After a bruising year, Sonos readies its next big thing: a streaming box
After the most tumultuous nine months in Sonosâ history, the brand is trying to find its footing again. Even as work continues to rehabilitate the companyâs beleaguered mobile app, Sonos is planning to take a big swing in a new product category: itâs getting into video for the first time. In the coming months, Sonos will release a streaming player that sources tell me could cost between $200 and $400 â a truly staggering price for its category.
Iâve seen images of the upcoming product, which is deep into development, and itâs about as nondescript as streaming hardware gets. Viewed from the top, the device is a flattened black square and slightly thicker than a deck of trading cards.
But the Android TV-powered streamer, codenamed Pinewood, is designed to be more than just another competitor to the Apple TV 4K, Nvidia Shield, or Roku Ultra. Donât get me wrong: streaming is a huge focus for the product. Sources familiar with Pinewood tell me it has a âbeautifulâ interface, despite the software being developed in partnership with a digital ads firm.
Sonos plans to combine content from numerous platforms including Netflix, Max, and Disney Plus under a single, unifi …