Katarzyna Petru
After nine months of turbulent changes, Sonos is trying to bounce back in an unusual way. The company, which has until now captured the hearts of music lovers, is now challenging the giants of the video industry. Soon, their first streaming device will hit store shelves - and it won't be just an ordinary gadget that costs a hundred dollars.
A luxurious alternative to Apple TV?
The new product, known by the codename "Pinewood", is expected to cost up to $400. Such a price leaves no doubt - Sonos is targeting premium customers who are looking for something more than basic solutions. Although at first glance it resembles popular players like Roku Ultra or Nvidia Shield, the creators assure that it is in a completely different league.
Premium version of Android
The heart of the device will be a modified version of Android that will surprise… with its simplicity. The intuitive interface is designed to combine content from Netflix, Disney+, and other platforms in one place, while global search will allow users to forget about jumping between apps. For traditionalists, a physical remote is provided, although fans of novelties will likely prefer voice control anyway.
HDMI, Dolby Atmos and zero latency
A true revolution, however, hides at the back of the casing. Pinewood is also an HDMI switcher with several ports – ideal for console or Blu-ray player owners. Thanks to integration with the Sonos ecosystem, the device aims to eliminate irritating sound synchronization problems that have plagued soundbar users. Movie sound enthusiasts will also appreciate the ability to build advanced Dolby Atmos systems using Era 300 speakers.
Wi-Fi 7 and Gigabit Ethernet
For dessert – the fastest possible connections. Pinewood supports both super-fast Wi-Fi 7 and wired Gigabit Ethernet. That's not all! The device will enable wireless audio transmission in studio quality.
Can the market be convinced?
However, there are skeptical voices. Some Sonos employees admit they are afraid of a repeat of the history of the Ace headphones, which did not fare well. The success of Pinewood now depends on one thing: will customers believe that it is not just a gadget, but the missing link in the home cinema ecosystem?
Source: TheVere
