Donning our deerstalker for a moment, the new role could hint at a possible third-generation version of the Sonos Beam with Fire TV-like software built-in to launch Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, BBC iPlayer, All4, and more. After all, Sonos’ smartphone app already does this with audio. It connects with 120 music services, including podcast apps, music streaming like Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and Amazon Music, as well as radio stations and meditation services like Calm. Recreating that formula with a one-stop-shop soundbar and streaming set-top box would be a logical next step for the firm.
But you don’t have to wait for this as-yet unconfirmed new hardware from Sonos to enjoy the same experience. That’s because rival Roku has already launched a soundbar with its streaming software, which powers its set-top boxes, baked inside. Plug in the soundbar and you will upgrade the audio performance of your flatscreen telly (these have notoriously bad sound performance due to the svelte design) and be able to access dozens of streaming services and games.
Unfortunately, it’ll likely be a while before we see the results of the new Head of Partnerships, Home Theatre and UX Lead, Next Generation Home Theatre Experience at Sonos …as neither position has been filled.
