4 ms·

This seems plausible as the group-volume feature isn't unique to Sonos (and predates them), however their specific means of implementing it likely is unique and

• tssva 5y ago
  The patent in question is not about the specific manner in which Sonos implements group-volume. It in fact doesn't even state how Sonos implements it. It is purely about the concept of centrally controlling the volume of local area network connected distributed speakers using a centralized control unit.
  • PeterisP 5y ago
    Then it should be unpatentable - you should be able to patent a novel technical solution that's necessary for a desirable feature, but not the concept of a feature; patents are for "how to achieve X" not for the outcome.
    • tssva 5y ago
      You aren't supposed to be able to patent an idea or concept but that is what software patents all too often do which is one of the reasons they are so awful. For instance this patent covers having a controller which presents a UI to raise, lower and mute/unmute the volume of a group of network attached speakers. When the user selects to do one of those things the controller communicates over the network to the group of speakers to raise, lower or mute/unmute their volume. The specific technology which implements this ability, i.e. how the controller communicates with the speakers, is not part of the patent. It is purely on having a controller which does the above however it may achieve it. Edit: Thought I would point out that when Sonos first filed their claims they made a big noise about Google using the same protocol as they to do to control their speakers. This protocol isn't covered by the patents in question. The reason is that the protocols in question are UPnP standard protocols.