The Sonos wireless multiroom system now has a new full-colour touch-screen controller, the CR200. The new device sports a 3.5in, full-colour VGA display (640×480 pixels) with a capacitive touch-screen and on-screen keyboard (the previous controller relied on a scroll wheel and buttons). The overall effect is more like a modern mobile phone than a remote control, possibly inspired by Sonos’s control app for Apple’s iPhone.
Its graphic interface can show what music is playing in each room, as well as artist information, cover art and additional info via the new Info View function, which uses an internet connection and Last.fm to show details such as artist biogs concert listings and examples of similar artists. You can use it to search songs on Napster and customised radio stations from Last.fm and Deezer, plus 25,000 internet radio stations as well as your own music library on your computer.
Styled in aluminium with a soft, durable rubber backing, the CR200 also comes with its own charging cradle.
The CR200 is available now for £279, or as part of the new Sonos BU250 bundle (£799), which includes a Sonos ZonePlayer 90 (which connects to your PC) and ZonePlayer 120 (which includes an amp, and connects to speakers in another room).