Sonos Set to Launch First-Ever Headphones and Expand Product Lineup in 2024
ICARO Media Group
In an exciting move for audio enthusiasts, Sonos has announced its plans to release its first-ever pair of headphones in 2024. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the highly anticipated over-ear headphones are rumored to hit the market as early as April and come with a premium price tag between $400 and $500.
What sets these headphones apart from the competition is their unique ability to synchronize music with other Sonos products in users' homes. They will also feature Sonos Voice Control, a voice assistant specifically designed to cater to music-related commands. This sets Sonos apart from broader voice assistants offered by tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Google.
Sonos has been diligently working on perfecting their headphones since 2019, even canceling earlier versions of the product. This means that previous patent filings may not accurately represent the final hardware of the upcoming headphones. Additionally, Sonos has hinted at the possibility of following up the headphones' release with their own set of wireless earbuds.
CEO Patrick Spence revealed during a recent earnings call that Sonos plans to enter a new "multi-billion dollar category" in the second half of the fiscal year, which is expected to contribute significantly to the projected $100 million in revenue from new product launches in 2024.
In addition to the headphones, Sonos has other exciting endeavors in the pipeline. Bloomberg reports that the company is developing a TV streaming device, set to be launched in late 2024 or early 2025. With a focus on voice control, this small black box aims to provide a seamless streaming experience. Sonos is already in discussions with popular entertainment service providers like Netflix to develop apps for this platform.
Furthermore, Sonos plans to release the second generation of its popular portable Bluetooth speaker, the Sonos Roam, in 2024. With improvements in top-side controls and enhanced battery endurance, Sonos aims to address concerns raised by some customers regarding the first-generation model's reliability.
To revitalize demand and regain its footing in the market, Sonos is heavily investing in this wave of new devices. The company faced a downturn in consumer demand in 2023, leading to layoffs of 7 percent of its employees. However, Sonos is optimistic that the introduction of these innovative products will reignite customer interest and drive hardware revenue.
Amidst the company's expansion, the challenge for Sonos lies in distinguishing itself from established and successful competitors in the headphone and set-top box markets. As Sonos gears up for an exciting year of product launches, consumers eagerly await these new offerings from the renowned audio brand.