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Sonos is making a move into the TV streaming market with its own competitor to Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and other established players. The company has been working on a streaming box for some time, and new details about the project, codenamed “Pinewood,” have recently surfaced. While the device offers some notable advantages, it also comes with a significant drawback.
Familiar Design, But No Immediate Standout Features
Tech journalist Chris Welch from The Verge has reportedly gotten an early look at Sonos’ upcoming device. Visually, Pinewood is said to resemble Apple TV—a simple black square about the size of a stack of trading cards. At first glance, it doesn’t appear to offer much that existing streaming boxes don’t already provide.
Like its competitors, Pinewood will aggregate popular streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+, allowing users to search for content across multiple platforms. However, this is a standard feature found on other streaming devices as well. The key differentiator seems to be in the user interface, which is designed to present all services in a uniform, seamless experience. The software powering Pinewood is reportedly provided by digital advertising company The Trade Desk, while Sonos itself focuses on the hardware.
More HDMI Ports Than Apple TV
One major advantage that Pinewood has over Apple TV is its connectivity. According to Welch, the device will include multiple HDMI ports, allowing users to connect external devices such as gaming consoles and Blu-ray players. This sets it apart from many competing streaming boxes that typically offer only one HDMI input.
Additionally, Pinewood is designed to integrate seamlessly with Sonos’ own audio products. Users will be able to create a full surround-sound experience using various Sonos speakers, rather than relying solely on a single soundbar. For those already invested in the Sonos ecosystem, this could be a significant selling point.
A Crucial Moment for Sonos After App Controversy
A successful launch of Pinewood could be critical for Sonos, especially after its recent struggles. In May 2024, the company released a revamped version of its app, which removed several key features found in the previous version. This decision was met with widespread backlash from customers.
Despite the potential advantages of Pinewood, there are concerns within Sonos about its chances of success. The biggest issue appears to be its price, which is expected to range between $200 and $400. This would position Pinewood as one of the more expensive options in the highly competitive streaming box market, making it a tough sell to consumers looking for a budget-friendly alternative.
While Pinewood offers unique benefits for audiophiles and Sonos users, it remains to be seen whether these advantages will be enough to justify its premium price tag.
