Sonos' Affordable Answer to AirPods Max Hits a Snag
Sonos, the renowned audio company, has been buzzing with rumors about the release of their premium headphones. Speculation reached its peak towards the end of the previous year when leaked schematics hinted at what could potentially be a game-changer in the headphones market. However, the air has been rather quiet since then, leaving enthusiasts eagerly awaiting any official news about the alleged competitor to Apple’s AirPods Max. According to Bloomberg journalist and Apple expert Mark Gurman, there seems to have been a hiccup in Sonos’s plan to launch their over-ear headphones, halting their progress.
Insiders familiar with the situation have disclosed to Gurman that Sonos encountered a setback in the development of the Wi-Fi connectivity technology within their headphones. While this issue should have been resolved by now, it has pushed back the anticipated release date to at least June of this year. Nonetheless, when the premium headphones do grace the market, they are expected to be priced at $449, making them a hundred dollars cheaper than the AirPods Max and slightly more affordable than Sony’s popular WH-1000XM5 at $399. This competitive pricing is set to position the Sonos headphones as strong contenders in the premium wireless headphones segment.
Gurman’s report also sheds light on some key features of the upcoming Sonos headphones. They are projected to be available in classic black and white color variants and are designed to seamlessly integrate with existing Sonos speakers. This compatibility means users can synchronize music or TV playback across different rooms, offering a multi-room audio experience that aligns with Sonos’s renowned sound quality. The hiccup in the Wi-Fi technology integration is not entirely surprising given that most wireless active noise-canceling (ANC) headphones primarily rely on Bluetooth connectivity and not on Wi-Fi networks.
In addition to the highly-anticipated headphones, Sonos seems to have an exciting lineup of products in the pipeline for this year. Apart from the headphones, the company is reportedly working on a sizeable “Party” speaker, new soundbars, and an upgraded portable speaker. Furthermore, rumors of a Sonos TV set-top-box aiming to compete with the likes of Amazon and Roku have also surfaced, albeit facing some challenges along the way. As Sonos continues to innovate and expand its product offerings, consumers can expect a diverse range of premium audio solutions that cater to various preferences and needs.
As we eagerly await the official debut of Sonos’s premium headphones and other upcoming releases, it’s evident that the company is poised to make a significant impact in the audio industry once again. With a blend of cutting-edge technology, sleek design, and competitive pricing, Sonos is gearing up to capture the hearts of audio enthusiasts and solidify its position as a key player in the premium audio market.
