Thanks again for your feedback. I still cant fully agree for the following:
1. Im not saying Bose is better than the others, its up to the companies to decide their rollout strategy. Maybe Bose with AirPlay 2 in its current form, doesnt want to comit given that Apple has already delayed the HomePod and the featureset isnt up to what Bose want to implimnet (again I fully agree that if this kinda thing is the case, Bose should say so!)
2. I think you are comparing things like Apps with Services offered nativley by the OS. For example, when Siri was announced on the iPhone, Apple didnt retrospectivley add it to the previous generation. There is no technical reason Apple couldnt of done this, as Siri is mearly software. Fact is Siri is a feature, and decided not to impliment the Feature. Bose features are baked into the product, much like Siri. Its not a 3rd party App. In comparison, Bose has a API which app developers can use to create their own Apps and doesnt require anything further in the OS, similar to iPad apps not being version specific as you mention. This is 3rd party development Not Apple so not comparable.
and in regards to the AirPlay support, it has been dropped from the newer models of the ST range, so that would imply there was a reason (cost or Technical were not sure) but they dropped fro mthe newer product ranges. Bose do still support the older products where AirPlay was listed as a feature, as it was a advertised feature for that range.
When you buy into a ecosystem (i.e. SoundTouch) you should make a informed decision based on the current featureset. Thats not to say that I dont agree more sohuld be added, however i dont see the logic of getting irate because a specific feature isnt implimented when it wasnt the feature in the first place. I would agree that if AirPlay is in a product, it sohuld be upgraded to AirPlay 2. I know Airplay is just a software API, however there will be a overhead of the API and processing of the sound signal, that is what im refering to as to the hardware. Lets say Apple's API and encoding to Apple Sound Format requires alot of CPU, and the ST 10 cannot suport this- without alot of dev it would be impossible and irresponsible to start suggesting updates. It might be Bose being over-caucious than Sonos, but thats a company decision. Just because one has, doesnt mean they all work in the same way.
You also have to take the measured approach of does the AirPlay 2 features actually make senese? what does it do over and above the SoundTouch function? At the moment I can use spoitfy connect to play directly on a speaker then sue the ST app to sync speakers. OK, i agree that it would be good to be able to do this from your phone in one click, but is it really that lacking? Development on adding AirPlay 2 could slow down the SoundTouch development for non-apple users and basically duplicating functionality that Bose neeed to constantly update (when apple release new updates). This could be worse for users who are happy with the way it currently runs and slow down the addition of more services and updates).
Again - I would like to maintain that I am not saying I dont expect updates and enhancements, but this is a very specific 3rd party feature rather than a steaming service to be added to the ST firmware. Bose could do better at updates and keeping us updated
If Apple are not launching wiht multi-room or Stereo, it would suggest they are having problems coding this - so might require more overhead to process the stereo or mulit-speaker features - as the HomePod is already delayed.
I am just trying to give a level argument and maybe another view of why we are where we are. Again, I totally agree the lack of udpates from Bose, and they are not communicating with customers, however customers can do one of two things, 1. Make the best of it and use the products/features that are currently avalible or 2. decide that Bose Development is not to your liking and move elsewhere. I beleive it lessns your point when using bad language - if you make a well reasoned argument then you will be taken more seriously than f'ing and blinding over things. Chances are Bose are going to disregard the comments.
I just want to finish by saying, that when AirPlay 2 was announced, I did post to support this feature, however I do beleive let Apple Launch, sort out the bugs and fix all features before releasing a half-baked featureset. It will only cause more problems and more irate customers in the forums.
Apologies to keep going on, however I feel as a community we are better to be more reasoned in our posts and less "shouty", would you respond or take into account someone who can come accross agressive and swearing in feedback?? Chances are no.