Sonos
Sonos makes speakers and sound bars, but it hasn't yet released its own pair of headphones.
- Sonos is reportedly working on a pair of headphones, according to a new report from Bloomberg.
- Headphones would let the company have a presence outside the home, as its speakers are usually designed for in-home use.
- Sonos could release its headphones next year, the report says.
Sonos is typically known for its speakers, but the company is working on making a pair of headphones, according to a new report from Bloomberg, which spoke with people familiar with Sonos' plans.
Bloomberg reports that Sonos is working on over-ear wireless headphones that could be released next year. The headphones are said to have similar functionality as the company's Sonos One lineup, which means they will likely work with multiple voice assistants, like Amazon's Alexa and Google's Assistant.
Sonos' headphones are also said to be compatible with multiple music services. It's not clear exactly what this means, as wireless headphones don't typically need compatibility with any music service. Wireless headphones connect to smartphones or other devices via Bluetooth, and music is streamed from the music apps installed on devices themselves rather than the headphones.
Sonos
The Sonos One speaker.
Releasing a pair of headphones would Sonos to feature outside of people's homes, where 50% of "listening" occurs, the company said in a recent letter to shareholders. So far, Sonos' focus has been in the home, or at least locations where there's a power outlet, as the company doesn't make portable battery-powered speakers.
It'll be interesting to see what wireless technology Sonos uses for its wireless headphones. The company has mostly shunned Bluetooth for its speakers, opting instead to stream audio over WiFi, where the audio and the speaker itself can be controlled through the Sonos app and other music streaming apps. With the Sonos One smart speaker, users can control audio with their voice using Alexa.
Being an audio company, Sonos is said to be focusing on audio quality for the headphones as well. The company's Sonos One smart speakers have fantastic audio quality, which bodes well for Sonos headphones.