Back in December 2016 Sonos released software version 7.0. The update let Sonos play Spotify natively—but it also broke the unofficial Control4 driver that powered full in-panel browsing. Overnight, beautiful touch-screens in living rooms from Montauk to Manhattan could do little more than play/pause.

Control4 hurried to publish an authorized Sonos driver in early 2017. It restored basic transport control, grouping, and volume, yet the crown jewel—true search across every streaming service—remained stubbornly absent. Dealers pleaded, clients grumbled, and many of you kept the Sonos app tucked away on your phones for the next seven years.

A promise made at CEDIA 2024

At last year’s CEDIA Expo, Sonos introduced a brand-new Search API and named Control4 as a launch partner. The announcement sparked buzz because it meant the missing feature had a roadmap and, more importantly, an official support path.

Today: the driver arrives

Fast-forward to July 2025: the certified Works with Sonos Search driver is live in Control4’s catalog. Once installed, your touch-screen or mobile app regains the familiar search bar, letting you hunt for artists, albums, and playlists across Spotify, Apple Music, TIDAL, Amazon Music, and more—no app-switching required.

“We’re thrilled to have full Sonos search back inside Control4,” says Brian Blasesi, our NYC Project Manager.
“Our clients expect instant access to their libraries, and this update makes their systems feel complete again.”

What happens next

Remote updates when possible – Many systems can be upgraded in a 30-minute remote session.
Site visits when needed – Older processors, custom button bindings, or network quirks may require an on-site appointment. We’ll coordinate a convenient window and keep disruption minimal.
New to Sonos? – All fresh Control4 installations now ship with search out of the box, so you’ll enjoy the full experience from day one.

Why it matters to you

One-tap listening – Find the perfect dinner-party playlist without reaching for another device.
Smarter scenes – Link music searches to lighting or shade presets for instant ambience.
Future-proof reliability – Because the driver is Sonos-certified, sudden breakages are far less likely than in the “dark age” of 2016-2023.

Ready to upgrade?

If you’re an existing Home Technology Experts client, watch for an email from your project manager outlining the best path for your system. You can also reach us directly at support@hteny.com. We’ll ensure your Control4 touch-screens sing again—whether it’s a quick remote tweak or a scheduled site visit.

From emergency phone calls in 2016 to seamless search in 2025, thank you for taking this journey with us. Now cue up your favorite track and enjoy the music—right where it belongs.