Sonos has introduced Sonos 27, the latest version of its audio operating system, bringing AI-powered controls, a redesigned app and new ways for its speakers and headphones to work together. The company says Sonos 27 is the result of two decades of work on its audio platform. Alongside the software update, Sonos has also launched the Beam Ultra soundbar and Ace Ultra headphones globally.
The new update will allow users to control their Sonos systems using different AI assistants and agents. Sonos has also announced that Sonos Play will be available in India from September 8, while the Beam Ultra and Ace Ultra will arrive in the country at a later date.
Sonos 27 brings AI to your speakers
The biggest change with Sonos 27 is the company’s new approach to AI. Users will be able to control their audio systems through Sonos 27 voice, the company’s own assistant designed for music and mood curation.
Sonos is also introducing Sonos 27 mcp, which allows external AI assistants and agents, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT, to connect with a Sonos system after getting user authorisation. This means users could ask ChatGPT to play music in different parts of their home without leaving the conversation.
The company is also working on Sonos Custom Agents, which will let users create their own AI agents with a specific model, personality and voice.
Sonos is taking the same adaptable approach with its speakers. Its Sonos Fabric system allows compatible products to detect each other and adjust their roles. One new feature will allow compatible portable speakers to automatically become rear surrounds when moved into position.
Sonos Play arrives in India, Beam Ultra and Ace Ultra follow
Sonos is also bringing Sonos Play to India on September 8. The portable speaker can connect to a Sonos system over Wi-Fi and offers up to 24 hours of battery life, an IP67-rated waterproof design and a built-in power bank for charging a phone. It also has a replaceable battery.
For the first time, users can also group multiple Sonos Play speakers through Bluetooth when they are away from home. The speaker supports Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, voice services and the Sonos app.
The Sonos Beam Ultra is a new mid-size soundbar with 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos support. It also features AI Speech Enhancement for clearer dialogue, Night Sound and Trueplay tuning, which adjusts the sound based on the acoustics of a room.
The Sonos Ace Ultra headphones come with spatial audio, Active Noise Cancellation and 10 microphones for adaptive noise cancellation. They offer up to 35 hours of listening time with ANC enabled, while a three-minute charge can provide up to three hours of playback.
In India, Sonos Play costs Rs 35,999. The Beam Ultra and Ace Ultra will launch in the country later, with pricing and availability details to be announced. Sonos 27’s new app features, portable surrounds and Sonos 27mcp Early Access will begin rolling out from September 8.
