Sonos today announced the release of the newest version of their software, which includes access to Napster and the Best Buy Digital Music Store; also announced, the release of new range-extending hardware
Napster and Sonos, Inc., today announced the release of new software which lets Sonos Digital Music System customers instantly access Napster’s music discovery tools and play its catalog of over 5 million tracks without a PC as well as access to the Best Buy Digital Music Store.
The new software, Sonos System Software 2.5, provides access to Napster’s catalog, music discovery tools, including Billboard Charts, pre-programmed playlists, staff picks, new releases, music sorted by genre, and commercial-free radio stations. In addition, Napster’s automix discovery feature recommends music based what the user listens to, streaming a custom playlist based on the Napster community’s music preferences. The computer-free, direct-to-service approach lets users browse, search and play music from the using the wireless Sonos Controller, eliminating the need for a PC.
Best Buy, whose digital music store is now available on the Sonos, will be demonstrating the Sonos direct-to-service approach at various U.S. locations, featuring a multi-zone Sonos display. Both these services combine with the Rhapsody Online Music Service, as well as users’ own music libraries to create a search tool with access to millions of songs.
Every existing or new Sonos customers with broadband connections in the U.S., Canada, Germany and the U.K. will get a free 30-day trial of the Napster music service after they upgrade their hardware to Sonos Software 2.5, with no signup or credit card required. Following the 30-day free trial, Sonos customers can subscribe to Napster for $9.95 per month.
Sonos also introduced today the Sonos ZoneBridge (BR100), which helps extend a wireless Sonos Digital Music System. The ZoneBridge connects to the user’s router, and with the click of a button, activates SonosNet, Sonos’ wireless mesh network. SonosNet distributes music wirelessly multiple ZonePlayers anywhere in the home. The ZoneBridge’s also comes with a second Ethernet jack, bringing Internet connectivity to your set-top box, PVR, PC, or other device.
ZoneBridge is available for $99 at all Sonos authorized retailers and at www.sonos.com.
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