Bose's Shift from Cloud to Community: The End of a Cloud-Dependent Era
In a significant move, Bose has announced that it will be abandoning its cloud-based software support for the SoundTouch line of home speakers, effectively turning them into "dumb" devices. With this decision, users can breathe a sigh of relief as they will no longer have to worry about losing access to various features and updates.
However, instead of letting the technology fade away, Bose is embracing an open source model, empowering third-party developers to create their own tools and features that are compatible with the SoundTouch speakers. The company has already begun distributing API documentation to its customers, paving the way for a community-driven approach to innovation.
This shift comes after initially planning to discontinue cloud support in February, but Bose has now extended the deadline to May 6. Moreover, the company is introducing several other changes aimed at making life easier for SoundTouch owners. For instance, AirPlay and Spotify Connect functionality will still be available even after EoL, ensuring that users can continue to enjoy seamless music streaming experiences.
The news comes as no surprise, given the backlash from customers who expressed their discontent with the planned deprecation of the app. Bose has listened to its customers' concerns and made a conscious effort to retain certain features and functionality, demonstrating its commitment to customer satisfaction.
The SoundTouch speakers were first introduced in 2013, carrying a hefty price tag starting at $600. The uncertainty surrounding cloud support led many to question the long-term viability of these devices. However, Bose's decision to open source the software brings new hope for users who value community-driven innovation and collaboration.
In a significant move, Bose has announced that it will be abandoning its cloud-based software support for the SoundTouch line of home speakers, effectively turning them into "dumb" devices. With this decision, users can breathe a sigh of relief as they will no longer have to worry about losing access to various features and updates.
However, instead of letting the technology fade away, Bose is embracing an open source model, empowering third-party developers to create their own tools and features that are compatible with the SoundTouch speakers. The company has already begun distributing API documentation to its customers, paving the way for a community-driven approach to innovation.
This shift comes after initially planning to discontinue cloud support in February, but Bose has now extended the deadline to May 6. Moreover, the company is introducing several other changes aimed at making life easier for SoundTouch owners. For instance, AirPlay and Spotify Connect functionality will still be available even after EoL, ensuring that users can continue to enjoy seamless music streaming experiences.
The news comes as no surprise, given the backlash from customers who expressed their discontent with the planned deprecation of the app. Bose has listened to its customers' concerns and made a conscious effort to retain certain features and functionality, demonstrating its commitment to customer satisfaction.
The SoundTouch speakers were first introduced in 2013, carrying a hefty price tag starting at $600. The uncertainty surrounding cloud support led many to question the long-term viability of these devices. However, Bose's decision to open source the software brings new hope for users who value community-driven innovation and collaboration.