Sonos’ next smart speaker could rival HomePod with Dolby Atmos
If you’re looking to upgrade your home audio system, 2023 could be the year to do so as Sonos is expected to deliver some new Dolby Atmos smart speakers before December; devices that will give Apple’s new HomePod some money.
Sonos stands out from the rest when it comes to sound, with Sonos One the sound system is best wireless speaker and best smart speaker you can buy now. But things could get better this year if Sonos’ rumored new speakers live up to the hype.
We’ve known for a while (since August 2022) that Sonos is developing Dolby sound speakers will boast omnidirectional sound capabilities to deliver immersive spatial sound. But a recent report from precipice (opens in a new tab) confirmed that the speakers are in the final stages of pre-shipment and that they are officially named Era 300 and Era 100 (formerly Optimo 2).
Era 300 will be Sonos’ flagship, Dolby Atmos smart speaker to compete with Apple HomePod 2. We don’t know how good it sounds yet, but Sonos has a knack for making excellent audio products, so we expect it to at least match the HomePod 2 in terms of sound quality; In other regions, its new device seems to have the edge.
That’s because the Era 300 probably won’t be tied to Apple’s ecosystem like the HomePod is. The HomePod line offers more support for Apple’s own music streaming service (apple music) compared to its rivals (like Spotify), but Sonos’ platform doesn’t favor any option over another. Furthermore, while we expect the Era 300 will continue to offer AirPlay – allowing iPhone users to wirelessly stream music from their phones to the speakers – it will likely also support Bluetooth connectivity – which The Sonos One lacks and a feature that will make using Sonos products easier if you’re an Android fan.
As for the 100 Era – and rumored to be the 100 SL Era, which by Sonos naming convention will be the same system minus any microphones – it is said to look like a true Sonos One successor. (read: lower price and less impressive sound than 300 era). That said, the Era 100 can still boast active speakers – to get the most out of Dolby Atmos – and a new design to match its Era sibling and differentiate it from the Sonos One. .
We’ll have to wait to learn a few more important details about these new speakers – including their prices – but the existence of the Era line alone gives audiophiles a reason. justifiable reason to delay upgrading their home AV setup for a while longer.
With Sonos also expected to launch a product in an entirely new category this year – potentially the long-awaited one. Sonos headphones or some kind of TV app or operating system that has been teased by job postings in 2022 – 2023 is shaping up to be an important year for the company. As soon as we find out more details, we will make sure to update you.