Sonos is making its first foray into video with plans to launch a streaming player in the coming months, entering a competitive market dominated by devices like the Apple TV 4K. The anticipated price for this new product is expected to range from $200 to $400.
I’ve seen images of the upcoming product, which is deep into development, and it’s 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.
Sources familiar with Pinewood tell me it has a “beautiful” 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, unified software experience. Universal search across streaming accounts will be supported. We’ve seen similar efforts to mask the fragmented nature of modern entertainment from Sonos’ soon-to-be rivals. But I’m told this is a cornerstone of Pinewood’s appeal. Sonos Voice Control will be integrated, and Pinewood will also ship with a physical remote control that includes shortcuts for popular streaming apps…
Sonos plans to combine content from numerous platforms including Netflix, Max, and Disney Plus under a single, unified software experience. Universal search across streaming accounts will be supported. We’ve seen similar efforts to mask the fragmented nature of modern entertainment from Sonos’ soon-to-be rivals. But I’m told this is a cornerstone of Pinewood’s appeal. Sonos Voice Control will be integrated, and Pinewood will also ship with a physical remote control that includes shortcuts for popular streaming apps…
With Pinewood, Sonos aims to take greater control of the I/O stack. The box will be able to wirelessly transmit lag-free TV audio to the company’s soundbars and other Sonos products. In some cases, it could upgrade home theater sound beyond a TV’s original capabilities.
MacDailyNews Take: Good luck with that, Sonos.
In November 2023, Mark Gurman reported on the Sonos device here.
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