Bose Chooses Open-Source for Legacy Smart Speakers Instead of Disabling Them

Bose's SoundTouch speakers, once expected to lose updates soon, now have extended support until 2026, offering new opportunities for tech enthusiasts.

Bose's Refreshing Approach

In a move that diverges from typical industry practices, Bose has declared it will release the API documentation for its SoundTouch speakers. Initially, these devices were destined to lose their official backing by mid-February. But now, users have until May 6, 2026, to enjoy official functionality, as detailed by Ars Technica.

Preparing for a Cloudless Future

When the phase-out of cloud support occurs, an update to the SoundTouch app will be available. This update will introduce local management features, ensuring that the core functionalities remain operational without the need for cloud interactions.

Even without cloud services, users can still stream tunes to their SoundTouch systems through technologies like Bluetooth, AirPlay, and Spotify Connect. Traditional AUX connections will also continue to be an option. Control over speaker setups and remote functionalities will still be feasible, maintaining user convenience.

User Empowerment Through Open Source

By open-sourcing the speaker's API, Bose is empowering users to craft their own solutions and tools. Even though losing support can be unsatisfying, this action ensures that these speakers remain operational, avoiding the abrupt end more typical in tech products when support is withdrawn.

Uncommon Yet Commendable

Bose's decision stands out because it is quite rare. It’s more common for products to become obsolete when cloud services are unsupported, which sometimes forces users to find their solutions. A notable example is Pebble smartwatches, where the community stepped up after official service closure with projects that sustained and even enhanced their use.