Sonos Reportedly Cancels Streaming Box to Compete With Apple

Sonos has encountered a challenging few months, facing issues with a problematic app redesign and changes in its leadership team. As a result, some product initiatives appear to have been sidelined. Reports indicate that the company had plans for a streaming device, but those plans have now been halted.

During an all-hands meeting today, company leaders shared that the product, known internally as Pinewood, would have represented Sonos’ next significant hardware introduction, according to a report from The Verge.

The interim CEO has conveyed to employees that the streaming device is currently not on the company’s agenda. This now-obsolete gadget was expected to deliver features like content aggregation from various streaming services and a comprehensive universal search function.

The anticipated streaming box was projected to retail for between $200 and $400. Sonos had even developed a complete user interface in partnership with an advertising agency called The Trade Desk.

At present, there aren’t many premium alternatives to the Apple TV 4K, yet Sonos’s intended pricing was notably high. Competitors like Roku Express 4K Plus, Nvidia Shield TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Google TV Streamer offer significantly lower prices.

Nevertheless, Sonos aimed to provide distinctive features with its streaming product. The design included a dual-mode control system that would combine a physical remote with their proprietary Voice Control technology.

Furthermore, the device was designed to include multiple HDMI ports, enabling the passthrough functionality. The goal was to allow seamless connectivity with various devices like 4K players and gaming consoles, while also addressing latency challenges associated with wireless transmission.

Sonos was also considering a surround sound functionality for the streaming box, developed under the codename “Pinewood.” On the connectivity front, the company sought to utilize Wi-Fi 7 as well as gigabit ethernet outputs. According to The Verge, “the box will be capable of wirelessly transmitting lag-free TV audio to Sonos soundbars and other products.”

Following the decision to cancel its streaming box plans—intended to compete with devices like the Apple TV 4K—Sonos appears to be refocusing its efforts on enhancing its software and developing new audio products.