Sonos announces Sonos 27 app update with opt-in AI voice features

In short: Sonos says it is rolling out a new “Sonos 27” update that adds an updated app and optional AI voice features, plus new headphones and a new soundbar.

What happened

Sonos announced a new software update it calls Sonos 27, along with a refreshed Sonos app. This comes after Sonos faced heavy backlash in 2024 when app updates removed or broke basic features for many users, including volume control and some accessibility tools.

Sonos says the updated app is designed to be easier to use. It includes improved navigation, better sorting for rooms, and changes to the volume controls. Sonos also says it plans to add “system health” screens in the fall, which are meant to help people spot connection problems with each Sonos device.

The biggest addition is “Sonos 27voice,” an early-access feature that uses generative AI (software that creates responses, like a chatbot) to let you talk to your speakers. You can ask for music based on a mood, similar to using Alexa or Google Assistant. Sonos also says advanced users can connect it to other AI services, including ChatGPT, to control music playback.

Sonos also introduced “Sonos Fabric,” its name for the system that syncs audio across rooms. It will support features like moving speakers around for temporary surround sound, and switching audio between speakers and headphones.

New hardware includes the Sonos Ace Ultra headphones, which can connect to a Sonos system over Wi-Fi, and a Beam Ultra soundbar with features like AI speech enhancement to make dialogue easier to hear.

Why it matters

If you own Sonos gear, this update could make the app less frustrating and add new ways to control music. But some features will not work on older systems, since Sonos 27 only runs in the S2 app, not the older S1 app. Also, Sonos says the AI features are opt-in, so you can leave them off if you prefer.

Source: Wired