Audio systems giant Sonos is reportedly looking to launch its first-ever video streaming device alongside its first-ever pair of wireless headphones and the Sonos Arc 2, either next year or in early 2025.
The report comes via Bloomberg, which says the Sonos streaming devices will be priced at around $150 to $200 and run an Android TV-based operating system with built-in applications from all of the big streaming platforms and some broadcasters too. It’s not clear if that means it’ll be running the Google TV platform or a customized version of Android TV. Reportedly, Sonos is currently talking with Netflix and some cable companies, and may also launch its very own streaming services exclusively for the device.
Bloomberg said the streaming hardware is currently in development and is codenamed “Pinewood”, and will act as a kind of centralised hub for Sonos audio devices. It will support both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and it will be optimised to work with Sonos speakers for impeccable surround sound.
In addition to the streaming device, Sonos is also working on a second-generation Sonos Roam speaker, an upgraded version of the Era 100 and a subwoofer codenamed Lotus – and all of these will be integrated with the streamer, as it will support Wi-Fi 6.
That last capability suggests Sonos to build an entirely wireless ecosystem of home entertainment technology. During its recent launch event for the Sonos Era 100 and Era 300, Sonos Chief Executives Patrick Spence revealed that the company is committed to totally omitting wires to its soundbars and speakers. “Let’s make it even easier,” he said.
It appears to be where the industry is headed, with the rise of new standards such as DTS Play-Fi and Dolby Atmos’ FlexConnect system, which provide compatibility with wireless speakers.
One of the challenges of creating that ecosystem is that Sonos needs the support of TV partners to make it happen. So, the company can either try and convince TV hardware and software partners to support its aims, or it can attempt to build its own Smart TV platform. Most likely, it will try and do both, and it will be interesting to see how much traction the Sonos streaming device gets among consumers, given the tough competition in the industry.
Sonos, which has already become synonymous with multi-room music systems, appears to be trying to achieve the same status with wireless soundbars and audio systems. If Sonos can do this, it might increase the pressure on TV makers and manufacturers of other streaming devices to support its wireless audio ecosystem too.
Much will depend on the quality of the Sonos streamer itself, but if it’s anything like as good as its sound systems are, it should be an interesting option.
