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Google Play Music Android app gets Sonos integration

Google has added Sonos integration to its Play Music Android app, letting users stream tracks to their Sonos gear from within the Play Music interface

Google has updated its Play Music Android app to support Sonos wireless music systems, expanding the company’s wireless music streaming from Bluetooth and Chromecast for the first time.

With this new feature, Sonos users have no need to open the dedicated Sonos controller app to stream tracks saved to their smartphone, or from Google’s cloud storage – either as their own uploaded tracks or using the All Access subscription. This is the first time Sonos has allowed a third party to bypass the Sonos Controller app, as in the past services have been integrated into the Controller.

Google Play Music Sonos

You’ll need to connect your Android smartphone or tablet to the same Wi-Fi network as your Sonos equipment, and you’ll also have to install the Sonos Controller app even if you won’t be using it, but from then on the cast icon in the top right corner will let you choose between all of your networked speakers. Google Play Music is now integrated into the Controller app, should you prefer to use that instead.

Sonos explained the move in a blog post, saying “As we continue to invest in the way you experience and control your music at home, curating and managing an array of services across multiple rooms, the benefits of playing your music to Sonos directly from these very services is clear. We’ve created a music experience that shows how media, devices, and sound can seamlessly work together in the home.”

The update will work with any networked Sonos speakers, including the compact Play:1, mid-range Play:3, top-end Play:5 or home cinema-oriented Play:bar. Expect to see it rolling out to Android users over the next few days.

Unfortunately the app is tied to Android for the time being, with no word on whether iOS users can expect a similar service any time soon.

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