Two weeks after Bowers & Wilkins launched their new Air Play Zeppelin, Sonos has released new, backward compatible, software that delivers Apple’s Air Play technology for Sonos devices.The Sonos 3.4 software update is a free download that adds the AirPlay features as well as support for iPad and iPhone multitasking. Users no longer have to rely on Sonos software and the indexing of content for wireless access.

AirPlay, which we first saw in the B&W Zeppelin, allows users to stream music from their iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch to AirPlay-enabled speakers however users do need to own An Apple AirPort Express device.

Craig Wisneski, a senior product manager for Sonos told Tech Radar in the UK, that the company was focusing on products that last. He said that some manufacturers, engineer products to last only a certain amount of time, thus securing the upgrade cycle.

“To offer AirPlay, most manufacturers require a chip from Apple so you have to buy a whole new speaker set; but we’re making AirPlay compatibility available for free through this firmware update,”  a senior Sonos executive said.

“That means even if you bought a Sonos system back in 2005, you can still use AirPlay. We think that’s pretty cool.” They added.

Wisneski said: “We’re also providing the only true multi-room experience with ‘AirPlay Party mode. You can send a song from your iPad or iPhone to multiple rooms in your house, so it plays simultaneously in each.”

The AirPlay compatibility also allows you to play music tracks from within apps on your Sonos speakers with just a simple on-screen output switch.

“Software updates are good and bad for us – they’re good because it means we can do more with the platform, and ultimately they’re going to result in a better experience for Sonos customers,” Wisneski added.