Google Assistant Finally Arrives on Sonos

While the wait was longer than expected, Sonos has announced today that Google Assistant is now available for Sonos One and Beam. The update is rolling out to customers in the US with wider availability later this year.

With this release, Sonos is increasing the value of its players by allowing you to switch between Alexa and Google Assistant. The update to enable this functionality is free but Sonos speakers are typically more expensive than other devices in the same category; that being said, for those that have the speakers (myself included), they are typically well received.

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The value of Sonos is the simplicity of the hardware. Plug the speakers in, add them to your account, and it can create a whole-home audio setup without the need to run speaker wire through the walls. If you are only planning on buying one speaker for your home, Sonos likely isn’t the right option for you.

To add Google Assistant to your Sonos speakers:

  1. Go to “Voice Services” in the Sonos app under Settings
  2. Select Google Assistant
  3. Follow the guided setup process

Aside from having a speaker that can switch between Alexa and Google Assistant, there isn’t anything too special here. Google Assistant has many of the same features you find on other devices, like Google’s own speakers, but for those who don’t want to use Amazon’s assistant, this is a welcomed update.

Once my devices receive the update, I’ll report back if there are any issues. Based on the announcements and what I have experienced with the beta, this is a simple process that brings the Google Assistant to the Beam and One but don’t expect it to change your life in any meaningful way.

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Conversation 8 comments

  • m_p_w_84

    14 May, 2019 - 10:54 am

    <p>I would like to know if this update allows you to control a Sonos system (without necessarily having a One or Beam) from a Google Home device like you currently can with an Echo device. </p>

    • Vladimir Carli

      Premium Member
      15 May, 2019 - 10:09 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#428068">In reply to m_p_w_84:</a></em></blockquote><p><br></p><p>I have exactly the same question. Looked it up on the internet but could not find information about it. Does anyone know?</p>

    • wosully

      Premium Member
      15 May, 2019 - 11:21 am

      <blockquote><em><a href="#428068">In reply to m_p_w_84:</a></em></blockquote><p>I don't have a one or Beam and I was able to use my Google home to play music in different rooms in my house last night. Worked great after the update.</p>

      • Vladimir Carli

        Premium Member
        15 May, 2019 - 4:02 pm

        <blockquote><em><a href="#428327">In reply to wosully:</a></em></blockquote><p><br></p><p>Thanks. This is great. Finally time to invest on a few additional speakers, after holding off on Sonos for years…</p>

  • igor engelen

    14 May, 2019 - 3:55 pm

    <p>I honestly don't care about the assistants but I do like how you can easily add hardware to improve your setup. Sound quality is very good.</p>

  • Vladimir Carli

    Premium Member
    15 May, 2019 - 10:12 am

    <p>I don’t think many people will upgrade their sonos to get the assistant, it really makes no sense. The big question is, with a google home mini (or equivalent) on your network, will you be able to send voice commands to play music on (any) sonos speakers? Right now the only way to do this is with a Chromecast audio connected to a sonos play:5. This functionality would add a lot to the sonos echosystem</p>

  • wosully

    Premium Member
    15 May, 2019 - 11:19 am

    <p>Tried it, and working well. I sent voice commands to the speakers last night for music and think it's about time. I am a fan of Sonos and appreciate being able to stream now by using voice commands to different rooms in my house. </p>

  • ozaz

    15 May, 2019 - 4:34 pm

    <p>Does it happen to bring with it Google Cast capability to Sonos speakers?</p>

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