Sony has announced that it will discontinue streaming functionality on a large number of products—71 models in total.
The days when consumers could buy an audio or video component and expect decades of uninterrupted use are largely behind us. Streaming services and network connectivity have fundamentally changed the landscape, aided in no small part by the commercial realities of the consumer electronics industry.
From a technical standpoint, a device capable of streaming Spotify or TIDAL today will often still be perfectly capable of doing so ten years from now. The problem is that streaming services rely on licences, agreements and software support that eventually expire. In many cases, manufacturers prefer customers to upgrade to newer products rather than continue funding licence renewals and software maintenance for older models.
This time, it is Sony that is pulling the plug. The company will remove online functionality from 71 products worldwide, including AV receivers, soundbars, wireless speakers and Blu-ray players.
Models from 2010–2016 Affected
The affected devices were manufactured between 2010 and 2016. Beginning on 18 November this year, the functionality of these products will be significantly reduced.
Services such as Spotify, Netflix, Google Cast and other network-based features will be removed. Owners do not need to take any action—the changes will be implemented automatically.
Once the update takes effect, the affected devices will be limited to local playback sources. Users will still be able to connect equipment via traditional analogue inputs or, in many cases, Bluetooth.
Alternatives
If your system is otherwise functioning perfectly and you have no desire to replace it, there are several alternatives available.
One option is an Apple TV 4K set-top box, which provides access to virtually all major video and music streaming services. As an added bonus, owners of an iPhone or iPad can also use many of their existing apps on the Apple TV platform.
Perhaps best of all, the device remains surprisingly affordable compared with replacing an entire audio or home cinema system.