Speaker maker Sonos is developing a high-end set-top streaming box, which is expected to launch later this year, according to a report by The Verge. Sonos plans to price its new streaming device in the range of $200 to $400, making it decidedly more expensive than the Apple TV.
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.
But the Android-based streamer, codenamed Pinewood, is designed to be more than just another competitor to the Apple TV 4K, Nvidia Shield, or Roku Ultra. Don’t get me wrong: streaming is a huge focus for the product. Sources familiar with Pinewood tell me it has a “beautiful” interface, despite the software being developed in partnership with a digital ads firm.
The new set-top box will offer content from the usual suspects, including Disney Plus, Netflix, Max, and other streaming providers, presenting the content via a unified software experience that supports universal search. The set-top box will boast Sonos Voice Control.
Sonos’ box will also double as an HDMI switch, allowing users to plug in gaming consoles, other set-top boxes, soundbars, and more. The device reportedly fixes a latency issue the company has long battled, preventing televisions from experiencing audio sync delays when used with Sonos-branded soundbars.
For Sonos users who have Sonos speakers, the new set-top box will allow users to configure a surround sound system with Sonos devices. It will also offer Wi-Fi 7 and gigabit ethernet support.