Websites that include The Verge and 9-to-5 Mac are reporting that Sonos is preparing to introduce its new S2 operating system.

According to the story from The Verge, the new platform will launch in June and it will support high-resolution audio.

The Verge also reports the new operating system will provide users with several improvements that include increased room grouping capabilities, and “more connected and personal experiences,” according to sources from Sonos that have spoken with the publication.

Speculating on some of the new operating system’s other features, The Verge suggests the new S2 product line could provide similar features as Amazon’s Echo Studio, and immersive audio options that include Dolby Atmos capabilities for its next-generation Player, Playable and/or Beam products.

Adding to its speculation, the Verge’s story also questions the voice control options the new operating system will provide based on Sonos‘ competitive relationship with Google as the S2 platform evolves in future years.

2024 Lighting Controls and Fixtures Report

Lightapalooza took place in late February, and the growth of the event has mirrored the rapid ascension lighting fixtures and controls.

Download your copy now!

Sonos S2 Keeps Pace in Competitive Wireless Audio Category

Sonos is the clear market leader in the increasingly competitive wireless whole-house audio category based on the popularity of its product line with CE Pro‘s Top 100 integrators.

This leadership position has been established through the innovativeness of the product line, its mass-market availability, and the company’s vast choice of streaming audio services.

However, manufacturers such as Lenbrook with its BluOS platform, as well as Denon with its HEOS platform and Yamaha with its MusicCast platform, have arguably surpassed Sonos in terms of technologies through their support of high-resolution audio and other features.

The launch of the S2 category could narrow the gap between the technologies available from its competitors and Sonos’ new platform, which could help to bolster sales of new Sonos products.

Officially, Sonos has not made an announcement to confirm these Sonos S2 reports, but the company has been urging users to update their systems through incentives that include a trade-in program that offers up to 30% off new product purchases.

The Verge adds that once the S2 platform does launch owners of legacy Sonos products will not gain access to new features. Original Sonos product owners will be able to operate their components using the S1 version of the Apple iOS and Android app. New Sonos S2 owners meanwhile, will use new Sonos S2 apps.

Sonos will continue to support legacy product owners with security patches and bug fixes.

In addition, The Verge points out that users will be able to mix legacy components and S2 components within their system designs, but control will be “tricky” because the products use different control apps.

• Page 1