Sonos has released a new app, a new soundbar, new headphones, and a new operating system. The company is trying to fix the trust it lost after its software broke in 2024.
Users complained that the 2024 update removed volume controls and accessibility tools. Sonos admitted the error, fired its CEO, and issued public apologies to regain customer goodwill.
The company now claims it is no longer just a speaker maker but an audio operating system. It calls this system Sonos 27. The update includes a new app, generative AI features, and hardware designed to work together.
Sonos 27 App
Announcing a new Sonos app often scares users. Sid Patel, vice president of software at Sonos, said the team listened to community feedback from forums like Reddit to build it. The update brings better tab navigation, improved room sorting, and changes to the volume knobs.
Later this year, the system will show health views to help users diagnose connection issues. The major addition is Sonos 27voice, a generative AI feature in early access. It allows voice commands to play music based on mood or connect to external AI services like ChatGPT via a Model Context Protocol.
Users can create custom agents to trigger speakers in specific rooms at set times. They can also change the AI voice to sound like a French chef or a pirate.
Patel noted that AI is a hot topic and the company integrated various pieces into the system.
These features work on the S2 app but not the S1 app. Older hardware will not have access to the new AI tools. A representative explained that Sonos 27 takes advantage of newer hardware capabilities. They will not release specific compatibility details or upgrade paths until a later date.
Sonos Fabric
Sonos has named its network technology Sonos Fabric. It describes how multiple speakers work together in a home theatre or bonded setup.
Two new features arrive for this technology. Portable surround lets users move devices between rooms. The system detects the location and adjusts audio placement for movie nights. Headphone Linking allows users to switch audio playback between speakers and headphones.
Sonos Ace Ultra
The original Sonos Ace headphones launched in 2024. They were well received but could not connect to the Sonos speaker ecosystem. The follow-up, the Sonos Ace Ultra, fixes this by connecting to other speakers via Wi-Fi.
The headset offers 35 hours of battery life and connects via USB-C and 3.5 mm. Because it runs on Sonos Fabric, it integrates with the wider system. Users can push music directly from speakers into the headphones with a single button press.
Sonos Beam Ultra
The new Beam Ultra soundbar is an upgrade of the existing model. It has nine drivers, four more than previous Beams. These include upward-firing drivers that bounce sound off the ceiling for better acoustics.
The device includes AI speech enhancement to make dialogue clearer in loud scenes. It connects via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wired HDMI eARC.
This represents a significant shift for Sonos. The company has struggled with complex setups and separate apps for older products in the past. While the new AI features are opt-in, allowing users to avoid them entirely, existing systems may still face software difficulties. The company says it will listen more and bring customers along on the new approach.
