Bose is taking an unexpected, customer-friendly turn with its older SoundTouch smart speakers. Instead of bricking them after ending cloud support, the company is open-sourcing the software. This move gives owners and independent developers the chance to keep these devices alive with custom features and tools.
From Smart to Open: A Second Life for SoundTouch
The planned end of cloud support for the SoundTouch line initially sparked concerns. Without updates, these speakers faced becoming expensive paperweights. But Bose listened to customer feedback, especially the outcry on platforms like Reddit, and found a creative solution. "Good on Bose for listening to their customers on this," notes Engadget.
Bose is now distributing API documentation to SoundTouch owners. This allows them and third-party developers to build their own SoundTouch-compatible tools. Bose is also extending the end-of-life (EoL) date for the SoundTouch speakers, which had been set for February, to May 6th.
What This Means for SoundTouch Owners
The good news doesn't stop there. Even after the EoL date, SoundTouch speakers will still support AirPlay and Spotify Connect. This was initially uncertain, adding to customer worries. Bose also clarified that a simplified version of the SoundTouch app will continue to function.
This decision is particularly welcome news considering the original price point of these speakers. Introduced in 2013, the SoundTouch line started at $600. No one wants to see such a significant investment rendered useless after a few years. Bose's move shows a commitment to its customers and the longevity of its products.
This is a smart move by Bose. Turning to the open-source community can breathe new life into older hardware and create a more robust ecosystem than Bose could have on its own. It will be exciting to see what developers create with this new access.