Sonos gets software update, direct Napster access

Turns wireless music system into a "giant jukebox"

24 October 2007 12:40 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

As well as officially launching the ZoneBridge extender device, Sonos has released Sonos System 2.5, a software update.

Sonos 2.5 claims to let Sonos owners in the UK and Germany connect directly to millions of songs and thousands of radio stations without ever installing an application or turning on a computer.

How? For the first time, music fans in the UK and Germany can now connect directly to Napster and access its library of more than five million songs all from the palm of their hand via the wireless Sonos Controller.

The computer-free, direct-to-service approach of Sonos 2.5 allows users to find and play the music they want the moment they pick up the Controller.

With Napster on Sonos, music lovers can enjoy music from Napster's catalogue, plus access to its music discovery tools such as Napster charts, pre-programmed playlists, staff picks, music sorted by genre, and advert-free radio stations.

In addition, Napster's automix discovery feature finds and plays tracks like the one you're listening to. With a single click, automix queues up hours of related music, streaming a customised playlist based on the Napster community's music preferences.

Each Sonos customer in the UK and Germany will receive a free 30-day Napster Trial with no signup or credit card required. Following the 30-day trial, Sonos customers can access Napster for £9.95 per month.

Other features via the software update include music search, better zone management, more ways to queue up music, improved compatibility with Windows Home Server as well as enhanced support for Apple's Airport Extreme.