Sonos is reported to have cancelled a streaming box that could compete with Apple.

Sonos is reported to have cancelled a streaming box that could compete with Apple.

      Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

      Sonos has faced a challenging few months recently. Following a problematic app redesign and changes in top management, it appears that some product initiatives have been shelved. Reports indicate that the company had been working on a streaming box, but development on the device seems to have been halted. “The announcement came from company leadership during an all-hands meeting today. The product, codenamed Pinewood, was intended to be Sonos’ next significant hardware release,” states a report from The Verge.

      The interim CEO reportedly informed employees that the streaming device is not currently part of the company’s plans “for now.” This abandoned device was expected to offer features like content aggregation from various streaming services and a detailed universal search functionality.

      Chris Hagan / Digital Trends

      Sonos’ first video streaming box was anticipated to be priced between $200 and $400. The company had developed a comprehensive user interface in collaboration with an advertising agency called The Trade Desk.

      At present, there are not many high-end alternatives to the Apple TV 4K, but Sonos’ planned pricing was quite remarkable. Competing devices such as the Roku Express 4K Plus, Nvidia Shield TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Google TV streamer are available at significantly lower prices.

      However, Sonos streaming was expected to include several unique features. It was envisioned that the device would come with a dual-mode control system that combined a physical remote with in-house Voice Control technology.

      The device was expected to include multiple HDMI ports to allow passthrough functionality. The fundamental idea was to enable users to connect a variety of other devices, including 4K players and gaming consoles, while addressing the latency issues associated with wireless connections.

      Sonos was also considering a surround sound capability for the streaming device, which was being developed under the codename “Pinewood.” Regarding connectivity, the company aimed for Wi-Fi 7 and gigabit ethernet output. “The box will be capable of wirelessly transmitting lag-free TV audio to the company’s soundbars and other Sonos products,” according to The Verge.

      Following the cancellation of its streaming box development, which would have positioned it in direct competition with devices like the Apple TV 4K, the company is reportedly refocusing on rectifying its software issues and creating new audio products.

      Nadeem is a tech and science journalist who started exploring smartphone technology out of curiosity and soon began…

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      It has been over five years since Apple entered the video streaming service market, and it can be confidently stated that things are going well. With its award-winning films and series, Apple TV Plus has established its presence among other streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Max, featuring films such as Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon and original series like Severance, Dark Matter, Silo, and Slow Horses.

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      Apple TV+ is priced at $10 per month. Alternatively, you can pay $99 for a full year of service, which saves you 15%. Additionally, customers who purchase an Apple TV, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, or Mac can receive three months of Apple TV+ for free. Therefore, if you buy new hardware now, you can enjoy Apple TV+ at no cost. Moreover, all new users qualify for a seven-day free trial to explore the film and show offerings.

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      Sonos CEO issues software apology: ‘We acknowledge we have work to do’

      Today, Sonos CEO Patrick Spence extended a formal apology to Sonos customers for "significant issues with our new app." This apology, shared through various social media platforms, an email to customers, and on Sonos' blog, recognizes the numerous problems users have encountered since the major update to the Sonos app on May 7.

      As previously reported, the new app not only lacked basic features that users had previously enjoyed but also exhibited numerous bugs.

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      "We design our Home products to enhance users’ everyday lives, and our latest updates reinforce that objective by offering even more convenience and connection,” stated Stan Ng, Apple’s vice president of Apple Watch, Audio, Health, and Home Product Marketing, in a press release announcing the new features. “This fall, tvOS 18 and

Sonos is reported to have cancelled a streaming box that could compete with Apple. Sonos is reported to have cancelled a streaming box that could compete with Apple. Sonos is reported to have cancelled a streaming box that could compete with Apple. Sonos is reported to have cancelled a streaming box that could compete with Apple. Sonos is reported to have cancelled a streaming box that could compete with Apple. Sonos is reported to have cancelled a streaming box that could compete with Apple. Sonos is reported to have cancelled a streaming box that could compete with Apple.

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Sonos is reported to have cancelled a streaming box that could compete with Apple.

Sonos was said to be developing a streaming box featuring a customized interface, HDMI passthrough capability, and surround sound design, but the project is now no longer happening.