Sonos could make its next headphones smarter with built-in voice controls

Sonos is set to unveil an advanced version of its wireless headphones, the Sonos Ace Ultra, potentially incorporating built-in voice controls powered by artificial intelligence (AI). The headphones were first reported through an FCC filing, which suggests a wider color range of up to five colors, a stark contrast to the initial Ace's limited black and white options.

The news aligns with Sonos' September product launch plans, as announced by CEO Tom Conrad during a recent earnings call. However, the most intriguing aspect is the integration of voice commands, allowing users to interact directly with AI assistants through the headphones. This move addresses a significant gap in the first-generation Ace, which lacked voice AI capabilities.

CEO Conrad has emphasized Sonos' strategic focus on AI to create "conversational computing and predictive intelligence" in the home, moving beyond mere chatbot integration. Sonos already possesses its own Sonos Voice Control assistant, which has been expanded to control devices like Philips Hue lights and Lutron Caséta accessories.

The Ace Ultra is seen as a revival for Sonos, aiming to leverage its whole-home audio system to provide AI-powered understanding of home layouts and user habits. This approach seeks to make Sonos' hardware more intuitive and integrated into everyday devices, contrasting with AI assistants confined to single gadgets. The product is also intended to rectify Sonos' shortcomings in the past, such as limited system integration and post-2024 app update issues.

By integrating AI, Sonos aims to differentiate itself from competitors like Apple, Sony, and Bose, offering a compelling reason for consumers to choose its products.