Elektronik und KI: Sonos plant KI-Offensive - Neue Soundbar und Kopfhörer

Sonos, a speaker manufacturer, plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its technology, enabling control via AI programs such as ChatGPT or Claude. This would allow users to give commands through a chat with the software, such as specifying certain music to play in a room. To do this, the Sonos system must be connected to the chatbot, which is expected to be a seamless process according to Sonos manager Andy Sutherland.

Apple's Siri assistant will not be supported in this process. Additionally, Sonos is launching its own AI assistant for music control, which builds upon external chatbot software, though the name of the software provider has not been disclosed. In the coming year, customers will be able to design their own AI agents through the Sonos system, which can independently perform tasks on behalf of users.

Sonos also promises a yearly rhythm of major updates to its audio platform, Sonos 27, which includes the Sonos Fabric function allowing devices to detect each other and their position. This will facilitate the use of portable Sonos devices as a home cinema surround sound system, automatically decoupling from the home cinema setup when removed from the room and automatically rejoining when returned.

Furthermore, music from Sonos speakers can be seamlessly transferred to the Ace headphones, and vice versa, with the sound also transitioning to other Sonos speakers in a different room. Tom Conrad, Sonos' new CEO, emphasized that they aim to play a larger role for the headphones in the overall Sonos system, particularly for the Ace headphones.

The smartphone apps for Apple iPhones and Android phones will receive control in lock mode and a virtual volume knob for easier adjustment. The updated Beam soundbar and Ace headphones feature improved Dolby Atmos technology, a redesigned center channel for clearer dialogue, and enhanced noise suppression. The Beam Ultra model introduces nine drivers instead of the previous five, with the Ultra designation also applied to the Ace Ultra headphones, featuring a new 40-mm driver and improved environmental noise suppression.

The Beam Ultra and Ace Ultra models will be available for delivery starting September 29th, priced at 699 euros and 449 euros, respectively.