Sonos Launches Ace Ultra Headphones and Beam Ultra Soundbar with AI Overhaul

Sonos, the renowned audio company, has unveiled its most substantial product and software update in years, introducing the new Sonos Ace Ultra headphones and Sonos Beam Ultra soundbar, alongside a major operating system overhaul dubbed Sonos 27. The announcement, made at an event in New York City, marks a significant push into artificial intelligence for the company, aiming to redefine user interaction with its connected audio systems. This comes as a pivotal moment for Sonos, following a challenging app update in 2024 that prompted significant customer backlash.

Central to the new strategy is Sonos 27, which deeply integrates AI capabilities. The system introduces an in-house developed Sonos 27 voice assistant designed for intuitive music and system control, set to launch as an opt-in feature this fall. Further expanding AI's role, Sonos 27mcp will enable users to connect with third-party AI models, including OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google Gemini. However, native support for Google Assistant remains notably absent. Sonos 27mcp is scheduled for early access on September 8th. The platform also empowers users to create up to 10 custom AI agents, complete with customizable voices and personalities, by selecting their preferred AI model. This advanced customization, enabling features like a 'moody detective' for news updates or a 'motivational coach' for morning greetings, is slated for availability in 2027.

Sonos Fabric Enhancements and Smart Home Integration

Beyond AI assistants, Sonos is enhancing its Sonos Fabric whole-home system. Wireless Play and Move 2 portable speakers can now function as surround sound speakers within a home theater setup, automatically configuring to their new roles and positions without manual app intervention. This feature requires at least two compatible speakers. Additionally, a new 'headphone linking' capability will allow compatible Sonos headphones to seamlessly integrate with the home system, enabling audio to transfer from speakers to headphones based on proximity. This feature begins its early access rollout on September 29th. These software improvements are being rolled out incrementally, with an opt-in approach to early access features, a strategy intended to regain customer trust after past controversies.

The company is also refining its existing Sonos app, incorporating feedback from its user community, particularly from the Sonos subreddit. Upcoming app enhancements include the addition of Home, System, and Search tabs at the bottom of the interface, and a persistent room sort option at the top for streamlined navigation. A novel virtual volume knob, controlled with a two-finger gesture mimicking a physical dial, adds a touch of playful interaction. These navigation improvements and the virtual volume knob are rolling out starting September 8th, though the volume knob will initially be exclusive to iOS. Lockscreen controls for playback and volume have also been reintroduced and began rolling out on August 17th. Further updates will include system health views for troubleshooting and user presets, expected later this fall.

The hardware announcements include the highly anticipated Sonos Ace Ultra headphones, which represent a significant upgrade from their predecessors. Built on the Headphone Engine 2, they support the new headphone linking feature and boast custom-designed 40mm drivers and 10 microphones for enhanced active noise cancellation (ANC). Sonos claims the Ace Ultra's ANC is twice as effective as the previous model, particularly at crucial frequencies like 65Hz and 120Hz. An adaptive EQ adjusts sound based on fit, and the headphones support aptX Adaptive Lossless over Bluetooth and high-resolution audio via USB-C. Battery life extends to 35 hours with ANC on, and a three-minute fast charge provides an additional three hours of listening. The Ace Ultra will be available in black, white, blue agave, and beige sand for $449 starting September 29th.

The Sonos Beam Ultra soundbar is a redesigned 7.1.2 compact unit, featuring two up-firing drivers to support Dolby Atmos spatial audio. It includes a new center channel mid-tweeter with an advanced waveguide, acoustic design, and DSP for improved voice clarity, offering four levels of AI speech enhancement. While maintaining a compact form factor, the Beam Ultra is slightly longer than the previous Beam Gen 2 to accommodate the additional speakers. It will be available in matte black or white for $699, also launching on September 29th. These hardware and software advancements signal Sonos's commitment to innovation and its renewed focus on user experience and AI integration.