1 is currently their smallest speaker offering, and works well as rear speakers in addition to the Playbar also available from Sonos.
We favorably reviewed the Sonos PLAY:1 when it was released last year.
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