Bose is open-sourcing its old smart speakers instead of bricking them

"When cloud support ends, an update to the SoundTouch app will add local controls to retain as much functionality as possible without cloud services. Users will still be able to stream music to SoundTouch speakers with Bluetooth, AirPlay, and Spotify Connect (plus physical AUX connections). Remote control features and grouping speakers will also continue to work, and users will still be able to set up and configure their SoundTouch speakers."

"Now that the smart speakers' API is being open-sourced, users can also create their own compatible SoundTouch tools to help fill in any gaps left by the lack of cloud services. While it's still disappointing that the speakers are losing official support, Bose's approach at least lets people continue using their speakers, rather than bricking otherwise functional devices. This move from Bose is particularly surprising because of how rare it is."

Bose open-sourced the API documentation for SoundTouch smart speakers and postponed the cloud support end date to May 6, 2026. An upcoming SoundTouch app update will add local controls to preserve functionality after cloud services end. Users will retain streaming via Bluetooth, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and physical AUX, plus remote control, speaker grouping, setup, and configuration capabilities. The open-sourced API allows users to build compatible tools to fill gaps left by the discontinued cloud services and helps prevent otherwise functional devices from being bricked. The approach is uncommon and echoes community recoveries like the Rebble Alliance for Pebble watches.

Read at The Verge