Bose Open-Sources SoundTouch Before Shutdown: What It Means for Users
Bose recently announced a surprising move in response to the impending end-of-life (EoL) for its SoundTouch line of Wi-Fi speakers and soundbars. While the original announcement in October sparked frustration among loyal customers, the company has now released the Application Programming Interface (API) documentation for SoundTouch, offering a glimmer of hope and extending the lifespan of these devices. This decision comes as Bose prepares to transition its focus to newer audio technologies, leaving many to wonder what the open-sourcing of SoundTouch truly means for existing users and the broader smart home landscape. This article dives deep into the details, exploring the implications of this move, the challenges faced by SoundTouch owners, and the growing trend of companies abandoning support for their smart devices.
The SoundTouch Shutdown: A Recap
In October, Bose informed SoundTouch owners that their speakers would effectively become “dumb” speakers on February 18th. This meant losing access to key features like cloud connectivity, music service integration (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.), multi-room audio capabilities, and the SoundTouch app itself. Users would be limited to connecting devices via AUX, HDMI, or Bluetooth – the latter of which introduces higher latency compared to Wi-Fi. The SoundTouch speakers, originally released between 2013 and 2015 with price tags ranging from $399 to $1,500, were facing a premature end despite remaining fully functional.
This announcement ignited a debate about the increasing practice of companies “bricking” expensive products, forcing consumers to upgrade even when their existing devices are still perfectly capable. The frustration stemmed from the significant investment many users had made in building out multi-room SoundTouch systems, only to have core functionality stripped away.
A Silver Lining: Expanded Wireless Capabilities
Fortunately, Bose has offered some reprieve. In a recent communication to customers, the company announced that AirPlay and Spotify Connect will continue to function with SoundTouch speakers after the EoL date. This significantly expands the wireless options available to users, allowing them to stream audio from compatible devices without relying on the SoundTouch app. Furthermore, SoundTouch devices supporting AirPlay 2 can still participate in whole-home audio setups.
The SoundTouch app itself isn’t being completely abandoned. Bose plans to release an updated version on May 6, 2026, that will support core functionality operating locally without cloud dependency. This update will be applied automatically when the app is opened, requiring no action from users.
Workarounds for Presets
Recognizing the loss of preset functionality within the SoundTouch app, Bose has provided instructions for a workaround. Users can now leverage the favorites options within their preferred music service apps to recreate their custom playlists and radio stations. While not a perfect solution, it offers a degree of continuity for those who heavily relied on presets.
The Power of Open-Source: A Community-Driven Future
The most significant development is Bose’s decision to open-source the SoundTouch API. This means making the underlying code and documentation publicly available, allowing independent developers to create their own tools and features for SoundTouch speakers. This move is a direct response to the growing calls for companies to empower users and prevent perfectly good hardware from becoming e-waste.
In recent years, GearTech has reported on numerous instances of smart device manufacturers abandoning their products, leaving users with limited options. The demand for open-sourcing APIs and firmware has become increasingly common, as it allows the community to extend the life of devices, add new functionality, and avoid unnecessary obsolescence.
Companies have historically been hesitant to open-source their technology, citing concerns about potential security vulnerabilities and the risk of association with controversial hacks. However, Bose appears to be prioritizing user empowerment and mitigating the negative impact of its shutdown decision.
Why Open-Sourcing Matters: A Broader Trend
The SoundTouch situation highlights a critical issue in the smart home industry: the lack of long-term support for connected devices. While companies are eager to sell new products, they often fail to provide adequate software updates and maintenance for older models. This leads to frustration, e-waste, and a growing distrust of smart home technology.
Here's why open-sourcing is becoming a more attractive solution:
- Extends Product Lifespan: Allows users to continue using their devices even after the manufacturer stops providing support.
- Fosters Innovation: Enables independent developers to create new features and integrations.
- Reduces E-Waste: Prevents functional hardware from ending up in landfills.
- Empowers Users: Gives users more control over their devices and data.
However, open-sourcing isn’t a perfect solution. It requires a dedicated community of developers to maintain and improve the code, and there’s always a risk of security vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, it’s a significant step towards a more sustainable and user-centric smart home ecosystem.
Bose’s Decision: A Step in the Right Direction, But Not a Complete Fix
While the open-sourcing of the SoundTouch API and the continued support for AirPlay and Spotify Connect are commendable, they don’t fully address the concerns of all SoundTouch owners. The loss of core app functionality and multi-room audio capabilities will still be a significant inconvenience for many. Ideally, Bose would continue to support its products for as long as they remain functional.
The reality is that maintaining long-term support for older devices can be costly and resource-intensive. Companies like Bose are driven by the need to generate revenue and focus on new products. However, the steps Bose is taking with SoundTouch should serve as a model for other manufacturers facing similar situations.
The Future of Smart Device Support
The SoundTouch saga underscores the need for a fundamental shift in how smart device manufacturers approach product support. Companies need to prioritize long-term sustainability and user empowerment, rather than simply focusing on driving sales of new devices. This could involve:
- Extending Software Support: Providing regular security updates and bug fixes for a longer period.
- Open-Sourcing APIs and Firmware: Empowering the community to maintain and improve devices.
- Modular Design: Creating devices with replaceable components to extend their lifespan.
- Right to Repair: Supporting legislation that gives consumers the right to repair their own devices.
Ultimately, the future of the smart home depends on building a more sustainable and user-friendly ecosystem. Bose’s decision to open-source SoundTouch is a positive step in that direction, but it’s just the beginning. As consumers become more aware of the issues surrounding product obsolescence, they will demand more from the companies they trust with their smart home investments. The pressure is on for manufacturers to prioritize long-term support and empower users to get the most out of their technology. The $84 billion smart home market (estimated for 2024 by Statista) demands responsible practices.