Sonos is reviving its fortunes after a tumultuous nine months by entering the video streaming market for the first time. The company plans to release a new streaming player, codenamed Pinewood, which will serve as an HDMI switch and offer a unified streaming experience across multiple platforms, including Netflix, Max, and Disney Plus.
The device is set to cost between $200 and $400, making it a premium offering in the category. According to sources, the Android-based streamer features a “beautiful” interface despite being developed in partnership with a digital ads firm. The product will also integrate Sonos Voice Control and ship with a physical remote control that includes shortcuts for popular streaming apps.
Pinewood’s hardware extends beyond its entertainment features, serving as an HDMI switch with multiple ports for passthrough functionality. This allows users to plug external devices like gaming consoles or 4K Blu-ray players into the device. The product aims to resolve issues between Sonos’ soundbars and TVs by taking greater control of the I/O stack, wirelessly transmitting lag-free TV audio to its soundbars and other products.
The release of Pinewood marks a significant shift for Sonos as it looks to establish itself in the crowded streaming market. With its unified features and premium price point, the device is poised to offer an attractive alternative to existing competitors like Apple TV 4K, Nvidia Shield, and Roku Ultra.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/sonos/606025/sonos-pinewood-video-player-features