Sonos app redesign (2024): did it need fixing?

2024

Sonos

Before: A Sonos app that worked, alarms and sleep timers included.
The fix: Shipped a rebuilt app in May 2024 without alarms, sleep timers, queue editing and some accessibility features.
Then: Some older systems became nearly unusable. Sonos said the fix would cost $20 million to $30 million, and CEO Patrick Spence stepped down in January 2025.

Half took it back

The old app never came back. The missing features trickled back over months.

Your call

More fixes nobody asked for

2016

HP

Before: HP OfficeJet printers that took cheaper third-party ink cartridges without complaint.
The fix: A firmware update, set to switch on September 13, 2016, made printers reject cartridges without HP chips.
Then: Printers started calling perfectly good cartridges damaged. HP admitted no fault, but paid $1.5 million to settle a US class action and up to $1.35 million to settle in Europe.

Kept it.

HP printers were still blocking non-HP chips in 2023.

Your call

2017

Stanley Black & Decker

Before: Craftsman hand tools, swapped at any Sears if they ever failed to give 'complete satisfaction.'
The fix: Stanley Black & Decker bought the brand from Sears for about $900 million and moved it into Lowe's and other stores.
Then: The lifetime warranty survived, no receipt needed, but now covers tools that 'fail to perform.' With most Sears stores closed, a swap depends on which retailer stocks the tool, and counters vary.

Half took it back

Still lifetime. Getting it honored depends on the store.

Your call

2014

Keurig Green Mountain

Before: Keurig brewers that took any pod that fit, store brands included, plus a refillable My K-Cup filter.
The fix: Keurig 2.0 read a code on each lid and refused pods without it. The refillable My K-Cup was discontinued.
Then: Brewer and accessory sales fell 23% from a year earlier. In May 2015 CEO Brian Kelley told analysts, 'Quite honestly, we were wrong,' and the stock dropped 10%.

Half took it back

My K-Cup came back for 2.0 brewers. The lid reader stayed.

Your call