Published on November 21, 2023, 10:56 pm
Image source: Fox News
Sonos is reportedly developing over-ear headphones and a set-top box to directly compete with Apple's AirPods Max and Apple TV. The high-end headphones are expected to cost around $400 to $500 and offer personalized sound tuning through a Sonos app. The headphones could be released as early as April 2024. The streaming set-top box, based on Android, will offer streaming capabilities and potentially live TV streams. It will serve as a central hub for the Sonos network, enhancing user convenience. Sonos aims to establish itself as a competitor in personal audio and streaming technology markets by offering high-quality headphones and a versatile set-top box.
Sonos, the popular brand known for its smart speakers and soundbars, may soon be expanding into new territory to directly compete with Apple. According to a report by Bloomberg, Sonos is developing over-ear headphones and a set-top box to rival Apple’s AirPods Max and Apple TV.
The high-end headphones from Sonos are rumored to cost around $400 to $500, putting them in the same price range as Apple’s AirPods Max and offerings from Bose. These headphones have reportedly been in development for several years and are expected to offer similar features as the AirPods Max, but with a focus on personalized sound tuning through a Sonos “Passport” app. If all goes according to plan, Sonos’ headphones could hit the market as early as April 2024.
In addition to the headphones, Sonos is also said to be working on a streaming set-top box that will compete with Apple TV. The device is expected to be based on Android and will provide streaming capabilities. Reportedly, Sonos is in talks with cable companies to offer live TV streams through their set-top box. There are even rumors of a Sonos-branded video service being developed. The set-top box is scheduled for release late in 2024 or in 2025 and is estimated to be priced between $150 and $200.
Notably, the set-top box from Sonos will also serve as a central hub for a Sonos network, similar to how Apple uses an Apple TV as a HomeKit hub. This integration with other devices in the Sonos ecosystem aims to enhance user convenience and expand the capabilities of their smart home setup.
With these new products on the horizon, it seems that Sonos wants to further establish itself as a competitor in both personal audio and streaming technology markets. By offering high-quality headphones and a versatile set-top box, Sonos hopes to capture customers who value seamless integration and top-notch sound quality.
As an established player in the audio industry, Sonos has a loyal customer base and a reputation for delivering reliable and innovative products. The addition of over-ear headphones and a set-top box to their lineup could make Sonos a more appealing choice for consumers looking for a comprehensive ecosystem that covers both audio and home entertainment needs.
It will be interesting to see how Sonos’ new offerings stack up against Apple’s well-established market presence. As these products hit the market in the coming years, consumers can look forward to having more options when it comes to high-quality audio gear and streaming devices. And with potential features like personalized sound tuning and live TV streaming, Sonos may have found the right formula to take on Apple’s dominance in these areas.
Original article posted by Fox News
