THE SYSTEM CENTRAL TO SONOS

– For us, it is important that we design the entire system, where our individual products work together, says Alexia Delhoume to the trade magazine Elektronikkbransjen.

She is a senior UX designer (User Experience Designer) at Sonos, and says Sonos' products are compatible across generations, with ongoing software and platform improvements.

– All products are more powerful because of the system, she says.

The new and portable speaker Play is central to the initiative. It connects to wifi at home and is part of the Sonos system, with the possibility for groupings and stereo pairs.

– You can start with one, then expand to stereo and multiple rooms, says Delhoume.

Play goes outside

A charging base keeps it always ready to go outside.

– We also let people take the system magic outside, says Delhoume.

You connect Play to your mobile via Bluetooth, and can group multiple Play and Move 2 by holding down play/pause on other devices. However, it is not possible to set up two speakers in stereo via Bluetooth, as right and left channels, as it is over wifi.

Play has automatic Trueplay that adapts the sound to the surroundings.

– The adjustment happens according to the conditions, says Delhoume.

The battery lasts for 24 hours, the speaker is waterproof and has a detachable strap for easy carrying. It can also function as a power bank.

– I use it myself daily, and it fills the room, says Delhoume.

Replaceable battery

Play has two angled tweeters with waveguide for clear treble and stereo separation, one mid-woofer for vocals and details, and two passive radiators for bass and reduced vibration. The coverage is 180 degrees.

– We have optimised the power management and also offer kits for battery replacement, so that the customer can give Play a longer lifespan, says Delhoume.

Play works with various voice services, streaming services like Spotify Connect, AirPlay, Bluetooth or the Sonos app.

– The top panel with play/pause, track selection and volume is easy to use, says Delhoume.

Line-in via a Sonos adapter is supported for external sources.

Era 100 SL without microphone

– We are expanding our 2023 success, Sonos Era 100, with Sonos Era 100 SL. This is without a microphone, but with a lower price, and is based on the same acoustic architecture and performance, says Delhoume to the trade magazine Elektronikkbransjen.

Since it does not have its own microphone, advanced Trueplay is available for iOS via the mobile's microphone.

– If you have a 100 and an SL in stereo, advanced Trueplay on iOS can adjust both, says Delhoume.

Era 100 SL has three class D amplifiers, two angled tweeters and one mid-woofer. Capacitive touch provides control of playback and volume. Content can be controlled via the Sonos app, AirPlay, Spotify Connect or Bluetooth, and line-in supports, for example, turntables.

Play vs. Move

When asked about the difference between Play and Move, Delhoume places Play between Move 2 and Roam.

– It is easy to carry with the loop and size, she says.

Play does not support being used as a rear speaker in a home cinema setup with Sonos.

– However, you can group Play with the TV by holding play/pause for joint playback, says Delhoume.

She describes a typical use at her home:

– I take it from the bathroom to the kitchen in the morning, where it fills the room until you leave, she says.