Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
In 2023 , rumors regarding a possible Sonos TV twist cull up steam when Bloomberg ’s Mark Gurman reported that the company hadplans to free a dedicated cyclosis boxpriced around $ 150 to $ 200 . The gimmick , code - named “ Pinewood , ” grant to Gurman ’s unknown sources , will manage 4 KB telecasting , along with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision . Now , thanks to a previously unreportedSonos patent applicationunearthed byJanko Roettgers , we know a flake more about how such a Sonos goggle box equipment might exploit , include one very disconcerting contingent : it may miss a physical outside ascendancy .
The letters patent program , which go into exhaustive detail describing theSonos ecosystemas a whole , identify a especial emphasis on the role of smartphones as the way we would interact with an as - yet - unreleased Sonos television streaming twist . And yes , in the program , it ’s in reality called Sonos TV .
A new version of the Sonos app ( or possibly a disjoined Sonos TV app ) would be used for the setup and ascendency of a Sonos TV . It would admit access to stream apps and a host of relate feature film like social sharing with supporter and the ability to make deep dives into related to medium like music and games . Like many existing media banner ( Apple TV , Roku , Fire TV , etc . ) , the app would include a pop - up port for pilotage and part ascendence ( via your phone or any compatible microphone - fit out gadget ) . But unlike these other devices , Sonos ’ program does n’t mention the existence or use of a dedicated forcible remote .
We get hold of out to Sonos for comment . Unsurprisingly , this is the instruction we received via email : “ We ’re in a incessant state of design at Sonos , build up on the 3000 + patent we have to escort . You will go along to see us deliver unexampled invention , some in categories we ’re in , some in categories we could envision go into in the future . We do n’t share detail on our patents or future road map . ”
That ’s also exactly what Roettgers was say when he asked .
An understandable choice
A streaming gimmick without its own remote control is n’t a new idea . The originalGoogle Chromecastwas 100 % reliant on a sound to do its thing ( though it was never really meant to actively control what you ’d see on the TV ) . Google go to sleep the conception after theChromecast Ultra , flip-flop to the remote - equippedChromecast with Google TVas its current vision of what a full - fledge streaming equipment should search like .
you may part understand why Sonos might desire a remote - less Sonos television receiver . So far , the company ’s entire ecosystem of wireless multiroom audio products has been design to work through the Sonos app — either from a smartphone , pad , or computer . Third company have created Sonos - compatible removed controls likeIkea ’s Symfonisk Music Remote , but Sonos itself has stick steadfastly to its outside - spare school of thought ( which also keeps costs down ) .
There ’s also a strong line of reasoning to be made that a physical remote for wireless speaker has circumscribed note value . The speakers themselves have integrated physical controller for the most vital function ( loudness and playback ) . And they more and more have voice support so you do n’t even take to be place upright next to the loudspeaker .
Moreover , a simpleton , screenless remote control would n’t give you access to the full comprehensiveness of audio streaming options that Sonos is get laid for . You really do demand an app for that .
Purely hypothetical
Based on Sonos ’ patent lotion , a Sonos telly would likewise be chock - full of lineament that would gain from a smartphone - based ascendancy app — particularly the features that are user - specific , like networks of friends and contented recommendations . But no matter how advanced the Sonos TV experience get , we ’re still go away to need a strong-arm remote control .
If your phone barrage fire give out , are you OK wait for it to recharge before watching TV ? If a penis of your family wants to control the TV , but their phone is in another room , will they have to go get it , or will you egest them your phone ? If your phone ringlet mechanically , will you mind go through your unlock succession ( even if it ’s as tight as facial realization ) every time you just want to pause your show ? And what about muting or changing the bulk ? And when the inevitable materialize , and the Sonos TV app simply wo n’t launch or crashes each prison term you prove to tack appearance , will you wait for a locating to get your daily fix of a preferred show ?
At the here and now , this is all purely conjectural . patent of invention applications are n’t a verbal description of what will be — they ’re a description of whatcouldbe . And as often as not , merchandise based on patents arrive in storage with a very dissimilar band of features or designs than what ’s described in the filing . After all , a good patent of invention does n’t just protect a company ’s dear - term products , it also act as a defence against those who might like to make competitory products in the years to come .
So while I ’m not thrilled at the prospect of needing a earpiece to control a Sonos telecasting , I ’m not going to lose sleep over it either . Sonos prides itself on provide simple and easy ways for its customers to delight euphony throughout their homes . The Sonos app remain the best way to find and play euphony from multiple origin across multiple loudspeaker system , and the speakers themselves earn mountain of kudos for their paying attention designing .
To me , that says the ship’s company will not twist a unreasoning eye to the many benefit that number with a dedicated remote control . Sonos may decide not to make one itself , but at the very least , it will belike provide third political party with a way to make one . And if one of those third - company remote control proves popular ? Sonos can always change its tune .
