Tech company Sonos is set to diversify its product offerings with the introduction of high-end headphones, a streaming TV set-top box, and other audio equipment. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the long-rumored Sonos headphones are expected to hit the market as early as April 2024, positioned as competitors to established brands such as Apple, Sony, and Bose.
The Sonos headphones, rumored to be priced between $400 and $500, aim to carve a niche in the wireless audio market and rival the likes of Apple's AirPods Max and AirPods, as well as products from Sony and Bose.
While they may not outperform some of their competitors on a technical basis, the Sonos headphones, codenamed "Duke," are anticipated to sync seamlessly with Sonos speakers and support the company's voice assistant, Sonos Voice Control.
Sonos has been eyeing the headphone market since 2019, and the upcoming release is part of the company's strategy to revive sales, which have reportedly slumped in recent times. The Sonos headphones will be available in black and white color options and will feature voice control navigation.
In addition to the headphones, Sonos is said to be working on a streaming TV set-top box that will stream video on TVs and act as a central hub for other Sonos speakers. The device, expected to be released by the end of 2024 or early 2025, will run on an Android-based operating system and support both Dolby Vision and Atmos. There are also speculations that Sonos might launch its own streaming service, adding to the competition in the crowded streaming market.
Sonos CEO Patrick Spence, in an earlier earnings call, expressed expectations that new products, including the headphones and the streaming box, will contribute significantly to the company's revenue by the second half of 2024. The company is reportedly in talks with Netflix and other live television providers to support its streaming box.
While details about certain technical aspects, such as Wi-Fi or lossless Bluetooth connectivity for the headphones, remain undisclosed, reports suggest that Sonos is focusing on customization and fine-tuning sound with a dedicated "Passport" app for the headphones.
The expansion doesn't stop with headphones and a streaming box. Sonos is also developing updated versions of its current home theater equipment, including a new subwoofer, a second-generation Roam portable speaker, an updated Era speaker for commercial venues, a high-end amplifier, and a soundbar that aims to surpass the current flagship Arc.
As Sonos continues to innovate and diversify its product range, the company anticipates generating more than $100 million from these new products in 2024. With the headphone market becoming increasingly competitive, Sonos will face the challenge of differentiating itself and meeting the expectations of consumers seeking premium audio experiences.
