What is missing often is clarity on these issues. It does not mean older boxes are obsolete though and I think it would be reasonable to expect updates where they are needed to continue an existing service on products that aren't really that old. I also accept that the older hardware will not be capable of running new features, that's inevitable.

But it is true that Sonos have said that legacy products will not be supported any more except for bug fixes and security patches and that they will receive no new features. If for example Spotify or Tidal change something in their streaming systems that means S1 needs an update to reinstate them (this happened when the BBC switched to HLS streams) would that be a bug fix or a new feature? Would it be fixed or not? May I point out that your rant about the awful things Sonos might do is completely speculative and that there is no evidence or reason to believe that they have any intention of behaving as you suggest. Rant over, sorry, but why do I feel pessimistic about this? If Sonos withhold the ability for these players to stream spotify at 16/44 as a lever try to force existing customers to upgrade to new products it would show considerable contempt and disregard for the loyalty their large historic customer base. I do feel let down and stranded as a customer when I am constantly worrying if my expensive system that took years to save up for will be the victim of ruthless planned obsolescence by denial of a software tweak required to keep it functional. Please confirm that streaming Spotify HIFI will be possible with S1. When Spotify goes cd quality later this year will the S1 System and legacy players (of which I have many) be able to stream it? I hope so as streaming cd quality Spotify would obviously not be beyond the capabilities of legacy connects and amps which already stream 16/44 Tidal and Qobuz.

Spotify hifi quality