Sonos 5.4 update now live with Play:1 sound quality improvements

Released in beta on Android back in May, it's now available for all - so look out for a prompt for the update on your controller.

The Sonos 5.2 update brought upgrades to the Playbar sound quality, while the 5.3 update redesigned the Sonos app, and now the new 5.4 update promises a "tune-up" for the Play:1 and a fully wireless Sonos home cinema experience.

Originally available in beta on Android and desktop controllers, Sonos 5.4 promises vocals will sound more natural at loud volume on the Play:1, while the bass has been optimised to improve the audio quality when partnered with the Sonos Sub.

MORE: Sonos Play:1 review

Sonos has been gradually removing the need for any ethernet connetion and now home cinema systems (any Sonos surround sound system), which still required an ethernet connection to your router somewhere, no longer require this wired connection.

Sonos says there's no need to make an adjustment if you already have a Sonos home cinema setup but you will no longer strictly need to connect an ethernet cable to a Bridge, Boost or directly to the Playbar.

There are also tweaks to the way streaming music services can work, with a new look TuneIn app promised and an improved shuffle feature across the Sonos app. Sadly, however, the update does not fix the problem with streaming BBC internet radio stations.

"Beginning earlier this year, you may have experienced decreased quality and gaps in live programming while listening to your favourite BBC radio streams," says Sonos. "We apologise that this update does not fix these problems. Please know that we are working hard on a solution in partnership with TuneIn and the BBC to be released later this year."

You can read more about Sonos 5.4 on the Sonos blog.

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Joe Cox
Content Director

Joe is Content Director for T3 and What Hi-Fi?, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for more than 15 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff, and the Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).